11 million may starve in the horn of Africa in coming months (January, 2005)

Up to 11 million people may starve in East Africa because of extreme drought and war and poverty. Extreme famine has been reported in Kenya, in a report made by the United States Government. Reports are stating that Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti need immediate food, water, seeds and any other agricultural product. The Food and Agricultural Agency said that millions of people are on the brink of starvation due to the recent severe droughts that have been devastating the area.

Many did not expect that the area's dry season would be as significant as it has been, and did not anticipate the vast affects it has had on the people, and it is said to be getting worse by the day. Many fear the total figure for those that will be fed by the World Food Program could exceed 2.5 million people.

Crops have failed, and Kenya's attempts at distibuting supplies have been hampered by the country's poor infastructure and lack of supplies. What makes the situation even worse is the rain season failed to aid in the production of much needed crops.

Nearly one-fifth of the population of Djibouti have been said to be facing food shortages and wide-spread starvation. Nearly $40 million is said to be needed to oppress the famine. 64,000 tons of food are needed by the World Food Program, but only 16,700 are available.

The World Food program is trying to assess the worst hit areas at this time, but with little luck. And a shortage of funs will not help the situation at all.

Sources

• Famine threatens 11 million in Horn of Africa
• Millions may starve in Africa

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