Background 2011 East Africa drought

carcasses of sheep , goats amidst severe drought in waridaad in somaliland region

weather conditions on pacific, including unusually strong la niña, interrupted seasonal rains 2 consecutive seasons. rains failed in 2011 in kenya , ethiopia, , previous 2 years in somalia. in many areas, precipitation rate during main rainy season april june, primary season, less 30% of average of 1995–2010. lack of rain led crop failure , widespread loss of livestock, high 40%–60% in areas, decreased milk production exacerbating poor harvest. result, cereal prices rose record levels while livestock prices , wages fell, reducing purchasing power across region. rains not expected return until september of year. crisis compounded rebel activity around southern somalia al-shabaab group.

the head of united states agency international development, rajiv shah, stated climate change contributed severity of crisis. there s no question hotter , drier growing conditions in sub-saharan africa have reduced resiliency of these communities. on other hand, 2 experts international livestock research institute suggested premature blame climate change drought. indeed, majority of climate models had predicted long-term increase in rain area. while there consensus particularly strong la niña contributed intensity of drought, relationship between la niña , climate change not well-established.

the failure of international community heed warning system criticized leading worsening of crisis. famine warning systems network, financed u.s.a.i.d., anticipated crisis august 2010, , january 2011, american ambassador kenya declared disaster , called urgent assistance. on 7 june 2011, fews net declared crisis severe food security emergency in world today, , current humanitarian response inadequate prevent further deterioration . un later announced on 28 june 12 million people in east africa region affected drought , areas on brink of famine, many displaced in search of water , food. oxfam s humanitarian director jane cocking stated “this preventable disaster , solutions possible.” suzanne dvorak, chief executive of save children, wrote politicians , policymakers in rich countries skeptical taking preventative action because think aid agencies inflating problem. developing country governments embarrassed being seen unable feed people. [...] these children wasting away in disaster could—and should—have prevented. after famine declared in parts of southern somalia. oxfam charged several european governments of wilful neglect on crisis. issued statement saying warning signs have been seen months, , world has been slow act. greater long-term investment needed in food production , basic development people cope poor rains , ensure last famine in region.