Young cattle herders and their cattle on a dusty road. © CBM/Masi

Drought in Africa - An ongoing challenge

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and storms leave a significant path of destruction in their wake. Years of diligent work and progress can often be eradicated in an instant. In such critical circumstances, prompt assistance is essential. This is why CBM provides emergency aid, which includes rapid response services.

After a disaster, people often lose everything. Earthquakes can bury entire villages, floods may force people to evacuate their homes, and prolonged droughts can destroy entire crops and lead to severe water shortages. In most cases, there are no resources left to rely on in such crisis situations.

In the event of a disaster, time is of the essence as people affected by the disaster need to be provided with clothing, medicine, food, and water as quickly as possible. After disaster prevention, emergency aid becomes a priority for CBM's relief efforts. In this phase, there is a particular focus on inclusion, as persons with disabilities are especially vulnerable in disaster situations. For instance, a blind person may struggle to find a safe route during an earthquake, while a wheelchair user faces an increased risk of drowning during a flood. It is crucial to consider the needs of persons with disabilities when implementing emergency aid measures.

This is what CBM's humanitarian action looks like

  • Arztkoffer

    Medical assistance: examinations, medication, wheelchairs.

  • Schale mit zwei Weizenähren

    Distribution of rich foods to those affected

  • Plastikflasche

    Supply of drinking water and barrier-free sanitary facilities

  • Haus

    Those affected are taken to emergency shelters

Drought in Africa

© CBM/Ackermann
CBM emergency food aid in Turkana, Kenya

In numerous African nations, the populations are grappling with severe issues related to hunger and inadequate access to clean water. Water sources are often located 50 to 60 kilometres apart, rendering them inaccessible to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those in poor health.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) report, "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024," one in five people in Africa faced hunger in 2023, with this crisis escalating across the continent. Prolonged drought conditions, some enduring for years without adequate rainfall, precipitate devastating famines that result in significant loss of life.

The impacts extend beyond human suffering, as livestock also perish due to a lack of water and food resources. Countries such as Kenya have been particularly affected, but the situation remains critical in nations such as Nigeria, Niger, and Zimbabwe. CBM is actively engaged in providing emergency assistance in these regions.

In the affected regions, persons with and without disabilities are provided food and drinking water. Emergency shelters and barrier-free sanitary facilities give numerous people a temporary home. This guarantees that those affected do not have to live under inhumane conditions during this difficult time. In addition, doctors and medical professionals are constantly on site to treat sick people and provide them with medicines essential for survival.

 

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