Somalia: more than 2 million people at risk of famine - RFI

By RFPosted on 20-05-2019Modified on 20-05-2019 at 00:06

FAO, the UN agency for food and agriculture, is sounding the alarm: more than 2 million Somalis will suffer famine by next July. It is the drought, particularly harsh this year, which is in question.

FAO launches a red alert on the Horn of Africa. Since the beginning of the year, the rate of malnutrition in adults but also in children has increased considerably. By July, according to the UN agency, there will be 2.2 million people facing famine, or nearly 18% of the population in Somalia.

FAO warns over * 2.2 million people * facing severe hunger in #Somalia. Life saving action + livelihood support needed to prevent loss of lives | Read more here: https://t.co/AZ4JJ50wYM via @FAO | @FAOemergencies @UNSomalia pic.twitter.com/PFdnnsaLxD

The lack of rain during the months of April and May dried up the country's agricultural land. 85% are uncultivable. This is one of the most severe droughts of recent years.

In most parts of the country, pastoralists are desperate to find pasture for their flock. FAO is worried about the number of animals in poor health, the skin on the bones, plagued by diseases. In the central and northern regions, pastoralists are even forced to slaughter their goats and male sheep to preserve milk-producing females because they are unable to feed and water the entire herd.

Light rains are expected by the end of the month, but they will be insufficient to revive crops before the return of the dry season.

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