POSTED June 7, 2022
Perfect storm of world issues is pushing vulnerable into crisis
Learn more about the global challenges impacting our programs
By Brianne Binelli, digital and content services manager, Canada
Conflict, climate shock and rising costs are pushing the most vulnerable in the Horn of Africa — including in Ethiopia, where Children Believe has programs — into crisis.
“We are deeply concerned about the combined impacts of overlapping crises jeopardizing people’s ability to produce and access foods, pushing millions more into extreme levels of acute food insecurity,” QU Dongyu, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization, is quoted as saying by the United Nations News.
He adds: “We are in a race against time to help farmers in the most affected countries, including by rapidly increasing potential food production and boosting their resilience in the face of challenges.”
This comes as the worst drought in 40 years, as reported by Devex, gripped the Horn of Africa, destroying crops and killing livestock. It’s complicated by the soaring cost of fuel, fertilizer and food, pushing many into malnutrition.
At Children Believe, we monitor the needs of children and families in our program areas closely, ensuring their basic needs for clean water and food are met.
We’re also continuing to help support communities so they’re prepared to respond, recover and rebuild when emergencies strike. In Ethiopia, we provide strategies to reduce food insecurity, such as teaching drip irrigation or building savings-and-loans groups to help secure capital so families can build sustainable businesses.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
About ChildFund Alliance:
A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.