Drought is a major natural disaster affecting the environment and society globally. The current drought affecting the Horn of Africa, which includes countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, highlights the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis affecting the world’s poorest nations the most, despite their little contribution to global emissions.

As of December 2022, over 36.5 million individuals were severely affected by drought in these African countries. The ongoing drought surpasses the previous in terms of severity, duration, and impact. It has affected millions of persons, leading to acute food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and increased protection risks.  

According to the current analysis by the Integrated food security Phase Classification, over 23.5 million people are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.  

The drought has resulted in below-average harvests and increased prices for food in the global markets, leading to a rise in food prices. As a result, many people have left their homes in search of safety and assistance due to the severe shortage of food and water.  

Before this rainy season, many people in the Horn of Africa struggled to access sufficient water for essential needs such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sanitation.  

In some areas of Somalia, Northern Kenya, and Southern Ethiopia, up to 90% of water boreholes have dried up, and approximately 33.5 million people are affected across these countries leading to an increased demand for assistance in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as nutrition and healthcare support.  

Furthermore, the drought has increased the risks of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly affecting women and girls between the ages of 15-49. They travel longer distances to find water making them more vulnerable to violence and abuse.  

Urgent assistance and support are crucial to address and alleviate the suffering caused by this devastating drought in Africa. Therefore, we will discuss some approaches for mitigating the effects of drought caused by climate change.  

The Great Green Wall  

The Great Green Wall is a project that aims to address the challenges caused by climate change and the degradation of vital ecosystems by planting trees in dry areas of Africa. By 2030, the goal is to restore 100 million hectares of land, capture 250 million Tonnes of carbon, and create 10 million jobs through this project.  

The Great Green Wall has the potential to provide food and water security, protect habitats for plants and animals, and bring hope and stability to communities affected by drought and poverty. By supporting and implementing this project, we can contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in Africa. 

Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems  

Coastal ecosystems, especially wetlands in Africa, are disappearing due to human activities and the impacts of climate change. We must prioritize the conservation of these vital ecosystems as part of our efforts.  

Healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in protecting us from the adverse effects of climate change, such as droughts, heat waves, and flooding.  

For example, coastal habitats like mangroves act as natural barriers against floods, well-preserved lakes serve as water sources during droughts, and healthy forests reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.

Also, constructing wetland in dry regions can help to sequester carbon, helping to mitigate droughts in Africa.  

Raising awareness about water conservation  

Raising awareness about water issues means helping people understand and care about how water is used and managed. It is not about telling people what to do but providing information so they can make their own decisions.

There are two primary areas to focus on when raising awareness. One is making sure the public knows and understands water issues in general. The other is helping individuals see how their water use affects nature and society.  

Raising awareness is to get people interested in saving water, using it safely, and protecting ecosystems through different methods, like water campaigns, working with environmental groups, and sharing information with the public.  

Supporting the livelihoods of people displaced by drought.  

When drought happens, people leave their homes to survive. We can help them by supporting their ability to make a living, even during droughts.

For example, organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provide money to people affected by drought in some African countries to support their families.  

In summary, drought is a big problem for African countries, impacting food security, water resources, and socio-economic well-being.

However, by supporting the livelihoods of people displaced by drought, planting more trees, restoring coastal ecosystems, and raising awareness about water conservation, we can address the drought problem in Africa.