Horn of Africa - Food Crisis – Canadian Foodgrains Bank 2022 to 2023

September 2022 – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dramatically aggravated the hunger crisis which was already at record levels at the start of 2022; triggering disruptions of agricultural production supply chains and trade that have raised food fuel and fertiliser prices. Today an unprecedented 345 million people are acutely food insecure a 155% increase from pre-pandemic levels with concerns that the number of food insecure people will grow. These estimates include up to 50 million people on the brink of famine and over 882 000 people facing catastrophic conditions across 4 countries: Ethiopia Somalia Yemen and South Sudan. With GAC’s support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is addressing urgent acute food insecurity amongst vulnerable populations in the Horn of Africa including in Ethiopia Kenya Somalia and South Sudan. This project focuses on meeting the immediate food and nutrition needs of people experiencing acute hunger and malnutrition. Project activities include: (1) providing cash vouchers or in-kind food rations to address immediate food needs; (2) providing therapeutic and supplementary foods to boys girls and pregnant and lactating women; and (3) improving access to information to women and men from households experiencing acute food insecurity on sexual exploitation and abuse prevention.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to adequate nutritious food; (2) improved awareness on infant and young child feeding practices; (3) improved access and restored livelihood opportunities; and (4) increased awareness of sexual and exploitation abuse response and prevention. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.