The catastrophic consequences of the recent recurrent drought continue to have devastating effects on the Horn of Africa.
Five consecutive rainy seasons failed, meaning the region experienced a cyclical and prolonged drought, often followed by deadly floods.
Millions of children have been left malnourished, and scores of people have died from hunger.
And Kenya is no different.
Just this year, large swathes of the country suffered devastated flooding which displaced 150,000 people. Thrirty-four out of Kenya’s 47 counties were affected, with the flooding causing severe damage to nearly 30,000 acres of farmland and killing close to 5,000 livestock.
Surviving arid conditions
Despite the increase in rainfall, the drought had devastating toll on many people’s access to water – almost 95% of water pans dried up in 2022.
This water crisis has had a significant effect on the farming communities in Kenya. The drought has meant that farmers have been unable to grow crops and purchase fodder for their livestock – livelihoods across Kenya have been lost as a result.
In the town of Singwaya in Kenya’s Coast Province, Zawadi and her 2 sons struggle to survive.
“I would describe our standard of living as challenging because the climate has changed.” Zawadi, 38, says.
“Sometimes, when life is difficult, I cut down some trees in the forest to burn firewood for sell. I cannot depend on farming anymore. I do not earn enough money from selling firewood. I often borrow money to buy food for my children.”
Despite working as a farmer for years, Zawadi struggles to earn enough money to feed her children meaning they are part of a staggering estimated 6.4 million people who were in need of humanitarian assistance in Kenya in 2023 – a 35% increase from 2022.
The joy of qurbani
Another impact of the drought is that the prices of basic foods have been pushed beyond the reach of many.
“The last time we ate meat was 3 months ago. Most of the time my children and I eat maize, ugali (corn meal) and vegetables because that is what I can afford.” Zawadi says.
The meat pack has helped my family because today we are enjoying a meat dish after a long time. I do not have to borrow money to buy vegetables for my children because today I prepared some goat meat stew to be served with ‘ugali’ (cornmeal) for my children.”
Islamic Relief helped to ease Zawadi’s burden by providing her family with a package of meat to celebrate Eid al-Adha last year.
“The meat pack has helped my family because today we are enjoying a meat dish after a long time. I do not have to borrow money to buy vegetables for my children because today I prepared some goat meat stew to be served with ugali for my children.”
In 2023, Islamic Relief delivered qurbani meat packs to over 38,000 people in Kenya, easing stress arround affording healthy and nutritious food during Eid al-Adha.
“Eid al-Adha means a lot to me. We are thankful to Allah for bringing us this far to this day of Eid. We are very happy and thankful to Islamic Relief for remembering us on this special day.” Zawadi says.
For families like Zawadi, Islamic Relief’s qurbani parcels brings some much need relief during an important time of year. Zawadi and others like her continue to need our support however as the effects of climate change continue to have a devastating impact on the Horn of Africa. With your help we can reach even more families in need. Donate now.
