A severe drought is being felt throughout parts of East Africa including Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Burundi. More than 11 million people are threatened by this crisis, the worst drought experienced in a decade. Some areas are recording levels of dryness that have not been seen for 50 years.
The lack of rain and the corresponding food and water crisis only heighten an already desperate situation. The United Nations, the World Food Program, and international NGOs are calling for immediate increases in food aid. Given the extremely short time-frame for responding and saving lives, the world must act quickly. WorldServe joins in the appeal for an immediate and just response.
The effects of such a drought are numerous. In Tanzania, where much of the nation’s power comes from hydroelectric plants, less water has meant less power. No electricity is available from 7am to 7pm each day, and sometimes remains unavailable for days. Lack of rain also means that people and animals often find themselves in competition for water, both needing the limited resource to survive.
In these circumstances, the provision of immediate financial and food aid is the only way to spare millions of lives.
However, there are many factors that exacerbate the negative effects of drought. Through better planning, increased access to local water sources, and improved agricultural methods, we pave the way to an Africa that is less susceptible to devastation in times of drought.
Water scarcity – an underlying cause of famine and many other problems – is not just a current urgency. Lack of access to water is a constant and ongoing problem for millions throughout Africa and other continents. Every single day, at least 25,000 people die from preventable, water-related causes. Some suffer directly from unclean water, acquiring water-born diseases and receiving inadequate medical attention. Others suffer from dehydration and fatigue, while still others lose life-sustaining livestock or crops. The lack of access to clean, safe water is a desperate need.
WorldServe is committed to addressing this horrific crisis. By drilling community water wells throughout East Africa, WorldServe is providing the long-term resources which will save lives. Here are just a few benefits of local water wells:
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Clean water does not carry the diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid that kill thousands of people everyday. People who drink clean water from wells stay healthy.
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Water wells have the potential for guaranteeing water adequacy. Families no longer have to decide if they or their livestock will drink available water – both can be nourished.
- Women and children, who typically spend 6-8 hours each day finding and carrying water, can now spend their time doing more useful activities such as receiving an education or earning income for the family.
- Communities can irrigate crops, harvesting food locally rather than depending upon international food aid to arrive in times of famine. Some communities can even grow enough to store, share, or sell their food.
- Schools, churches, and businesses can use the water resources to grow and serve more people. Children can complete a full day of classes, faith communities can spend time together, and businesses can expand and serve more people.
The world is faced with the immediate tragedies of drought and famine. These needs can only be met through financial and food aid.
But as we look to the future and make plans to avoid repeating these humanitarian crises, WorldServe is committed to long-term economic development projects that are sustainable and transformational. By equipping economically poor people with access to basic resources, they are given not only help for today but hope for tomorrow.
Questions or comments? Email info@worldserveintl.org