SCIAF
Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund
19 Park Circus
Glasgow
G3 6BE
Tel: 0141 354 5555
Email: sciaf@sciaf.org.uk
© SCIAF 2008
Registered Charity No: SC012302
Company No: SC197327
Registered Office: as above
Cows not cars
Val has arrived in Addis Ababa (Photo: SCIAF)
Monday 19th September
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Cows not cars are the essential symbol of status in Ethiopia. More importantly, they also represent a vital life-line for the largely pastoralist communities which dominate the southern lowlands. The current drought is laying waste to huge numbers of livestock, leaving their owners impoverished and in need of urgent assistance.
It is estimated by the Ethiopian Government that 4.5 million people are now in need of emergency food aid with the Somali region and Borena zone of Oromia in the south particularly affected. Over a quarter of a million livestock have perished in Borena alone.
The current crisis has been caused by the successive poor performance of rainy seasons. In southern Ethiopia it has not rained since March 2010. This has had a devastating impact on water supplies and gazing land for the animals which the pastorialists depend upon for their livelihoods. There are now increased cases of malnutrition and an urgent need for food, clean water, and longer term support.
Whilst the next rains are due in October, the current forecasts are poor.
I have just landed in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital city, and will travel to Borena over the coming days to find out what assistance SCIAF, sister agencies CAFOD and Trócaire, and our partners are providing, and meet the people who are most affected by the drought.
Ahead of any trip like this I’m filled with anticipation and will feel better once the twelve-hour road trip to Yabello, the main town in Borena, is behind us. Depending on internet access I’ll be updating this blog every day so pop back and find out more about the people I meet and how your donations are making a difference.