FoodAid: food crisis in Kenya

Drought is affecting the lives of many of Kenyans, especially those in rural communities. The next rain is not due until October. Cattle and other animals, the main source of income and food for many, are dying as there is little grass for grazing.

One meal a day

Families are finding themselves with less and less food and money. Most families are now only eating one meal a day: “ugali” (maize porridge) and a small portion of green vegetables.

Foods such as meat and eggs are available to buy, but they are now considered to be a luxury. Most people can’t remember the last time they ate such “luxury” foods.

Going without

Parents are taking children out of school, as fees are too expensive. People are forgoing essential services such as medical care, using the little money they have to buy increasingly expensive food instead.

See first hand how food prices have increased in video below.

Emergency response

Concern is working with partner organisations to help families replace livestock that have died. We are also providing hay and animal feed and food vouchers for families to buy food in local markets.

Emergency food aid is being distributed to thousands of children who are suffering from acute malnutrition.

How you can help

Funds raised by FoodAid go to support Concern Worldwide’s Food and nutrition programmes. It enables us to respond to crises, like in Kenya and assist communities to find lasting solutions to hunger.

• £35 buys a rural family local sheep – one ewe and one ram
• £90 pays for fuel, maintenance and a pump attendant for a borehole for a community