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Dept for International Development

Answer

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the current drought in the Horn of Africa; and if he will make a statement. [196667] Hilary Benn: The drought conditions in the Horn of Africa have caused serious stress to the most vulnerable communities in the region, in some cases resulting in humanitarian crisis. DFID is committed to ensuring the most urgent humanitarian needs are met. At the same time, and where possible, DIFD is working with governments to reduce vulnerability to these shocks. Successive years of drier than normal rainfall conditions especially in the Horn of Africa, during the last five years, have led to reduced pasture and water availability in many key areas--northern Somalia, eastern and southern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, parts of Eritrea, northern Sudan and a part of western Chad. DFID has doubled humanitarian expenditure in Somalia and Sudan over last year. In Ethiopia DFID is responding to humanitarian needs with direct support and are also working with the Government of Ethiopia to reduce vulnerability to these kinds of shocks in a more sustainable way--while increasing the overall level of resources substantially. DFID has also recently agreed £5 million for humanitarian relief in affected parts of Kenya. DFID continues to monitor the situation in Somalia and Eritrea and are considering the best means of assistance to address the most urgent humanitarian needs resulting from the drought there.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

196667; 426 c558W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Droughts Famine Horn of Africa

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk