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Written question asked by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 July 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 August 2020. It was answered by Baroness Sugg (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 August 2020 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Africa: Development Aid

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the extensive flooding across East Africa and the Horn of Africa in the context of the UK aid programme.

Answer

Across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, 25.8 million people are severely food insecure and 1.3 million have been affected by floods since March. The UK has responded to localised flood impacts through the START Network, including provision of relief items and recovery programming.

We are deeply concerned about the food security situation. Heavy rains in the region have provided conditions conducive to the unprecedented locust outbreaks, which will affect the food security situation even further. The UK is supporting the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) emergency appeal to help to control the increase of locusts across East Africa, as well as reduce the risk of swarms spreading into the Sahel.

The humanitarian situation will be exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. We are urgently redirecting UK aid programmes right across Africa to respond to these compound risks.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7338
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Development aid Africa Floods
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk