Friend –

Locust infestations have just hit two new districts in northern Uganda as they continue to cause tremendous damage in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, and threaten even more countries in East Africa. The outbreak has been exacerbated by climate change. These swarms contain millions of the insects and are devastating farmlands, as one ton of locusts eats as much food in one day as 2,500 people. The swarms could continue to wreak havoc for months to come.

This invasion comes on the heels of a severe food crisis affecting more than 22 million people in these six countries. People are still recovering from recent drought, floods, or a devastating combination of both. If the infestation is not brought under control before the growing season begins next month, millions more could face severe hunger. We need your help. People's livelihoods and lives are in danger – and right now, response efforts are underfunded.

Please, make an emergency donation today. Your contribution will help Oxfam and our partners protect the livelihoods and lives of thousands of people >>

"We depend on livestock, and if there is no fodder for our livestock, life will be difficult for us. We ask for help urgently," said Mohammed Hassan Abdille, a farmer from Bura Dhima in Tana River, Kenya. This is the worst locust crisis in 70 years in Kenya.

While the respective governments are working hard to get the infestation under control before the growing season begins in March, Oxfam and our partners are already present in the affected communities in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Uganda, lending support to people who were previously in need and preparing to scale up our services in response to this new crisis. We aim to reach 190,000 people with cash assistance, livestock feed, and seeds.

Oxfam has longstanding partnerships with several of the strong local NGOs that are present in all of the affected countries. In Kenya and Somalia, for example, we are already working with partner groups and are planning to support their emergency response activities in line with Oxfam's commitment to local humanitarian leadership.

Donate today. Funds help Oxfam and our partners reach those most affected by this emergency >>

It's so important that we hear from you now – the faster we can scale up a response, the more people we can help. Thank you for everything you do.

Sincerely,

Abby Maxman
President
Oxfam America