Dear John,

As we continue our Livelihoods Appeal, across East Africa the effects of climate change and regional conflicts, combined with the global shortages, price rises and economic disruption caused by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, are having terrible consequences.

Russia and Ukraine normally supply around 40% of wheat consumed in Africa, and Russia is also a major supplier of fertiliser. Since the war in Ukraine started, the price of wheat has risen in Africa by over 45% and fertiliser prices have increased by 300%.

In Ethiopia, it is estimated that internal conflict and climatic shocks such as droughts, floods and desert locust infestation have driven over 5 million people from their homes as they seek safety and security.

Now, as wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia dwindle and food prices rise, an estimated 10-15 million people in Ethiopia are seeking humanitarian food aid.

The communities we work with in Mandera County, Kenya are situated in the country’s volatile north-east frontier region. In addition to the challenges posed by climate change, COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the people of Mandera County also must contend with long-running social and political issues.

Mandera straddles borders with Ethiopia and Somalia and residents are often drawn into regional conflicts. Too often people living in Mandera find themselves caught in the line of fire as Kenyan security forces, clan militias or al-Shabaab fighters compete to enforce their interests on Mandera’s communities and recruit individuals for their own ends.

This contest has resulted in insecurity, repression and underdevelopment for most people in Mandera. Alongside the trauma of historical injustice and upheaval, Mandera’s communities have endured years of marginalisation and the consequent stagnation of public services and economic opportunities.

In Somaliland, these global crises are impacting on people for whom recurrent drought, food insecurity, and subsequent risk of famine have become a feature of life in recent decades as the climate has changed. It is estimated that 1.5 million people are affected by the drought across Somaliland and the situation is worsening.

Across the country, as key healthcare development programmes end, it is becoming harder for people to access life-saving health and nutrition services. The recently declared measles outbreak in Somaliland signals the increased risk of a full-blown health and nutrition emergency.

As the cost of living continues to rise worldwide, with the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic forcing families into poverty, securing funding for vital health and social development programmes is becoming harder and harder. We are working with communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to protect people's livelihoods and ensure they can still receive vital healthcare as the economic picture becomes bleaker.

Your contributions help us continue working with our partners worldwide as, together, we seek global solutions to global problems. Please give to our Livelihoods Appeal and stand with people across the world as they build more prosperous, healthier communities for all.

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager