TWO charities have been given grants of £250,000 from the Scottish Government to tackle a food shortage in the Horn of Africa.
Christian Aid and Islamic Relief will share the sum from the Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, to their work in Ethiopia and Somalia.
The current heatwave and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have hit African countries with the driest conditions in 40 years and a serious grain shortage.
International Development Minister Neil Gray said: “The drought being experienced in the Horn of Africa is creating a desperate situation for people in the region that is being made worse by grain supply disruption caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“We know that millions of people are facing historic drought conditions and a lack of essential food supplies and we stand ready to act in the face of such a pressing emergency.
“The Scottish Government is committed to fulfilling its role as a responsible and compassionate global citizen and this aid from our Humanitarian Emergency Fund will provide essential help to those in desperate need.”
Christian Aid is providing supplementary nutrition to pregnant women and new mothers in Ethiopia, as they are hit hard with the food shortage.
Head of Christian Aid Scotland Sally Foster-Fulton said: “A prolonged drought and four failed rainy seasons means – yet again – crops cannot grow and this is having a devastating impact on the people of Ethiopia, in addition to the challenges of conflict, Covid-19 and rising food costs.”
Meanwhile, as temperatures rise in Somalia, Islamic Relief is delivering emergency assistance for drought victims, and improving access to water and hygiene for refugee camps.
Regional manager for Islamic Relief UK Nadeem Baqir said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s support for our work in Somalia – which comes at a critical time and will help us to ensure more families get the food and hygiene kits they need.”
