Borena Zone calls for increased emergency assistance as drought drags on

Addis Ababa, February 24, 2023 (FBC) – Borena Zone of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia has been experiencing severe drought condition over the past three years due to lack of rainfall.

The recurrent drought has affected most parts of the area and caused the death of over 3.3 million livestock leading the semi-pastoral communities into destitution.

Over the last three years, more than 800,000 residents have been exposed to catastrophic situation due to the recurrent drought, according to the local administration.

The humanitarian assistance being delivered to affected communities is not enough to meet the demand, said Jarso Boru, Chief Administrator of Borena Zone.

During an exclusive interview with FBC, Jarso attributed the severity of the condition to the fact that most of residents of the area are heavily dependent on pastoral life which is inextricably linked to rain waters.

Humanitarian assistance has been delivred to more than 376,000 people in need in the zone in three rounds, the Chief Administrator said. But, he said, the assistance is little compared with the number of people affected by the disaster.

He further called for increased emergency assistance to the drought affected communities so that the situation might be contained before it causes further devastation.

It is stated that more than 3.3 million livestock have already died due to starvation out of this 85 percent are cattle, and efforts are underway to salvage the remaining 230,000 cattle in dire condition.

Borena Zone Administration stated that 4.4 million bales of hay are desperately needed to for the rescue operation.

Furthermore, 135,000 quintals of animal fodder is needed; and, only 1 percent of the required amount has been met.