Horn of Africa Faces Drought Threat Amid Below-Average Rainfall Predictions

International agencies, including the UN World Food Programme and the Climate Prediction and Applications Center, have warned that the Horn of Africa is likely to experience below-average rainfall from October to December 2024, raising concerns of drought, Xinhua reported yesterday.

Climate models indicate a transition to La Niña conditions, which could exacerbate the situation. Central and southern Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and parts of Kenya are expected to be most affected, alongside Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.

The anticipated rainfall deficit could lead to crop failures, water shortages, and increased food insecurity, impacting over 20 million people in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Additionally, acute malnutrition remains a critical issue, with over 6.2 million children under five projected to suffer from malnutrition in 2024. Agencies are urging humanitarian partners to work with local governments to implement contingency plans and preparedness activities to mitigate the impending crisis.