WFP Warns Drought, Conflict Threaten Severe Food Insecurity in Horn


WFP Warns Drought, Conflict Threaten Severe Food Insecurity in Horn

The World Food Programme (WFP) warns the Horn of Africa could face "unprecedented" levels of food insecurity in 2023. The UN agency says armed conflict, climate change, a crippling drought, and supply disruptions brought on by Russia's war in Ukraine bode ill for the region.  "The drought situation . . . is desperate and extraordinary," said David Beasley, executive director of the WFP, after a visit to the Somali Regional State last week. A statement released by the WFP last week says that over seven million people wake up hungry in southern and eastern Ethiopia every day due to what the UN called "the worst drought in four decades" brought on by three consecutive poor rainy seasons. Millions more face similar conditions in neighbouring Somalia and Kenya. The UN says its faces a 338 million dollar gap in financing needed to reach an estimated 9.4 million people in need of aid in the Tigray, Amhara and Afar regional states. The conflict in Ukraine has pushed global food prices to new highs and threatens food security in the developing world. Russia and Ukraine account for nearly a third of global wheat exports.


Radar

Dashen Bank Rolls Out Mobile Payment Solution

Dashen Bank has introduced a new digital payment service that allows customers to pay for fuel with ease using the Dashen Super mobile app. The service was officially launched on May 13 and is now available at every fuel stations. According to the bank, the Dashen Super app enables users to make payments in just three clicks, offering a fast and convenient alternative to traditional payment methods. Dashen Bank announced that it plans to expand the service across all fuel stations in the coun...


Radar

Four Key Agreements Passed in Parliaments 29th Regular Session

In its 29th regular session of the fourth year, Ethiopia's 6th Parliament approved four key agreements: two loan deals, the establishment of a finance corporation, and an air transport agreement. Assistant Minister of State for Finance, Meseret Haile, introduced the proposed loan agreements and requested they be sent directly to a second reading for discussion and approval. Parliament accepted the request and proceeded with a detailed discussion on the draft proclamations. Members of Parli...


Radar

New Pact Targets Rural Road Links, Food Security Goals

The Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure has signed an agreement with several federal institutions to launch a major project targeting rural connectivity and food security. At the signing ceremony, State Minister Yetmegeta Asrat represented the Ministry alongside officials from the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Federal Public Procurement and Property Authority, the Environmental Protection Authority, and Helvetas Ethiopia. A separate agreement was also signed...