Somalia Faces Humanitarian Disaster
The Horn of Africa is experiencing a severe drought, which in turn has created a humanitarian crisis with millions facing starvation. The situation is especially acute in Somalia where over one million people have been displaced and several hundred thousand children are suffering from malnutrition. Somalia is no stranger to famines, in 2011, more than a quarter of a million people starved to death. Exacerbating the situation of inadequate food supplies are rising food prices, and a reduction in donations to aid groups which has made the problem go from bad to worse.
What is happening in Somalia?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Somalia’s children face death by starvation as famine takes hold
ABC NEWS
September 20, 2022
Somali Officials Issue Urgent Call for Aid to Curb Famine Deaths
VOA
September 17, 2022
More than 19,000 people dying of hunger every day, NGOs warn as global food crisis deepens
South China Morning Post
September 20, 2022
Extreme hunger soaring in world’s climate hotspots, says Oxfam
THE GUARDIAN
September 15, 2022
News Articles (Analyses):
Somalia’s ‘pending nightmare:’ Millions at risk of famine
DW
September 14, 2022
https://www.dw.com/en/somalias-pending-nightmare-millions-at-risk-of-famine/a-63107794
Too weak to cry: Famine looms over Somalia’s children
MONITOR
September 20, 2022
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/too-weak-to-cry-famine-looms-over-somalia-s-children-3955062
‘Tsunami of hunger’ could trigger multiple famines
MODERN DIPLOMACY
September 20, 2022
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2022/09/20/tsunami-of-hunger-could-trigger-multiple-famines/
Top 10 foreign policy priorities for Kenya’s new President William Ruto
THE EAST AFRICAN
September 14, 2022
Assessment:
Writing:? What is the significance of a drought in the Horn of Africa?
Debate: What are the main reasons for the humanitarian crisis in Somalia?
Poll: Should the international community provide more assistance to Somalia?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications if hundreds of thousands of people die in Somalia?
QUIZ:
Somalia is facing its worst drought in four decades. (T/F)
In 2011, Somalia experienced a drought in which half a million people died. (T/F)
Half the population of Somalia is likely susceptible to hunger and want unless assistance is ramped up. (T/F)
What percentage Somalia’s wheat is imported from Russia and Ukraine?
- 50
- 75
- 90
- 100
The UN is forecasting Somalia needs how much money to avert hundreds of thousands of deaths?
a. 500 million
b. 1 billion
c. 500 billion
d. 1 trillion
All the following were cited as reasons for the famine in Somalia EXCEPT.
a. A drought.
b. War in Ukraine.
c. Relative stability.
d. Climate change.
