Drought in Ethiopia Case Study

Physical Causes: Has a marginal climate with high average temps 28-30 degrees C. Hot and humid in the low lands and cools in the uplands. Rainfall is unreliable. Relies on Equatorial band of rain moving north over them in the summer, somtimes arrives late and leaves early. June 2006- short rains which begin in Feb, and the long rains starting in June both failed to supply enough water for the country's needs. There are not enough wells to access water in the ground to provide irrigation when the rains fail. Since 1985, 77% of tree cover has been cut down, this reduces transpiration from plants and so means rain is less likely.
Impacts: Herdsmen migrated, moving 1000s of cattle. The Afar and Issa tribes grew desperate and began fighting for grazing land for cattle. Food prices rise by 130%. People forced drink river water contaminated by cattle urine and dung. Diseases and Health: Huge numbers of carcasses of dead animals in the Awash River (main source of water) led to outbreaks of cholera. People already weak are vulnerable to diseases. Over 6 million needed immediate food. Large rise in malnourishment.
Measures: Short Term- UNICEF spent $16 million on relief aid. Development Aid- Drill boreholes to create wells to provide water supply during drought. OXFAM and WaterAid have invested in development programmes aimed at increasing the access to clean water. Build sand dams to trap water from seasonal rivers (only flow in wet season). Re-afforest some areas. Training in water hygiene.