In this case, it is a gradual warming and drying that has intensified over the last quarter century. This change has led to, or increased, political instability in the region. Ongoing warfare further complicates the situation, making it much more difficult for effective outside intervention and humanitarian relief.According to the Comprehensive Framework for Action, a twin track approach is needed: one that meets the immediate needs of the affected and vulnerable populations, while creating long-term resilience to address all components of food security. If enacted, it is hoped that this approach will lead to sustainable alleviation of hunger and malnutrition and promote food security.
So far, the U.S. and the E.U. have fallen well short of promises made during the G8 summit in 2009, in which they vowed to help small farmers and pastoralists. Both the U.S. and the E.U. are in the midst of an ongoing financial crisis, which means that neither are considered likely to provide long-term aid to the region, which is something they normally would be expected to do.
Some countries in the Persian Gulf region have expressed a desire to increase their assistance to the Horn of Africa. These countries have seen a rise in export earnings recently, giving them the financial ability to step up their aid.
Urgent assistance is still required, including individual donations to charities, and leadership from African governments and the African Union. Effective and measurable humanitarian aid will not succeed without the help of these entities. Long-term, strategic investments are also required to increase resilience and strengthen the development of the region’s capacity for agricultural production and management of disaster risks.