Spiralling food prices have worsened a food crisis in Ethiopia caused by a severe drought, and in response Britain has promised £38m in food aid to the struggling east African country.
There are approximately 3.2 million Ethiopians in need of food aid, and this grant from the UK will feed around 1.3 million for three months.
The donation was announced by International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell, who urged other countries to supply similar assistance.
“Through no fault of its own, the Horn of Africa is experiencing a severe drought caused by the failed rains,” he said.
“Britain is acting quickly and decisively in Ethiopia to stop this crisis becoming a catastrophe. We will provide vital food to help 1.3 million people through the next three months.
“This situation needs an international response and Britain is calling on the international community to provide fast, effective relief.”
The entire region of the Horn of Africa is experiencing their driest conditions in 60 years putting around 10 million people at risk of starvation.
Christian Aid has also been appealing for water and food to affected villages and families.
“The crisis has been building for some time, especially in Kenya and Ethiopia, and is fast escalating across the region,” said Nick Guttmann, Christian Aid’s humanitarian director.
“People are desperate and if we don’t act now we could be looking at one of the worst humanitarian situations the world has seen in a long time.”