"When crises become perpetual, support must also become steady and sustainable." Under this motto, the international relief and development organisation Oxfam has drawn attention to the emergency situation in East Africa and called for help.
As part of Oxfam's Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs support network, this issue is particularly close to our hearts. Therefore, we would like to draw attention to it again - and as a member of the network, do our part for sustainable support.
By 2021, a total of 14.3 million East Africans had to leave their homes due to the effects of the climate crisis. Vital crops and pastures were destroyed by droughts and floods, and food prices rose dramatically.
The regions of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are particularly affected by water scarcity. Preventive measures are no longer sufficient here; long-term solutions are needed. Therefore, Oxfam is currently concentrating on the rehabilitation of existing water supply systems.
On the other hand, floods are destroying the homes of many people in South Sudan. Here Oxfam is providing aid in three affected regions, including the distribution of emergency kits for the treatment and safe storage of water, as well as the provision of menstrual hygiene items for women and young girls.
Sustainability is the focus of Oxfam's humanitarian work
Why sustainable solutions are so important can be seen in the example of Gambela:
Around 370,00 refugees from South Sudan live in the Ethiopian region. Six years ago, Oxfam joined forces with other humanitarian organisations to set up water supply systems for the refugee camps there.
Six years later, the situation in Gambela has already improved significantly: three camps share the water of the supply system "Itang Water Scheme". Returning to South Sudan is not an option, as all livelihoods there have been destroyed.
Nevertheless, the supply to the camps remains fragile, as it is mainly ensured through short-term humanitarian funding. The next important milestone is the takeover of the water supply by a state-owned company. The revenue from the provision of clean water would enable it to operate the local infrastructure sustainably. Thus, the system could be operated independently of external aid in the long term.
gts has supported for many years
East Africa is just one of many countries and regions where Oxfam is fighting poverty and social inequality. In order to help the people in the long term, they need to be independent - and also stand on their own two feet economically.
For seven years now, we have been supporting the organisation as part of the entrepreneurial network, which helps people to overcome poverty and injustice through their own efforts with sustainable solutions.
Here you can find more information about Oxfam and how you can help: https://www.oxfam.de/
