Humanitarian drought crisis
Humanitarian drought crisis
24.06.2024 | By Tina Whittington | Pictures: UNICEF / pexels.com
The severe drought in Southern Africa is worsening the humanitarian crisis. Since late 2023, the ongoing El Niño Southern Oscillation has caused severe drought in countries of Southern Africa, including Malawi and Zambia. Communities in these countries face devastating crop failures and urgent food and water insecurity as rivers dry up, affecting millions who depend on water and crops like maize. As these resources become scarce, health deteriorates, and desperation grows. Children, the most vulnerable, suffer the most, facing not only hunger and thirst but also social consequences. Young girls are often forced into relationships with older men to support their families financially, leading to unplanned pregnancies and early school dropouts, further destabilising already struggling families.
Humana People to People is actively working to address the food crisis through independent food production projects. In 2016, DAPP (HPP’s localised branch) started the Young Farmers Club to encourage local youth to pursue agriculture through group learning, shared experiences, and community support. Each club, comprising 30 members, participates in training, technical assistance, and market access initiatives. Our students work alongside and learn from the Young Farmers Club, supporting them in their initiative to become more self-reliant, which is crucial during the current drought.
Humana People to People has been effective and crucial in reaching these communities through their work, helping many people, projects, and countries throughout Africa and beyond. Urgent international support and coordinated water resource management are essential to addressing the impacts of this crisis and supporting the already vulnerable communities in these regions. Joining initiatives to support and create change in this endeavour is crucial – and joining one of our programmes is, of course, a good option!
In solidarity,
Tina Whittington
Director
What is Volunteer for Change
The Volunteer for Change programme is based on two concepts: Sustainable development and international solidarity.
The programme lasts ten months and is an opportunity to learn about the big issues of our time – and to do something about them in practical terms.
The Volunteer for Change programme provides an opportunity for people from the Global North to learn from, and volunteer with, community-driven development programmes in the Global South run by members of Humana People to People. These projects respond to challenges within the spheres of community development, education, sustainable farming, early childhood development and mitigation of the climate crisis.
The fast-paced and action-based Volunteer for Change programme takes ten months:
3 months of training and preparation in Denmark
6 months of assisting a sustainable development programme at a Humana People to people project in the Global South
1 month of reflection, evaluation, and sharing of experiences.
DRH Lindersvold – The Travelling School for Change – welcomes everyone who is interested in working together with us to address humanitarian and development challenges worldwide.
Let’s create a better world together.
Would you like to know more?
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Considering volunteering with us or have a lot of questions? We offer a commitment-free one-on-one consultation to help you find out if one of our volunteer-training programmes is something for you.