For the past three years, weak rains have fallen in Kenya, leaving inadequate crops in much of the country. The situation deteriorated this year, when autumn rains failed to make up for stunted summer harvests. More than 3.5 million people are now struggling to find enough to eat.

CRS isexpanding its outreach to outreach to meet the needs in drought-stricken areas. The effort includes diverting resources to help with the crisis, conducting seed fairs to

Assist farmers and trying to organize efforts to provide safe water and offer supplementary feeding for young children and pregnant or nursing mothers.

The drought comes at a time when the country is suffering from other challenges. Though Kenya is one of the wealthiest nations in East Africa, more than half of its population lives beneath the poverty line. In each of the past several years, the AIDS epidemic has sliced one year from the average life expectancy.

The next rains are expected in March, but the current drought is expected to have a long-term impact. Even if it rains, it will take three months for crops to mature and almost a year for livestock to rejuvenate. After the initial emergency response, focused long-term projects will be necessary to help people regain their self-sufficiency and rebuild their normal lives.

For more information or to make a donation contact (please make checks payable to (on the memo line “Sudan”):

Catholic Relief Services
Adrienne Curry
155 E. Superior
Chicago, IL 60611