East Africa Crisis

Over 1.5 million people in East Africa have been displaced as they desperately search for food.

Find out more and see how ShelterBox is helping.

What's happening in East Africa?


East Africa, also known as the Horn of Africa, is facing its worst drought in more than forty years. After four consecutive failed rainy seasons in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, people are living on the brink of famine.

Across East Africa, almost 36 million people have been affected by the drought. More than 1.5 million people are displaced, and many of them are on the move as they desperately search for food.

ShelterBox is responding. We have provided emergency shelter aid to displaced people affected by the drought in Ethiopia. We’re also planning to support people in neighbouring Somalia in 2023.

Find out more about the situation in East Africa and how we’re helping.

Where is the Horn of Africa?


The Horn of Africa is the easternmost peninsula of the African continent.

The name comes from the horn-shaped land formation of the region.

Whilst the peninsula is in Somalia, the whole of East Africa can be referred to as the Horn of Africa and includes Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan.

The peninsula has an estimated population of 115 million and about 130 languages.

map of the Horn of Africa

East Africa facts

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How is ShelterBox helping?


Communities affected by severe drought in East Africa desperately need emergency shelter.

Millions of people are at risk of famine, and many more are leaving their homes and livelihoods behind in search of food. That’s why we will be providing emergency shelter aid to people affected by the drought in the Somali region of Ethiopia and we are planning projects in neighbouring Somalia.

Our aid includes tarpaulins, rope, and other essential items. These will allow people to build emergency shelters to help protect themselves from the elements.

It will also give people who have been forced to leave their homes a private space they can temporarily call home and be together with their families.

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Find out more


Disasters explained: Droughts

Droughts affect millions of people each year. Learn what they and and how we’ve supported communities.

Why disasters are not natural

Read why we no longer use the term ‘natural disasters’, the definition of a disaster, and how we have come to change our language.

The crisis in Ethiopia

Read about the crisis in Ethiopia and find out how we’re helping.