2. Background
Purley’s economy relies predominantly on agriculture in the south and livestock rearing in the rest of the country.Purley faces perpetual food insecurity, as a result of recurrent drought and high food and fuel prices. Malnutrition rates are consistently higher than the global average. Peoples’ purchasing power and resources are limited. A reliance on livestock rearing has left communities vulnerable to climatic changes and the cumulative impact of repeated drought has eroded their ability to cope.There are low levels of literacy. Mobile phone coverage is increasing.
CRS has been working in Purley for many years, focussing on food security and livelihoods projects. It also supports a number of local church partners.
3. Situation Overview.
Over the last two years, northern Purley has seen lower than average rainfall and the forthcoming harvest in the next few months is expected to be particularly poor. In Wacopu district barely 20% of normal amounts of rain fell this year during the first rainy season and the long rains were 6 weeks late.
Nutrition surveys conducted from April show deterioration in nutrition levels for children under 5 compared to last year. Malnutrition rates have increased to 19.8%. According to the Purley Red Cross, around 1 million people will need assistance in the coming months.
Poor and unpredictable rainfall hasresulted in population movements, as people move their livestock in search of water which is causing tensions with host communities. With people selling off their livestock as quickly as possible prices for animals have decreased significantly.
In parts of the country food items are only slowly reaching the markets and the high cost of the most basic food items continues to exacerbate the situation. Prices are expected to continue to rise.Families are unable to meet minimum food standards and are having to sell assets and resort to negative coping mechanisms such as the production and sale of charcoal. There are also reports of increasing numbers of early marriage and children being pulled out of school. There are reports of increased thefts of livestock.
In recent years increasing numbers of people have migrated from Purley to find opportunities abroad. However, many have ended up being trafficked, including significant numbers of young men who work on construction sites. It is likely that the numbers attempting the dangerous trip will increase as the drought continues. Displacement, and the migration of able-bodied men out of the country, have led to increased numbers of female headed households within Purley who are particularly vulnerable.
4. Humanitarian Response.
CRS’ response will focus on access to food – both short term food aid and longer term livelihoods projects (restocking of herds, diversifying livelihoods and improving access to markets).