Stay up-to-date with Trócaire's work overseas, get news on key global social justice issues, and find out about our latest campaigns in Ireland and how you can get involved.
Saturday 22nd April is Earth Day with the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’. It’s a day to remember that the climate emergency is one of the biggest challenges and greatest injustices of our time.
Millions of animals have died in the Horn of Africa because of a lack of water due to climate change induced drought
The harsh reality is that those who contribute least to climate change are affected most. Climatic events, such as droughts and floods, are making already poor and marginalised communities even more vulnerable. Climate change is also contributing to the degradation of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity, further undermining the ability of rural communities to sustain their agricultural activities.
The devastating effects of climate change can be seen right now in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Three years without rain has resulted in the worst drought in four decades. This has been fuelled by climate change, and the result has been catastrophic for the people of this east African country.
Crops and animals have died and people have been left with no way to feed themselves and their families. Millions of women, men and children have had to take what they call the ‘long walk’, leaving their homes and travelling by foot for up to 100km in searing heat, to get to Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in the hope that they can get emergency food assistance to save themselves.
Trócaire supports communities, in Somalia and elsewhere, to sustain their livelihoods and adapt to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. We provide access to technical knowledge and resources that support people to achieve sustainable and diverse sources of food and income. We also support farmers, particularly women, to take a leading role in decision-making and to work with communities to ensure fair access to natural resources.
Curbing desertification in Ethiopia
Desertification, where fertile land becomes desert, is a growing problem in Ethiopia, reducing the amount of land available for farmers to use. Many farmers in Ethiopia are pastoralists – they earn their living by raising and herding cattle. They depend on a steady supply of animal feed.
Desertification has been exacerbated by climate change but one of the key drivers is animal overgrazing. One of the solutions for farmers is protecting land that has been over grazed and giving it the chance to recover. The rejuvenation of rangeland i.e. grass, trees and shrubs, is vital for cattle and livestock herding.
Trócaire and its partner Agri-service Ethiopia (ASE) are working with farmers in Ethiopia to help them adapt to the daunting challenges posed by drought and desertification.
Arsela Kabua, a farmer from South Omo in Ethiopia, says, “I met Trócaire and Agri-service Ethiopia in 2019 and they told me I should be building rangeland because my business is buying and selling goats. I buy them young and fatten them over the years then sell them for a profit. They are good animals for this climate because they can survive drought with less feed than cattle.”
Arsela Kabua lives with his family in Ocholoch Kebele, South Omo, Ethiopia. Using rangeland training provided through Trocaire, Arsela and his family generate a good income from buying and selling goats. Photo: Barnaby Jaco Skinner.
Addisu Ayano, a project coordinator with ASE says, “All of our projects with Trócaire are about problem solving. I work in the humanitarian field because I like to solve problems. I want to help the people of South Omo. At Agri-service, we constantly monitor our projects to see if they are working or not and change them accordingly.”
Dublin Climate Strikes, September 2019. Photo : Garry Walsh
Remember we can make a difference even as individuals.
