In Karamoja, the least developed region of Uganda, the WFP (World Food Program) had been distributing food to about 700,000 people during 2008.
It has a history of problems, long dry spells, droughts; a fast-growing population, severe environmental degradation, poor infrastructure and cattle rustling have eroded the people’s coping capacity over the years. The Karimojong are perpetually vulnerable.
Droughts used to happen every 10 years, then it became every five yes, then starting 2, it was every two years.
The reason for the crisis this year is Karamoja suffered a combination of problems including a long dry spell, floods and animal and crop diseases.
There are severe food shortages, markets have little food because of the crop failure last year, people hoarding food, high transport cots for traders and food prices are high.
Global Acute Malnutrition is at 15.6 percent. Above 15 percent means an emergency.
