About us

One of the worst climate-induced emergencies of the past 40 years is unfolding in Eastern Africa. Over 50 million people across Eastern Africa will face acute food insecurity this year, due to failed rainy seasons across the region. (WFP) Four consecutive rainy seasons have failed, a climatic event not seen in at least 40 years resulting in some of the driest seasons ever recorded across the region (UNICEF). Over a million people have been displaced across Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Families across the region have been forced to leave everything behind in search of food and water, and put their health, safety and education at risk. Refugee Led Organisations in East Africa are among the key frontline responders to the famine. Many refugees in East Africa have been displaced directly by famine and drought or by conflicts in places affected by droughts. They can understand and therefore their response is more relevant and effective. It is always the most vulnerable communities who are worst affected - refugees are no different. With over one million people already displaced as a results of the drought and famine, there will be considerable impact in refugee hosting areas. Refugee leadership will be essential. As refugees themselves, the refugee leaders and organisations we work with are often the point of contact for other families/friends/contacts from their country of origin - this connection often guides others that have been displaced, and this is already happening as a result of the famine. Refugee-led organisations in East Africa are most commonly operating in refugee camps or settlements on the borders where displaced people from the famine are most likely to arrive. This puts them on the frontline of response - both in the short term and for necessary longer term response. The pooled fund is designed to be efficient and maximise the amount of donor funding that reaches communities affected by the famine. Through the pooled fund, the fund manager, Cohere is able to most closely connect donors with the cause they are supporting, significantly reducing the administrative wastage associated with humanitarian funding.