CARE Canada

Published purpose

March 2013 - While much of the Horn of Africa region has felt at least some relief from the 2011 drought crisis, the small country of Djibouti is experiencing its 6th consecutive year of poor or non-existent rainfall. According to recent United Nations' assessments, 77% of households in Djibouti are experiencing some level of food insecurity. In addition, 49% of rural households lack any access to a source of safe drinking water and a further 15% must walk for at least three hours to access safe water. Overall, approximately 25 percent of the total population (of about 800,000 people) are reliant on international assistance. With Canadian support, CARE is assisting an estimated 17,000 people in the drought-affected rural areas of Djibouti through the establishment or rehabilitation of local water points, the establishment of community (school-based) water collection systems and sanitation facilities, and the dissemination of knowledge of proper hygiene practices.