Content Warning:
The video and images linked in this article contain distressing scenes related to drought impacts, including severe water scarcity and its effects on communities and livestock. Viewer discretion is advised.
▶ Video Report (Viewer Discretion Advised)
Watch the video report highlighting the impact of drought in Mandera
Mandera County is facing an escalating drought crisis following prolonged rainfall failure, pushing communities into a severe water and food security emergency. As documented in Al Jazeera English this video report on the drought situation in Mandera, critical water sources have dried up, pasture conditions have deteriorated, and households are increasingly struggling to meet their most basic needs.
The impact of the drought is stark and widespread. Families are travelling longer distances in search of water, livestock productivity has declined sharply, and food insecurity is intensifying. Women and children are bearing a disproportionate burden, while rising malnutrition risks are placing additional pressure on already vulnerable households.
As the situation worsens, the strain on livelihoods continues to grow. Pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, heavily dependent on livestock and seasonal rains, are experiencing significant losses, undermining both income and long-term resilience. Without timely intervention, the humanitarian situation risks further deterioration.
As part of coordinated, multi-agency efforts, RACIDA is supporting drought-affected communities through ongoing emergency interventions. These include cash assistance, nutrition outreaches, and the rehabilitation of water infrastructure to restore access to safe and reliable water.
While these interventions are helping stabilize the situation in some areas, the scale of need remains high. Sustained collaboration, adequate resourcing, and timely action are critical to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and strengthen resilience for communities across Mandera County.