According to an OCHA report, "2011 is the driest period in the Eastern Horn of Africa since 1995 [and] drought remains a major threat with no likelihood of improvement until early 2012."
OCHA said the number of people "in acute livelihood crisis," which the agency estimates at about 8.8 million at present, is expected to increase in the coming months, and overall food security conditions will continue to deteriorate.
"Against the approximately USD 1.293 billion in humanitarian requirements identified by the governments and humanitarian country teams in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, some USD 671 million in contributions has been recorded to date, meaning emergency appeals throughout the region are funded at 51 per sent," OCHA said.
The agency said funding gaps have been reported in all major sectors, including nutrition, water and sanitation, and livelihoods.
