Sarah Ogletree
9:58 PM
11/9/2010
The pastoral tribes of Ethiopia and Kenya are facing harsh climate changes. The climate, which has grown hotter and drier over the past few decades, has led to the lack of water. Drought has become a large problem for these communities (and regions) that move in relation to resources -Not only is the water the way they grow their food, quench their thirst, and water their animals, it is also part of their religious beliefs and cultural livelihood. For example, one of the tribes believes the river is their connection to their ancestors –and the river is continuously going down. This has caused unrest among the tribe. Also, due to this lack of resources, tribal conflicts have erupted. There is fighting over grazing land, as well as access to water. Humanitarian response in Eastern Africa exists but has not been targeted at solving the problem. Quick fixes are typically the aid, such as food. This doesn’t help people combat the next drought however, which is what authorities in the area are advocating for. They say we must change the way we combat the problem, as drought and climate change will continue to be a problem, and will most likely get worse. One example given of “help” that is not helpful is the corn which is given to communities. Corn cannot be eaten raw, and must be cooked with WATER. The conclusion declares we must change our solution, and address the problem of climate change and drought in a way that will enable communities to live through it.
This article was very well written (and video well done), dealing with the problem in Kenya and Ethiopia from many experts, as well as tribes perspectives. This is a social problem as it deals with a problem affecting many people. This problem of drought and climate change is not only a problem of food shortage, but also a problem of endangered beliefs, and violence. Climate change is something that is present all around the world, and nations are trying to deal with it on a global as well as regional level.
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/when_the_water_ends_africas_climate_conflicts/2331/
4 comments:
This is a very scary situation. I am worried for the Kenyan people because there is no quick fix for this problem. I wish it could be as easy as just giving them all water, but in order for this to be truly fixed, there must be change the way the world deals with the climate. We can see the effects of global warming.
It is embarrassing that the aid the rest of the world has given them has been to give them corn. This makes no sense. Water shortage is definitely a problem and not an easily solvable one, but we are just exasperating the situation by providing them with yet another problem that needs to be solved by water. I am worried also for their cultural beliefs. What happens if the river dries up? How will this affect their emotional/mental states as far as where their ancestors have gone? How will they react? Will it be with depression or violence or migration?
I agree with both of you. This is an incredibly scary and sad situation. It is true that in order for this problem to have a real solution, society will have to change their views about climate change and global warming. Also, as Rebecca said, this goes deeper than a sheer environmental problem or issue of hunger. The situation in Africa is also effecting culture -particularly spiritual beliefs. The consequences of a depletion of this is terrifying. People cope with things such as hunger, and change by clinging to spirituality and what can stay a constant in their lives. If that doesn't exist, it's hard to imagine what could happen.
Hi,Climate problem in Africa will hit Flora and Fauna the hardest.....always cool under a layer of leaves....always rain for them,always a cool breeze......watch nasa worldview 2 site day by day,and u will see... u know that story of old babylon with their hanging gardens....fauna is grounded not hanging and now? what is left of Babylon?Thank you so much!!!
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