Djibouti

Although rainfall fluctuations and drought are intrinsic features of Djibouti's semi-arid climate, the current drought far exceeds normal variation. Insufficient rainfall since 2005 – with less than 50% of the normal average recorded since September 2007 – has had a direct and life-threatening impact upon the most vulnerable people of Djibouti, particularly pastoralists and rural dwellers. During the last rainy season, two-thirds of the country received less than 10 mm of rain, according to Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET), causing the depletion of water reserves, deterioration of livestock health and milk production, massive loss of livestock, and the resulting destruction of livelihoods and sources of income.

The drought has led rural households to migrate within their region or through neighboring regions and principally towards the capital, Djibouti City. Households that could not afford to migrate suffered a loss of 70% to 100% of their livestock. The number of cultivated plots dropped sharply in the last four years of drought. Increased rural-urban migration has concentrated 70.6% of the population in urban areas, including 58.1% in the capital city. Water shortages in Djibouti City are expected to become a serious issue over the coming months. Urban food insecurity is rising due to high levels of unemployment and an increase of food prices. Unemployment in the capital stands at 60% and is at its worst during the summer months (July-September). Currently food prices are 68% over the five-year average, aggravated by deteriorating terms of trade. The country’s resistance to international food price fluctuations is weak, as 90% of food products are imported.