Drought Case Study - Ethiopia

Question 1

when did the drought occur?

Answer 1

2015

Question 2

what are the main hazards in this drought?

Answer 2

reduction in crop yields
longer journeys to find water
migration

Question 3

name some impacts on people

Answer 3

• death of livestock causes a food crisis
• loss of crops means prices rocket
• people eat less and become weak from malnutrition

Question 4

name some impacts on ecosystems

Answer 4

• loss of animal habitat
• extinction of animal species - grevy zebras
• increase in disease of wild animals

Question 5

what has the governments response been?

Answer 5

• overseas government have given aid

USA gave US$128.4 million for food aid

Question 6

what have some organisations response been?

Answer 6

• aid agencies like Oxfam and UNICEF are helping people get water supplies
• education charities are trying to get people jobs in urban areas

Question 7

how have individuals responded?

Answer 7

• large charity events like live aid have helped raise awareness and money

Question 8

Explain TWO impacts of drought on people living in an emerging or developing country. [4]

Answer 8

Drought in Ethiopia is having significant impacts on the lives of people. For example, many of the homes are without roofs that protect them from the elements as the lack of rainfall means many of the plants and grasses used to make roofs cannot grow. A second impact is the time spent on collecting water due to a lack of direct water supply. Many woman and children are having to walk up to 20km to find water, so they have less time for farming and school.