Nor is the impact of climate change in the region straightforward. FEWS-Net’s Funk warned in his column for Nature:
The global climate models used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were never intended to provide rainfall trend projections for every region. These models say that East Africa will become wetter, yet observations show substantial declines in spring rainfall in recent years. Despite this, several agencies are building long-term plans on the basis of the forecast of wetter conditions. This could lead to agricultural development and expansion in areas that will become drier. More climate science based on regional observations could be helpful in addressing these challenges.
The Horn of Africa unfortunately has a long history of famines. Agricultural yields in the region are low, and improving them is vital, but there is little sign of that happening so far. The situation is exacerbated by rapid population growth, military conflict and political instability. No doubt more news coverage would help with the current relief efforts, but the larger question is tougher to answer: What can the media do to help create long-term solutions?
IMO (which is admittedly not too well informed) the biggest issue with the Somalian famine is twofold:
1. Due to the political realities on the ground there, aid that's provided is not reaching those who need it - GiveWell looked at the issue & concluded "While the needs are extreme, we aren’t convinced that individual donors can effectively cause more aid to be delivered via their donations. ". ( http://blog.givewell.org/2011/08/30/somalia-famine-update/ )
Thus
2. Media coverage will just lead to informed futility ( see orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/6405 ) or misdirected resources, unless it can convey a msg of "here's what you can do" to recommend an action that actually *will* help.
#1 Posted by Anna Haynes, CJR on Wed 14 Sep 2011 at 11:59 AM
please save this kids and mothers from daying and pray for us.
THanks
#2 Posted by HAna, CJR on Wed 14 Sep 2011 at 02:41 PM
I would like to see an analysis covering what possible actions we as a country (or as the U.N.) could take, to get aid to these famine-stricken people, and the arguments for & against (& what's hindering) each action.
(also it should address what we're doing now that'll affect frequency & severity of famines, & what actions to take to prevent catastrophe in future.)
#3 Posted by Anna Haynes, CJR on Thu 15 Sep 2011 at 05:47 PM
James,
Truly it is said that we are suffering from disaster fatigue. Also, the politics of the US and here in Australia has fallen to such appalling depths that I only listen to the news by accident. Usually I begin the day by scanning the online front pages of certain large newspapers in three countries, and then focus on reading about issues within my sphere of influence.
I don't think I'm alone in feeling the need to ringfence myself against the barrage of information, mostly gloomy. The perverse effect of all this information is that we're far more selective about what we use. Usually it is complementary to our personal prejudices and concerns. We're retreating into our own silos.
And looking outward with empathy requires a certain belief in your own future and wellbeing. Compared to the starving in Somalia, most of us enjoy extraordinarily good lives, but by the exalted standards of the North, we are in troubling times.
I'm an optimist and see the unrest around us as exciting opportunity for change. But even this, and sometimes too much empathy for my own peace of mind, doesn't mean I'm far less responsive to the tragedy in Somalia than I was in the 1980s. Something has changed in the nature of the western world, and me. Maybe that's a cause of our gridlocked politics.
And then maybe this has something to do with it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/magazine/do-you-suffer-from-decision-fatigue.html?_r=2&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/T/Tierney,%20John?ref=johntierney&pagewanted=all
#4 Posted by Matt Cawood, CJR on Tue 20 Sep 2011 at 06:16 PM
Hi James,
I am really sad that this this kind of scenario is unfolding at this time. But disaster fatigue has certainly caught up with the journalists-both local and international. Most of us feel that it is time Africa put its house in order. These famine cycles can be mitigated since they occur with almost predictable frequency. The same situation is unfolding in my country, Kenya, and in a country where the corrupt fat cats are waiting in the wings to reap from the bounty that will be occasioned by importing GM relief maize, the journalists are not to blame. The tragedy of course is that it is the poor and the vulnerable who bear the brunt of these famines!
#5 Posted by naftali mungai, CJR on Wed 21 Sep 2011 at 03:18 AM
From Mother Jones, What You Need to Know About the Horn of Africa Famine
http://motherjones.com/environment/2011/09/what-you-need-know-about-famine-horn-africa-backgrounder
#6 Posted by Anna Haynes, CJR on Wed 21 Sep 2011 at 03:15 PM
Detailed financial information on humanitarian funding flows is available here: http://fts.unocha.org
Ben Parker
Director
IRIN
#7 Posted by Ben Parker, CJR on Sun 25 Sep 2011 at 12:26 PM