Photo: BBC
ESAT News (June 29, 2017)
Reports say Ethiopia is exporting maize to Kenya in accordance with an agreement between the two governments, in spite of the fact that aid agencies are warning 7.8 million people in Ethiopia face starvation as food pipeline is breakin at the end of July.
The BBC reported that the export began earlier this month and dozens of trucks have arrived today at the border town of Moyale. The maize arriving today is estimated to be at least 260 tonnes. The report said Kenya’s National Cereals and Produce Board has ordered the purchase to cope with severe shortage food in Kenya.
But the sale of maize by Ethiopia raised eyebrows as the country is facing the worst drought in a decade.
Aid agencies warn that 7.8 million Ethiopians especially in the Somali region of Ethiopia face starvation unless donors intervene before the end of next month when food runs out.
In addition to the threat of starvation, armyworm infestation of crops and cholera epidemic have rubbed salt into the wounds of millions in Ethiopia.