, provide solutions that the wider humanitarian sector can learn from to offer more meaningful support to the Horn of Africa region and other parts of the world enduring similar, predictable crises.
Limited global attention to smaller-scale crises, especially in the face of the Russia war on Ukraine, has shifted the world’s focus from other struggling regions. As countries like Somalia approach another season of potential drought, we are reminded of the tragic neglect of the Somali people and the exacerbation of Ethiopia’s drought by a 20-month civil war in Tigray, which has left the second most populous country in Africa with increased need for humanitarian assistance as peace talks begin.
“The UK is delighted to be part of Start Ready, which brings the benefits of predictable pre-arranged disaster risk finance to Start Network’s members in some of the poorest and most climate vulnerable communities in the world. We know that acting quickly after disasters saves lives and livelihoods, particularly when linked to locally led contingency plans and delivery systems, as is the case through Start Network members.
Start Network first piloted ARC Replica’s drought financing model in Senegal. When the country experienced drought in 2020, it had already been predicted through risk modelling. The Government of Senegal and Start Network had therefore made early intervention arrangements by purchasing an insurance policy the previous year.