Citation

Burgess SF. J. Hum. Secur. 2008; 4(2): 37-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Librello Publishing)

DOI

10.3316/JHS0402037

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The severity and extent of human insecurity and the consequences of environmental degradation are as great in the Horn of Africa as in any other region. Drought, water shortages, and desertification have produced famine and other forms of human insecurity, as well as weakened states, conflict and support for Islamic extremism and terrorism. Environmental degradation and resource scarcity have been largely demand-driven, especially among growing populations of land- and water-hungry pastoralists and farmers. Famine has been the result of the interplay of growing populations, environmental degradation and drought, as well as conflict and the lack of capacity of states to react. Horn governments, donors, UN agencies and NGOs have devised a range of policies and programs, including food security, early warning, and integrated population, health and environment programs, which have slowed but not reversed environmental degradation and human insecurity. Greater state capacity and local participation are needed to achieve sustainable development and human security.