1.1 - Case studies

1.1 - Case studies

1. Food shortages in Kenya, Wajir district, 2005/06

   • Droughts across Kenya affect food production
     • Declared a national disaster by the president
   • Wajir district in North-East one of the worst affected
   • Estimated 4 million in need of food aid across Kenya
     • 2.5 million of these people in the Wajir district
   • On average 1 child/ week dies in Wajir's theraputic feeding centre
   • December 2005 - Kenya appeal for $150 million in aid to save lives in the North-East
     • UK pledge £3 million - total £12.7 million
       • 1/3 of aid will go to transporting food - the rest towards water
   • World food programme (WFP) estimated that 11 million people across the 'horn' of Africa are in need of food aid
     • Kenya - 4 mill
     • Somalia - 1.4 mill
     • Ethiopia - 1.75 mill
     • Djibouti - 60,000

2. Institute of Medicine report on obesity in USA - Sept 2009

   • In the US 16.3% of children and people between 12 and 19 are obese
   • Over last 3 decades obesity prevalence increased
     • 5% - 12.4% among children 2 - 5
     • 6.5% - 17% among 6 - 11 yr olds
     • 5% - 17.6% among 12 - 19 yr olds
     • Prevalence so high life expectancy reduced + overall quality of life will diminish in today's generation of children
       • Obese more likely to develop high cholesterol and diabetes at younger age
   • Acting locally
     • Local govts positioned to promote behaviours that will help children maintain healthy weights
     • Requires involvement from govt officials - mayors, commissioners + other leaders of counties, cities or towns