Drought in Afar's Abala District causes crop failure and price surges

In Abala District, Afar Region, a local farmer named Mussa Ahmed reported a near-total crop failure after harvesting almost nothing from eight hectares of land planted with wheat, teff, and maize. The region experienced rainfall for only two days in June, which ceased abruptly and damaged the harvest. Consequently, food prices have skyrocketed in the area, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. A 50kg sack of wheat, previously sold for 1,200 Birr, has now surged to 7,000 Birr. Similarly, the price of five liters of cooking oil has reached 2,500 Birr, placing a severe financial burden on the local population.