NZ gives $2m to drought relief

The drought in the Horn of Africa has sparked a severe food crisis and high malnutrition rates, with parts of Kenya and Somalia experiencing pre-famine conditions. Photo / AP

New Zealand would contribute $2 million to the relief effort in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.

"Up to 10 million people are starving across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti," Mr McCully said.

"The international assessment is that the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Dramatic increases in food prices and prolonged civil conflict in Somalia are worsening the crisis."

Mr McCully said the contribution would be made through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and accredited New Zealand non-government organisations.

It is in addition to a $1m contribution given to the WFP in April, when warnings of the crisis were raised.

- NZPA