"DOLLOW, Somalia - New patches of young, bright green growth dot the sandy terrain of Dollow but for the 150,000 Somalis who have left home to seek help in this southern town, the small recent rains are not enough.

East Africa's worst drought in 40 years has forced millions of Somalis to leave their homes. Five consecutive failed rainy seasons pushed the fragile nation to the brink of famine, and this year is unlikely to be much different.

"We are malnourished, the land is dry, I can't afford to go back," said Khadijo Mohamed Omar from outside her dome-shaped home made of sticks and orange fabric.

The 35-year-old farmer made the week-long trek late last year after two of her children died from malnutrition. She gave birth to a seventh child about two months after she arrived at the ever-growing U.N.-supported camp in Dollow.

The tiny baby lived for just eight days."

Ayenat Mersie reports for Reuters May 2, 2023. [2]