Realization of the Right to Food in Drought Affected Areas of Pastoralist Communities

The Case of Borana Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The right to food is a fundamental human right recognized under various international and regional human rights instruments. It is also implicitly recognized in the FDRE Constitution. At its core, this right ensures individuals can feed themselves with dignity. However, during exceptional circumstances, governments are obligated to provide food to those who are unable to meet their food needs for reasons beyond their control. This study examined the realization of this right in Ethiopia, with a focus on drought-affected pastoralist communities of Borana Zone. The study highlights how recurrent drought and socio-economic and other challenges have undermined the ability of these communities to feed themselves with dignity, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition. It further evaluated Ethiopia’s compliance with its obligations under international human rights law, assessed the legal framework in place, and identified barriers hindering the fulfillment of this right. A blend of doctrinal and qualitative tools including interview, focus group discussions, and field observation were employed to attain these ends. The findings revealed the government’s failure to fulfill the minimum core obligation of the right to food, as evidenced by the prevalence of malnutrition and a hunger crisis in the study area. Further, results showed that Ethiopia has not met its duty to ensure protection of citizens against hunger, as evidenced in the case of drought affected pastoralist communities. Recommendations include amendment of constitution, adoption and ratification of OP-CESCR, strengthening policy coherence, enhancing institutional capacity, and implementing targeted interventions to realize the right to food in disaster-prone areas.