The Shadow of Famine – how the food crisis is impacting the Horn of Africa, and beyond

In his address to the IIEA for the sixth lecture of the 2022 Development Matters series supported by Irish Aid, Minister Brophy discusses the grave food crisis affecting the Horn of Africa. Across the Horn of Africa, over 36 million people will be affected by the most prolonged and severe drought in recent history in the last months of 2022. Informed by his recent visit to the region, Minister Brophy discusses this crisis, its causes and the response by Ireland and the international community. He highlights the drivers of the crisis, including climate change, conflict, and unsustainable food systems. Minister Brophy also reflects on the political, security and development challenges facing a range of countries from the Horn to the Sahel. 

About the Speaker: 

Colm Brophy was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora on July 1st, 2020. He is a Fine Gael TD representing Dublin South-West. He was first elected to the Dáil in 2016. During the 32nd Dáil he served as Chairman of the Budgetary Oversight Committee which was established in 2016 to enhance the role of the Oireachtas in the budgetary formation process. He was also a Member of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality and the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. Member of South Dublin County Council 2008 – 2016. Colm is a former member of the Board of the Housing Finance Agency. Colm is also the former President of the Association of Irish Local Government.