Aid organisation Oxfam has warned of an impending food crisis in East Africa, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine one of the factors driving a potential disaster.

In a statement, Oxfam executive director Gabriela Bucher said Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan were particularly at risk.

Even if seasonal rains started this month, she added that the situation would not completely ease, noting that up to 28 million people could be affected.

According to Oxfam, the impact of the war on Ukraine is two-fold on East Africa.

The international community’s attention is focused on Russia’s invasion and will not respond to the escalating crisis in East Africa as it might have done otherwise.

Furthermore, countries in East Africa import up to 90 per cent of their wheat from Ukraine and Russia, with the flow of grain set to be affected by the war.

“The impact of the Ukraine conflict on the global food system will be felt around the globe, but it is the poorest and most vulnerable people who will be hit hardest and fastest,” Ms Bucher explained.

According to Oxfam, 21 million people in East Africa are already struggling with severe hunger, yet humanitarian aid is woefully underfunded.

(dpa/NAN)