Practical Action, the international development charity that promotes sustainable energy solutions to development problems is urging the international community to keep its promises to the Horn of Africa.

The charity wants to keep East Africa in the media spotlight and ensure consistent investment in disaster reduction programmes in order to reduce the risk of the severe humanitarian crisis of last year re-occurring...

A year ago the international non-profit community responded to a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, the worst in 60 years, with 12 million people facing malnutrition in East Africa.

The mantra at the time was all about how the disaster had been predictable but sustainable investment had not been forthcoming in previous years to avert the crisis...

A year on the need to invest in sustainable long-term solutions that empower families to help themselves, and prevent suffering when rains fail or other climate related problems hit is more urgent than ever says Practical Action.

Practical Action’s Abdul Haro points to solutions already in place that would benefit from increased support.

Mr Haro coordinates Practical Action's projects in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia...

He says: "Memories about the last drought are almost erased because we have received two very good seasons consecutively.

"But the long rains in April to June were below optimal levels and should the short rains expected in October to November fail then there will be trouble..."

Working with local people to improve their lives and help them survive future droughts, is Practical Action’s method, providing simple technology to enable some of the poorest people in the region to cope with water shortages and build up their capabilities...

"We are working with people of Northern Kenya to strengthen their existing skills and resources, Abdul Haro explains...

"By doing so, they can help themselves become crisis resistant and cope with the effects of climate change more effectively..."

For instance Practical Action points to working with local farmers to help them cope with climate change, by improving the traditional shallow wells they utilise on their land.

By introducing a lid and a separate trough for animals, the water is now safer to use.

The charity is also working to improve the health, welfare and productivity of livestock and working animals by facilitating training, education and veterinary services for people in the region...

Investing in animal health is a proven way of increasing their working capacity, along with an increase in yields and hence more food and money for families to help them develop more prosperous futures.

It's part of a trend from the charity towards identifying and promoting simple, practical solutions that can have very significant long-term impact...

Such things as battery charging for lighting and communications, and other technological and strategic solutions based around agriculture, storage, cooking, transport, commerce, etc...

By reducing the vulnerability of fragile environments to climate damage the charity is keen to highlight its ability to strengthen and improve the lives of people in East Africa.

The charity believes a sustained investment in such projects will not only reduce the risks of seeing the worst case humanitarian crisis of a year ago return...

But also provide a more cost-effective means of helping people in the region develop better futures...