Overseas aid is most effective when local communities can help | Letters
by Guardian Staff from World news | The Guardian on (#2H2Z9)
Indigenous knowledge must be harnessed in drought-hit Kenya
I am from Marsabit in northern Kenya and have seen how the drought has left pastoralist communities with no other choice but to rely on aid. It was heartening to read that the UK's development secretary, Priti Patel, has pledged more support to East Africa ("Patel to defend aid budget as famine crisis spreads", News).
There is no doubt that this money will save lives, but for it to be as effective as possible the aid response must be locally led. There has been a growing realisation of the need to empower local organisations and communities, with international aid agencies working alongside.
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