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MNN Global · March 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Millions in East Africa turn to gingerbread tree amid severe drought

What happened: In Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, around 26 million people are experiencing extreme hunger due to drought, leading many to rely on the gingerbread tree for sustenance.

Why it matters:

  • The drought has caused widespread food insecurity affecting millions across East Africa.
  • Communities are forced to seek alternative food sources, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

MNN Take: The ongoing drought has severely reduced crop yields and food availability, pushing vulnerable populations to depend on less common food sources like the gingerbread tree to survive.

Sources: BBC World