Some families have had to take drastic measures so that they can feed themselves, such as selling tools and animals and taking their children out of school to save money.

Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high in Ethiopia, and people are suffering the effects of a food crisis.

"Because of the failed rains and the loss of crop production families have not been able to feed themselves", said Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Secretary General for the International Save the Children Alliance. "Amongst those that are suffering, the poorest people are the worst affected. They have not been able to produce enough food to feed themselves and in addition to this, the steep rise in food prices has meant that they cannot afford to buy food from the markets. We are deeply concerned about the impact that this is going to have on children, especially children under five years of age who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition."

Photo: Ayalech cooks chumele for her 4 children. Chumele is a salty wild cabbage that grows near their house and with no other food available the family now boil and eat this 3 times a day. This often gives the children diarrhoea.