Food Crisis Looms in West Africa

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A food crisis looming in West Africa could put millions at risk if the global community doesn’t act soon, World Vision is warning. 

World Vision is calling on the Government to learn from the lessons of the East Africa food crisis and to act quickly to provide immediate assistance to UN agencies and NGOs working across the affected countries of Niger, Mauritania, Mali and Chad. Both crises highlight the need for the Australian aid program to develop more timely, proactive and longer-term responses to addressing slow-onset emergencies and preventing large scale suffering. 

“The global community has watched in horror this year as millions suffered in the Horn of Africa,” World Vision Australia spokesperson Tristan Clements said. “Now, as Australians prepare to celebrate Christmas, another serious crisis is looming.” 

Poor rainfall in the Sahel region, insect attacks, rising food prices and a resulting failed harvest are key indicators of the crisis, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS-NET). The food crisis is expected to emerge in early 2012. Large parts of the region are still recovering from a severe drought that swept through West Africa in 2009 and 2010. 

The Government of Niger recently conducted a country-wide assessment and determined that up to 6 million people live in areas which are likely to be affected. In October, people there were saying they had between three weeks' and three months' supply of food left. The Government is also reporting movement of people from regional areas to the capital in search of food and work. 

World Vision is already taking action to prepare communities in the region, and the organisation is currently conducting assessments in several countries where crops have been affected. Preliminary results indicate families have already begun rationing meals, with stockpiles from last year’s harvest now depleted. In Mauritania, people are queuing all day to buy 1kg of rice. 

“Situations like the famine in the Horn of Africa and now the food crisis in West Africa do not appear out of the blue. They are well-understood and in most cases, can be predicted in advance,” World Vision Australia spokesperson Tristan Clements said. “The problem we face is not a matter of resources; it is a matter of political will. Very often, these crises are ignored by the global community until it’s too late for many families.” 

To donate toWorld Vision Australia’s Emergency & Preparedness Fund click here or call 13 32 40 

World Vision Australia humanitarian and emergency specialist Tristan Clements is available for interview. 

Media contact: Chloe Adams 0427 413 816 / 03 9287 2841 

Media Releases, Emergencies, Africa, Australian Government, Famine, Foreign Aid, West Africa, West Africa Food Crises

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