West Africa food crisis
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18 million people across West Africa are facing a severe food crisis due to failed harvests in 2011 from drought and pests. Villagers describe going hungry and not having enough food to feed their children. Many people have been forced to flee their villages due to lack of food or conflict. One man and his nine children now live in a makeshift shelter in Niger's capital due to the food shortage. Aid organizations are working to address the crisis by operating health centers, distributing food, creating job programs, and providing supplies to displaced people.
West Africa food crisis
- 1. West Africa Food Crisis
- 2. 18 million people across Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Senegal are facing a severe food crisis.
- 3. Harvests failed in many areas in 2011. Today, many people have run out of food - and food prices are alarmingly high.
- 4. The poor harvest was the result of failed rains, and, in some areas, infestations of pests like caterpillars or crickets.
- 5. “We planted last year but there was a long drought. When the millet was about to bear gains, the rain stopped. What is very painful is when children surround you and say ‘We need food’ and there is no food to give them.” Hamani, Dosso Region, Niger
- 6. “There are times when the children hold me and say, ‘Grandma, we need to eat.’ I don’t have anything. I have several months in the darkness. I am afraid of the future.” Mintou, Dosso Region, Niger
- 7. “When I am really hungry, it hurts my stomach, and then it ends up giving me a headache. I can’t hear what the teachers are saying.” Halarou, Dosso Region, Niger
- 8. Many people have been forced to leave their villages because of the lack of food, or because of conflict. Momoudou and his nine children have moved to Niamey, the capital of Niger, where they are living in a tiny shelter made of cardboard boxes and tarpaulin.
- 9. “For me, this is the worst ever season. In previous years, I could harvest something. The most important thing for us in the future is food. How can I feed my family?” Momoudou, Niamey, Niger
- 10. With your support, we are running health centres for malnourished children across Niger.
- 11. We are distributing food to the most vulnerable, and setting up cereal banks that provide grain at subsidised prices.
- 12. We are paying people in cash or food to work on projects that benefit their communities – like half-moon fields, which prevent water from draining away when it rains. .
- 13. And we are making sure that people who were forced to flee their homes have food and essential supplies – like pots, pans and clothes.
- 14. “I am very happy to have received your support. If I hadn’t come here, I don’t know what would have happened to my baby. Please continue to support us in these changing times.” Haoua, Niamey, Niger
- 15. P le a s e s u p p o r t o u r r e s p o n Photos: Nick Harrop/CAFOD Franziska Koller/Caritas Suisse Peter With/Caritas Denmark