$16 Million Needed to Held Stave Off 'Silent' Food Crisis in Niger, UN Says
New York, May 19 2005 3:00PM
Nutritional surveys and food security data show a critical situation in vulnerable areas of Niger affected by last
year's desert locust infestation and drought, the United Nations said today, appealing for just over $16 million to turn
back the "silent crisis" threatening the country.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched a flash appeal for $16.19 million to help
meet the immediate food needs of some 3.6 million of Niger's 12 million people, including 800,000 children under 5
suffering from hunger, 150,000 of whom are currently showing signs of severe malnutrition.
OCHA said the food shortages, compounded by drought and the region's worst locust invasion in 15 years, are heavily
concentrated in the poorest, most food insecure and vulnerable departments in the agro-pastoral regions of Tillabéri,
Tahoua, Maradi, Diffa, Agadez and Zinder.
The country is already severely disadvantaged, with all indicators pointing towards increased poverty due to population
increases, desertification, locust infestations and rain shortfalls. With so little rain, OCHA said, even cattle and
livestock are at risk. The distribution of fodder for livestock as well as agricultural seed is essential at the
community level, as well as focusing on stabilizing migratory flows by providing food assistance and creating favourable
conditions for the 2005 agricultural campaign.
The current appeal will also focus on helping malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women through therapeutic
and complementary feeding. In addition, the appeal seeks to increase food availability through subsidized sales,
food-for-work activities, cash-for-work, food-for-training and support to cereal banks.
ENDS