MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - World Vision staff in West Africa
are warning that the countries of Niger, Mauritania and Mali are on the
brink of major food shortages.
A number of international agencies, including the United States Agency
for International Development and the European Commission's
humanitarian relief organization, are reporing that inadequate
rainfalls, combined with reports of grasshopper infestations, are
causing major production shortfalls in rice and grain crops. This could
lead to food shortfalls in West Africa in early 2012.
"The combination of problems affecting the region is reducing the
likelihood of a successful harvest," warns David Mbugua, World Vision's
Agriculture and Food Security Specialist. Mbugua adds that many of
World Vision's Area Development Programs (ADPs) in the southern region
of Mauritania are affected by the current situation.
World Vision staff in West Africa are working with the World Food
Programme to develop a number of cash-for-work and food-for-work
programs. These programs, which would provide support for nearly 65,000
people, are also being supplemented by increasing clinical support to
assist a stream of mothers with malnourished children.
"World Vision is urging the international community to provide help for
children and their families in the affected countries in West Africa,"
says Caroline Riseboro, Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs
for World Vision Canada. "By acting now, we can avoid a repeat of the
humanitarian crisis that has occurred in Horn of Africa in 2011."
For more information about World Vision Canada, visit www.worldvision.ca
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy
organization dedicated to working with children, families and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all
people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our
News Centre at worldvision.ca
