By Jim Stipe

Catholic Relief Services is joining 18 other international scientific and development organizations in committing to fight the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), both major threats to one of Africa’s staple crops.

Cassava is an inexpensive and essential part of the daily diet of many Africans. The effects of these plant diseases are potentially catastrophic, threatenting the food security of 135 million people in East Africa alone, and upward of 300 million cassava consumers across the continent.

An insufficient rain since the start of the season has resulted in abnormal dryness across parts of northern Nigeria.

1) Despite an increase in rainfall since mid-April, the delayed onset or seasonal rainfall has led to unfavorable ground conditions for the northeastern Belg-producing areas of Ethiopia. The erratic nature of the seasonal rains has negatively impacted cropping activities, likely resulting in below-average crop yields.

A century and a half after the creation of the ICRC, humanitarianism is alive and well — but it faces great hurdles. Our story starts on two tracks: a historical timeline beginning just before the Movement’s founding; and an exploration of a current-day conflict. Also in this issue: Focus on Afghanistan; Movement history; Silent killers

Heavy rains were observed in western Ethiopia, western South Sudan and Nigeria during the past week.

1) Poorly distributed and significantly below average seasonal rainfall has resulted in deteriorating ground conditions since January. This has negatively impacted crops and livestock throughout many parts of southern Angola and northern Namibia.

Food security levels are generally better than a year earlier in East Africa and the Sahel, with most areas facing either IPC phase 1 ‘minimal’ or phase 2 ‘stressed’ conditions, thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions in 2012.

05/07/2013 11:13 GMT

Par Anne CHAON

PARIS, 07 mai 2013 (AFP) - Le manioc, qui nourrit 500 millions de personnes dans le monde, est attaqué en Afrique par un virus en expansion d'Est en ouest à travers le continent. Un congrès de scientifiques et de donateurs réuni cette semaine en Italie va tenter de leur déclarer une guerre totale.

KEY MESSAGES

Christopher Fabian and Erica Kochi recognized for “changing the world” through innovation

NEW YORK, 18 April 2013 – UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake congratulated Christopher Fabian and Erica Kochi, co-leads of UNICEF’s Innovation Unit, on being selected for this year’s prestigious TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Fabian and Kochi drive new technologies and strategies at UNICEF that are leading to significant gains in child survival and development worldwide.

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News alert 17 April, 2013