Source: Alertnet // Johann Earle

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AlertNet) - The effects of climate change are threatening the health of Guyana's vital rice industry, prompting the South American country to take steps to adapt the crop to withstand flooding, drought and other changes in weather patterns.

As a staple food and a valuable source of export earnings, rice is key to Guyana's economy. But the country's agriculture - and particularly rice production - suffered severely from flooding in 2005 and drought-like conditions in 2009.

A GINA Feature

Guyana, located on the north-east coast of South America, is subject to Atlantic swells and high-intensity seasonal rainfall. The coastal zone, which lies near or below sea-level, supports 90% of the population and is the administrative, agricultural, commercial and industrial center of the country. As a result of the dynamic interplay between high tides, high rainfall levels, and a network of drainage and irrigation canals, conservancy dams and sluices designed to support agriculture, the coastal zone is at high risk to flooding. Also, flood and drought risks

Explanatory Memorandum

1 - Rationale, needs and target population :

1.1. - Rationale :

The Caribbean region experiences multiple natural disasters. Tropical storms often take the form of a hurricane1, and the hurricane season lasts for six months. There are also floods, flash floods, tsunamis, landslides and mudslides. Some islands suffer from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The physical risk is combined with socioeconomic factors, such as high population density, fast demographic growth and great poverty. The combination of these factors results in very vulnerable communities,

Washington, D.C., September 26, 2006 (PAHO)-"The search for equity in health is one of the main objectives that guide" the Pan American Health Organization actions in the Americas, PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses said today, presenting her annual report to the organization's 47th Directing Council, an annual summit of health ministers who meet to discuss crucial public health issues. The report focuses on closing the gaps in health in the least protected populations in the Americas.

In Brief

Appeal target: CHF 2,439,411 (USD 1,923,019 or EUR 1,581,564);

Appeal coverage: 74.4%.

This Annual Report reflects activities implemented over a one-year period; they form part of, and are based on, longer-term, multi-year planning (refer below to access the detailed logframe documents). All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes

Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2006 - Floodwater in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary (MMA) areas is receding, as government and regional officials intensify efforts to drain the land.

During a visit to the affected communities on February 9, Head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Chabilall Ramsarup, indicated that, "the water level in the MMA creeks is steadily decreasing, as the high intensity rainfall plaguing the area over the past several weeks, has abated."

Meanwhile, Minister of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh, distributed 1,500 dry food hampers

Georgetown, GINA, February 07, 2006. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is continuing its relief efforts in the flooded Creeks of Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) even as the water is receding.

Head of the CDC, Colonel (rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup today said that occupants of the shelter at Gordon Table, Mahaicony, have indicated that they will be returning to their homes, since the water has withdrawn. The shelter is expected to be closed on Thursday February 9.

In the Mahaica Creek, the feeding programme

Georgetown, GINA, February 5, 2006. The situation in the disaster areas; Pomeroon River and the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Creeks (MMA) is improving.

Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam)Regional Chairman, of Region Two, Ali Baksh, said the water has receded completely in the Charity housing area, which was severely affected.

"The water level at the conservancy is at a fairly controllable level, there is no breaching or over topping at the conservancy, however, there is water on some farms in the upper and lower Pomeroon areas," the Chairman said.

The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 181 countries. For more information: www.ifrc.org
In Brief

Period covered: 1 June to 30 November 2005;

Appeal coverage: 66%;

Outstanding needs: CHF 689,002 (USD 532,716 or EUR 444,127).

Appeal target: CHF 2,061,935 (USD 1,594,203 or EUR 1,329,113)

Related Emergency or Annual Appeals: