(2001-57) News Release
Ottawa - Maria Minna, Canada's Minister for International Cooperation, today announced that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is committing up to $4 million over three years to help alleviate hunger in Eritrea.
"This is another step in Canada's long-term commitment to help Eritrea and other vulnerable countries meet the basic human needs of their citizens," Minister Minna said.
The funds will be provided to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help the Eritrean Grain Board improve its ability to meet the demands of the Eritrean population. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank will also help upgrade the Board's grain storage capacity, information systems and staff training.
Since 1995, CIDA has provided $2.7 million to help the Eritrean Grain Board upgrade its operations by building warehouses, supplying truck scales, grain storage equipment, computer hardware and software and training. CIDA has also invested more than $350 million in the Horn of Africa - predominantly in support of food and water security initiatives, health programs and education.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2000 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
Information:
Jennifer Wesanko
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation
Telephone: 819 953-3160
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819 953-6534
E-Mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca