Niger + 3 more
Food crisis is affecting more than Niger
On visiting Concern's work in three African countries; Eritrea, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Tom said. "I return with mixed emotions. I am always humbled by the resilience of the very poor people with whom Concern works. On this occasion however I also return with deep foreboding about the gathering food crisis in Africa."
Tom continued, "The terrible scenes of starving children in Niger have touched our hearts and but the sad reality is that Niger is just one of about 15 African countries facing major food problems over the coming months. We estimate that the lives and livelihoods of 30 million people are at risk."
The reasons for the crisis are complex. They include drought, grinding poverty, conflict, bad governance and HIV/AIDS. There are no quick fixes or easy answers. Concern is working in almost all of the countries facing the food crisis. Concern are feeding the hungry - as in Niger, Sudan and Ethiopia and tackling the root causes of hunger through improving education, health and agriculture and providing water.
Tom would like to explain how hunger impacts on people's lives, with women and children frequently the main victims and discuss how to identify what can and must be done if the problem is to be solved.