The Netherlands has given two million euros
to the World Food Programme to relieve the famine in Niger. Niger is one
of the poorest countries in Africa, and every year it is faced with food
shortages. This year, the situation is worse than usual. After months of
drought, the harvest is likely to be very poor. And last year's harvest
was largely destroyed by a plague of locusts, so there are very few reserves.
But it isn't just a matter of giving
food aid. It is equally important to seek ways of preventing famine. Disasters
like the plague of locusts must be averted at the earliest possible stage.
The Netherlands is therefore going to study ways of preventing plagues
of locusts occurring in the future. The study will start in September.
For more information, contact press officer Judith Maas at +31 (0)70 348 6576.