Much of Southern Africa has experienced
well-below average rainfall this season, causing crops to wither after
a similarly poor production year in 2001-2002. The drought, exacerbated
by depleted reserves and high maize prices, has already forced hundreds
of thousands of people throughout the region to rely on food aid for survival.
The food insecurity is most acute in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe,
although Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland are also affected. According
to the UN World Food Program, Some 2.6 million people across the region
are currently suffering from food shortages, and that number is expected
to rise sharply in the months ahead. Humanitarian agencies are providing
immediate food aid and other assistance aimed at improving long-term food
security.
The InterAction members listed at the
following link are accepting contributions for assistance that they or
their affiliates are providing to those affected by the famine. The
list is updated on a regular basis.
InterAction has also developed guidelines on the most appropriate ways to help those affected by overseas disasters: www.interaction.org/disaster/guide.html
Press Contact: Shanta M. Bryant, 202-667-8227 x115; sbryant@interaction.org
InterAction is a coalition of more than 160 US-based private relief, international development and refugee assistance organizations. InterAction members have agreed to abide by a set of standards to ensure accountability to donors, professional competence and quality of service.