West Africa Food Crisis- Canadian Red Cross

West Africa Food Crisis

An estimated 10 million people in the Sahel Region (which includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal) are facing severe food shortages. Erratic rainfall, droughts and insect infestations have led to poor harvests and are leaving already vulnerable groups including mothers and children at risk of severe malnutrition.

Immediate action is needed to mitigate the risks and to support communities before the situation becomes too advanced. Unless immediate action is taken, over one million children under the age of five are likely to suffer from severe acute malnutrition; up to one third of these children are likely to be in Niger alone.

The Red Cross has a strong presence in West Africa and is actively scaling up operations to meet the urgent needs of affected communities. Activities include providing food assistance, feed for livestock, seeds and tools for farmers, irrigation for crops and health services.

The Canadian Red Cross has had a strong presence in West Africa since 2004 and has reached millions of people with vital health programming. The Canadian Red Cross is committed to continuing to support communities in the region and has both emergency stock and personnel currently on standby if needed.

Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway are encouraged to contribute by

Donating online
Calling 1-800-418-1111
By contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "West Africa Food Crisis" and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2

West Africa Food Crisis

Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway are encouraged to contribute by

Posted: February 2, 2012