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While this evolving crisis has not often made headline news, the Canadian Red Cross has been actively responding, having sent delegates and financial support to Red Cross food security operations in Mali, Mauritania and Senegal. In Mali, Red Cross programs are addressing one of the root causes of the food security problem through the distribution of high quality seeds. These seeds, along with other agricultural tools, will give the most vulnerable communities the tools to feed themselves. This will allow local communities and populations displaced by insecurity to become stronger and more resilient to future crises. "Mali is faced with multiple challenges this year; a drought which led to a food crisis, compounded by an armed rebellion and a coup," says Stephane Michaud, former Sahel food crisis operations manager for the Red Cross in Mali. The success of the Red Cross always lies in its dedicated volunteers. Thousands of local Red Cross volunteers across West Africa are mobilizing to help their communities. "The strength of the Red Cross in Mali is its network of over 5,000 dedicated and experienced volunteers covering every district of the country. The volunteers work tirelessly to identify the needs and capacities of every community and to organize well running distributions, often to the beat of traditional music," adds Michaud. To help alleviate the effects of the West Africa food crisis, donate here.
Posted: October 16, 2012 / Updated: October 24, 2012 |
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