Red Cross responds to food shortages in the Sahel region

Topics: Africa
October 24, 2012

Red Cross responds to food shortages in the Sahel region

In countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Niger and the Gambia in the Sahel region of Africa, short and infrequent bouts of rain have turned the once-verdant pastures into dry, barren fields.

For families in the Sahel region, many of whom rely on cultivating their land and livestock to survive, these conditions have led to a major crisis. As food prices soar and conflict rages in areas like northern Mali, many poverty-stricken households have been forced to sell their goods, livestock and even homes in an effort to feed their loved ones and shelter them from the worst effects of the drought.

Many more have gone in search of food and work elsewhere, weakening communities and causing families to break apart.

The Canadian Red Cross' response
As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the Canadian Red Cross is a leader worldwide in helping improve the lives of those in need through innovative programs and community-based initiatives.

By lending valuable support to the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and National Societies in Mali, Senegal and Mauritania through the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), the Canadian Red Cross has helped many people in the Sahel region who have been impacted by food insecurity gain crucial aid and address the underlying causes for the crisis.

The Red Cross in Sahel
More than 18 million people in the Sahel region have been affected by food shortages. The resources that the Canadian Red Cross has provided, which include deploying six delegates to the region to date and strong personnel support to Red Cross operations, have helped affected communities gain much-needed tools, including agricultural equipment and high-quality seeds, which will allow them to better prepare for the future and become more resilient.

By the end of 2012, the ICRC will have provided food for 360,000 people in northern Mali and 60,000 people displaced in Mopti, Mali, bought livestock from 15,000 people, enabling them to buy urgently-needed items and delivered medicine and other supplies to health facilities. In addition, the ICRC has provided fuel for the pumps that supply water to 60,000 in Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu, Mali, provided emergency aid for the injured, displaced persons and refugees in Niger and visited detainees to ensure they are treated according to the laws intended to protect them. The Red Cross is one of the few humanitarian organizations operating in areas controlled by armed groups, making its contributions significant throughout the region.

The IFRC is focused on meeting both the immediate and long term recovery needs of those in the Sahel region through seven emergency appeals, which have been launched in response to the food crisis. The IFRC has launched appeals in Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia, Burkina Faso and Chad, as well as two Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) operations for population movements in Mauritania and Burkina Faso. These operations by the IFRC aim to improve the lives of close to one million people. 

Observing World Food Day
Celebrated internationally on October 16, World Food Day is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the plight of hunger and food insecurity that many communities struggle with daily. By strengthening international solidarity and encouraging economic and agricultural cooperatives, the event strives to eliminate malnutrition, food shortages and poverty worldwide.

The humanitarian spirit that this event was founded on inspires more than just solidarity - it's also a call to action. With its lifesaving world health programs, the Canadian Red Cross channels the spirit of this great event by empowering vulnerable communities and providing those in need with access to food and other essential services.

With the generous support of Canadians like you, the Red Cross can continue its remarkable work internationally. To make a difference today, please donate online or visit your local Red Cross office today!

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