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West African Crisis
Below is the message received from the RIBI International Committee Disaster Response co-ordinator.
The situation in West Africa is similar to Sudan/ Dafur, where direct Rotary to Rotary assistance is not really feasible. The biggest need is food and medical supplies, so Aquabox/Shelterbox are not a priority item in this case, though that situation may change. So if clubs wish to assist, then the recommended route is via the DEC appeal.
This is not an "official" RIBI appeal, but clearly given the scale of the problem many clubs may wish to assist. My recommendation is that you/we do so via collections from the public, and remit the funds to the Disaster Appeal (DEC) which can be done to me, as set out below, and I can ensure the monies will go into the DEC appeal straight away. I am actually away on holiday from Friday 5th August to Sunday 21st, but any mail that comes into my work address will be opened and cheques banked.
I have recently had details of a West Africa Projects Fair, that any Rotary clubs/Rotarians who are interested in developing projects in the West Africa region are welcome to attend and I shall circulate fuller details of that separately.
Please can this message be passed to both Club presidents and Club International Chairs. This note follows on from our DG's note to Club presidents sent out earlier today.
Thank you.
Clive Hawkins
D1100 International Chair, Wednesday, August 3
RIBI International Service Committee 2005/06
URGENT NEWSBRIEF
West Africa Food Crisis
To all District International Chairpersons
You will no doubt, have been following the reports of the last week, on the very serious situation that has been developing in the countries of West Africa. The fact that this has now come to our notice is due mainly to the media coverage that has built up over recent weeks. Regrettably this situation was known, and expected last November, but donor governments throughout the world ignored the United Nations calls to provide finance, until very recently. The World Food Programme required finance to provide and distribute the food to the countries affected, which is now happening.
The situation that now exists is that a major food shortage is affecting almost 8 million people in the Niger, Mali, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso areas of Western Africa, known as the Sahel. Thousands upon thousands of children are severely malnourished, many having died already. This crisis has been developing since last August, following a massive locust invasion that swept the drought prone area, during the growing season. This destroyed the harvest, and the combination of this, and a severe drought, left the populations of these 4 poor countries with little food.
Niger (Pop. 12 million) is the worst affected of the 4 countries, is the second poorest country in the world, with 60% of the population existing on less than US$1 per day. This is the worst food security crisis in Niger since 1984, and the many years of particularly severe economic hardship has reduced the people's capacity to cope with crisis situations. This current crisis is particularly bad for rural communities. Some 3.6 million people are affected, and are suffering from severe hunger. Mali (Pop. Approx. 11million) in comparison, is not as badly affected as Niger, however 20% of the population is seriously affected by the food shortage, and the crisis is reaching an alarming stage in this country. Animal carcasses litter the hardest hit areas. Mauritania (Pop. Approx 3 million) where 750,000 people are affected, this being almost 26% of the population. This country suffered severe drought for the three years prior to 2004, when the rains came this was followed by the worst invasion of locusts in 20 years. This invasion infested every corner of Mauritania's agricultural zone, eating their way through the cereal and other crops, which were the lifeblood of the rural poor. The World Food Programme indicates that 6 out of 10 families in this agro-pastoral zone will have little to eat in 2005. In Burkina Faso for similar reasons, 500,00 of a population of more than 13 million are left vulnerable, and severely affected.
The Disaster Emergency Committee in the UK, comprising 13 major Aid Agencies making up the membership, decided to launch an appeal in the UK during the weekend. This Appeal was officially launched yesterday 1 August, where the Appeal is calling for £8 million, as this countries contribution to the supply of foodstuffs for the countries affected. The member Agencies have been working hard for some time on the ground in the Sahel region, but need finances to continue their work
We are aware that there is genuine concern within RIBI, and many clubs will wish to support this Appeal. However we are all well aware that the magnificent Tsunami fundraising has drained club finances, but as always we know that clubs within RIBI will rise to the challenge, so thank you in advance of your donations
Cheques should be made payable to the 'West Africa Crisis Appeal' and should be sent to the following address:
Rotarian Clive Hawkins
West Africa Crisis Appeal
British Red Cross
Bradbury House
83 Tower Road North
WARMLEY
South Glos.
BS30 8XP
During the duration of this Appeal all of the major Aid Agencies will withhold their own individual appeals, until the DEC declare that their UK wide appeal has come to an end. This will likely be in two months time, according to the DEC Chief Executive, who was interviewed by the media yesterday.
Iain (Young)
RIBI Disaster Response Coordinator
RIBI International Committee 2005/06
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