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Dire Warnings on the Humanitarian Crisis in Sahel
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is sounding the alarm on a worsening crisis in the sahel. Also, on top of all this a locust infestation is expected to affect 50 million people. “With the first rains, planting activities for the ongoing food production campaign in the Sahel region have started. But despite improved water availability and significant food assistance targeting 18.7 million people, the most vulnerable households are continuing to sell their livelihoods assets, including their livestock, eroding further their capacity to cope with this crisis. The food security and nutrition situation of vulnerable families is likely to worsen during the lean period from June to September which had an early start this year. Crops won’t be harvested yet and food reserves are exhausted. High grain prices, especially in the Central Basin, are an aggravating factor. In August, according to WFP, humanitarian assistance will be the main means of survival for many. The programme, which has supported over six million people since January, is appealing for urgent contributions of US$115 million to address pipeline shortfalls for the next three months.Underfunding is also threatening the ability to support domestic animal production and agricultural activities, notably preparations for the next production campaign from October to December, with FAO’s financial requirements of US$ 112 million only 24 per cent funded.” (OCHA –PDF http://bit.ly/P8S0rY)