West African Food Crisis

What’s happening? West Africa is facing a humanitarian disaster. That’s 9 nations, or more than 18 million men, women and children, who are at risk of not having enough food.

5 out of those 9 nations most affected have declared a state of emergency and called on the international community for help. They are in the Sahel region.

Where is the Sahel region?

Number of people affected across the Sahel Niger million (35% of population) Mali - 3 million (20% of population) Burkina Faso million (10% of population) Chad million (14% of population) Source: UNOCHA, 2012

Why did it happen? Severe drought Poor harvests Rising food prices …all these reasons caused the food crisis in the Sahel, West Africa.

But it is not just that simple... This 2012 food crisis is particularly severe because people in the region have not yet recovered from food crises in and 2010.

Also, ongoing fighting in Mali means that many refugees are fleeing into neighbouring countries, increasing pressure on already limited food supplies.

No one knows how long this will last!

Real people behind the statistics What does it mean for them?

Mintou’s story (Niger)

There are some times when the children hold me and say ‘Grandma, we need to eat.’ I don’t have anything. Even when the rain starts falling, it will take another three months before the harvest. I have seven months in the darkness. I am afraid of the future. Mintou, carer of her five grandchildren

Caritas is suppling food, water and seeds in Niger to help people like Mintou and her five grandchildren.

Hamani and Ramatu’s story (Niger) The 2011 drought left Hamani and Ramatu with no produce and they were forced to sell their animals.

We used to have goats and sheep. But this year the situation is very difficult. I was really unhappy to sell them all. Now I have no animals left. I don’t have anything left to sell. Hamani

Ramatu hopes to have enough food to support her family. We have already had some support from CADEV [Caritas Niger]. But now we are in a very difficult situation where we need a lot of support. We have trust in CADEV because we know what CADEV says, they do. Ramatu Harouna

But life goes on and people continue to hope

Caritas' response: Caritas has been working across the West African region for many years. Caritas Australia has already pledged $300,000 to programs in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Short-term response We are helping people's immediate needs by: providing essential food and water treating people for malnutrition

Long-term response For example, through: training in agriculture preventing waterborne diseases and malaria future planning for flooding and droughts

Before, during and after the headlines we are committed to helping West African communities in need.

Through your support, we are doing a lot […]. All I’m asking is for you not to give up. […] I really thank you and thank you. St Augustine Health Centre Worker

Walk the journey with us – bring hope to West Africa Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all. Emily Dickinson ‘Hope is the Thing with Feathers’

Credits Slide gif Slide ODPAGE1_wideweb__470x249,0.jpg Slide All other images Nick Harrop/CAFOD (Caritas UK)

The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development