New York, Apr 5 2010 2:10PM
United Nations aid agencies and their partners in Niger today appealed for an additional $132.9 million to fund humanitarian programmes in the West African country, which is facing a severe food crisis following poor harvests caused by inadequate rainfall last year.
Food shortages and malnutrition have affected an estimated 4.7 million people, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) reported in a revised emergency humanitarian action plan prepared to support the Government's efforts to quickly mobilize additional funds.
A total of $190.7 million is required, but $57.8 million of that amount is already available, leaving a deficit of $132.9 million. Requirements could, however, increase when the findings of a comprehensive humanitarian survey scheduled for later this month are released, OCHA added.
In line with the national authorities' priorities, the humanitarian country team in Niger has prioritized food security and nutritional aid, and support in health, water, sanitation, hygiene and logistics, according to OCHA.
Inadequate or poor distribution of rainfall has caused large deficits in Niger's agricultural and fodder production. Poor harvests have created a cereals deficit of more than 410,000 metric tons, while fodder shortfalls have been estimated at more than 16 million metric tons or 67 per cent of the national livestock needs. Many water sources have also dried up, adding to the hardship pastoralists are facing.
National authorities in Niger have said the country is facing a "critical state of food insecurity" and last month appealed for international assistance.
Apr 5 2010 2:10PM
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