Emergency Response

Published: Monday, August 8, 2005

The Western African country of Niger is currently experiencing a serious food insecurity situation that international media have begun to cover. An estimated 3.6 million people out of a population of 12 million are affected by food insecurity, with 2.5 million identified as being extremely vulnerable and requiring food assistance. The causes of the food shortages are complex and include environmental and socio-economic factors. To learn more about the scope, causes, and solutions to the current crisis we recommend this article by the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

While the United Church does not have partners in Niger and therefore has no regular linkages with the country, we are naturally concerned about situations of serious food insecurity wherever in the world they occur, and we are committed to responding to them in a manner that is appropriate and within our means. Action by Churches Together (ACT International), of which the United Church is a member, has issued an appeal for Niger. The United Church has made a modest contribution from its limited Emergency Response Budget. In addition, we are liaising with members of ACT and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to explore other possible responses that might enable the United Church to make a more substantial contribution to help mitigate the crisis in Niger. More information will be posted to the website once these discussions have concluded.

For more information contact:

Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Fax: 416-231-3103
E-mail: Gary Kenny