UN Warns Of Risk Of Mass Starvation In Four Countries

DW: UN: Risk of mass starvation rising rapidly in parts of east Africa, Nigeria and Yemen

An additional one million people are on the brink of famine in South Sudan, the UN says, as 20 million people in countries hit by poor harvests and conflict risk starvation. Aid pledges are well below targets.

The UN refugee agency on Tuesday warned the risk that millions of people could starve to death in South Sudan and Somalia and neighboring countries, as well as in Yemen and Nigeria, was growing.

Drought, failed harvests and ongoing conflicts have meant that food insecurity and acute malnutrition rates were rising in areas where 20 million people live, UNHCR said.

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More News On The UN Warning Of Risk Of Mass Starvation In Four Countries

UNHCR says death risk from starvation in Horn of Africa, Yemen, Nigeria growing, displacement already rising -- UNHCR
Risk of mass starvation rising rapidly in Africa, Yemen - U.N. -- Reuters
Risk of ‘mass’ starvation in four African countries, warns UN -- AFP
UN agency warns of risk of mass starvation in Africa, Yemen -- AP
Africa and Yemen face mass starvation and drought, UN refugee agency warns -- The Independent
Starvation stalks Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen -- Al Jazeera
Mass starvation threatens the lives of 20 million people in the Horn of Africa, U.N. warns -- VICE News

Africa Sahel Region Now Facing A 'Desperate Food Crisis'

UN Launches New Plan to Tackle Chronic Hunger in Sahel -- Voice of America

GENEVA — The United Nations has announced a new three-year action plan to tackle chronic hunger in Africa’s Sahel region. The U.N. is appealing for $2 billion to provide humanitarian assistance for 20 million people across the region in 2014.

More people than ever are at risk in the Sahel, according to the U.N. It says the number of people lacking access to food this year is almost twice as many as in 2013. And, of the 20 million people suffering food shortages, it says 2.5 million are in urgent need of life-saving assistance.

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More News On The Food Crisis In The African Sahel Region

Africa Sahel belt region faces 'desperate food crisis' -- BBC
UN seeks $2 billion in international aid for Africa’s Sahel region -- UN News Centre
UN shifts approach to help Sahel’s 20 million hungry -- IRIN
UN wants $2 bn to fight Sahel hunger -- AFP
U.N. seeks $2 billion for Sahel, fears donor fatigue -- Chicago Tribune/Reuters
UN seeks $2 billion to combat Sahel hunger -- AP

The Causes Of Africa's Food Riots

West African Rice Farmer

From The Washington Times:

Food prices have skyrocketed internationally. In my own Nigeria, rice has epitomized the crisis after doubling in price since last year.

Riots around the world over food supplies are prompting panicked governments to find solutions to stem the crisis. Whether they will bring about an abundance of food is debatable.

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My Comment: Zimbabwe is not the only country that has destroyed its farm and food sector. Much of Africa is doing the same thing, but in a less forceful manner. Food .... or the lack of it .... is one of the many means that dictatorial or corrupt countries use in controlling their populations. Mugabe controls his population through intimidation, murder, and giving food to those who support him or who promise to remain neutral. In Africa and in the rest of the world the focus is on him, but he is one of many African tyrants or corrupt societies that are now successfully pursuing this policy.