[allAfrica.com]  [The_Africa-America_Institute_Awards_Dinner]


WFP Runs Short of Funds, Warns of Famine

New Vision (Kampala)
NEWS
September 13, 2004
Posted to the web September 13, 2004
Kampala
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Uganda is short of US$23.8m
needed to assist 2.4 million food-insecure people in Uganda over the next seven
months, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the north, refugees
and other vulnerable groups, WFP officials said.
The required amount could, however, increase if an assessment done recently in
the northeastern Karamoja region confirms preliminary reports indicating sharp
food inadequacies in that area.
Ken Davies, the WFP Uganda Country Director, told IRIN that a preliminary
report from the region indicated that some sub-counties had suffered food
shortages and required assistance.
"If there are no rains in these areas, then we expect trouble for the people in
about five sub-counties," he said.
USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net), in a report
released this week, said continuing insecurity had severely limited livelihood
options for IDPs, widening the food gap.
"Given the food security situation both for those confined to camps and those
returning, it is important that this deficit be closed.
An extended dry spell in the drought-prone Karamoja region disrupted pasture
growth and cultivation of major staples and could result in deterioration in
the food security of the people in this area," FEWS Net noted.
WFP said 97,000 people will receive 1,700 metric tonnes of food as they go back
to their villages.

   

  =============================================================================
  Copyright © 2004 New Vision. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica
                         Global Media (allAfrica.com).
  =============================================================================