U.N. Asks for $80 Million to Fight Hunger Crisis in Niger
The United Nations appealed Friday for $80 million to fight a food crisis threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands in this West African nation.
The appeal was made at Garin Goubli village, 20 miles south of the eastern town of Maradi during a visit by Canadian International Cooperation Minister Aileen Carroll and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Rima Salah.
“We launch an appeal for $80 million immediately to the world to help Niger,” said Michele Falavigna, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Niger.
In the last week, three U.N. agencies -- the World Food Program, UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization -- made appeals totaling $75 million for Niger. Falavigna’s appeal apparently encompassed the earlier calls.
About $25.4 million has been contributed or pledged, said Margareta Wahlstrom, a U.N. relief coordinator.
Niger is considered the second-poorest country, with 64% of its nearly 12 million inhabitants surviving on less than $1 a day.
The food crisis is blamed on drought and locusts.
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