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Catholic development agencies say World Food Summit must tackle hunger with just and sustainable solutions

by Caritas Internationalis | Caritas Internationalis
Thursday, 12 November 2009 02:59 GMT

* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Caritas has launched an emergency appeal for Senegal, the latest in the confederation's response to the food crisis unfolding across West Africa's Sahel belt. Over 12 million people are at risk of food shortages across the region, with Caritas humanitarian programmes launched in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal. Caritas Senegal is appealing for â&${esc.hash}130;¬950,000 to reinforce food safety net measures and run feeding programmes for rural communities. More than 125,000 people will benefit from the Caritas Senegal programme, which includes the distribution of food, supplemental feeding for new mothers and children from Church dispensaries. Caritas Senegal President Fr Ambroise Tine said, "The situation is grave. "We are still waiting for the government to respond to the needs of those people threatened by the food crisis. The upcoming second round of presidential elections is delaying the necessary action. "We will see the crisis get worse in the months to come, unless steps are taken. We hope the government will intervene, but Caritas and the poorest cannot wait. We must respond now." The appeal also covers helping small scale farming and women with support to their small businesses. Caritas hopes to strengthen household and communities so they can cope better with drought and shortages of food in the medium and long term. Please contact Ryan Worms on: +39 06 698 797 57 or Mobile : +39 335 823 4233 or worms@caritas.va
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