Aid Agencies

MRDF launches Africa food crisis appeal

MRDF has launched an emergency appeal fund to support people facing drought and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa.

The crisis is currently most severe in east Africa, where communities are experiencing the worst drought for 60 years. More than 10 million people are thought to be affected across the region, with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia hardest hit. Two successive failed rainy seasons have meant lost harvests and the decimation of livestock. Soaring food prices have exacerbated the situation, leaving many people hungry and unable to meet their basic needs.

Donations to MRDF’s appeal will provide life-saving supplies of food and water to those in need across the region. Working through MRDF’s emergency partner network, the ACT Alliance, support will be targeted at the most vulnerable groups, in particular children, the elderly and nursing mothers.

The appeal will also aid relief efforts in the Dadaab refugee camp on the Somalia Kenya border, which is experiencing a massive increase in the number of new arrivals each day as people leave their homes in search of food.

In addition to meeting immediate needs, the appeal will support projects which aim to provide vulnerable communities across sub-Saharan Africa with food security in the longer term. These include a food crisis fund for Mali, which faces chronic and recurring food shortages. Through the fund, MRDF’s local partners will be able to provide seed banks, water pumps, and training in vegetable growing as well as food relief to those in need.

Donations will also support an MRDF project in western Kenya which is introducing drought-resistant crops and new farming techniques to a famine-prone area.

“Urgent action is needed to prevent this crisis from becoming a famine,” said Kirsty Smith, MRDF’s Director. “Donations to our appeal fund will help us to meet people’s immediate needs and crucially also ensure that long-term issues are addressed as well. As the situation develops we will continue to work in conjunction with partners and churches in the region to identify and respond to the highest priorities.”

Click the link below to donate securely online now, selecting 'AFC - Africa Food Crisis' in the Additional details box on the donation form.