Oxfam warns of Mali food crisis

[Eugene]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,1271,-5185705,00.html

Oxfam warns of Mali food crisis

Press Association
Wednesday August 3, 2005 1:18 AM

More than a million people in Mali are facing a major food crisis
after rich countries failed to respond to a call for emergency funds,
Oxfam has revealed.

Just 14% of the 7.4 million dollars (£4.17 million) requested by the
World Food Programme has been received since an appeal was launched
last December, the international aid agency said.

By contrast, a request for help in neighbouring Niger, West Africa,
is now 57% funded, with more money on the way following media
coverage, Oxfam said.

Natasha Kofoworola Quist, the charity's regional director for West
Africa, warned: "Now that the media spotlight is focused on Niger,
the world has finally started responding to the crisis there.

"But this is not just about Niger. This food crisis is affecting
countries across West Africa, particularly Mali.

more...