March 31, 2003
Aid agencies warn Ethiopian famine coming
___By Adelle Banks
___Religion News Service
___WASHINGTON (RNS)--Religious relief and aid organizations warned March 18 that Ethiopia is again on the brink of famine and called for greater funding and attention for the African country and its neighbors.
___"More people are affected by this food shortage than in 1984, when 1 million lives were lost," said Ken Hackett, executive director of Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services, who appeared at a news conference with executives of Lutheran World Relief and Africare.
___The call for increased funding follows a March 11-15 trip to Ethiopia by a delegation including representatives of Catholic Relief Services, Lutheran World Relief and Africare. They have asked members of Congress to support $350 million in additional food and non-food aid from the U.S. government for Ethiopia and other countries affected by drought.
___"The aid pipeline is not secure," said Kathryn Wolford, president of the Baltimore-based Lutheran World Relief. "Food reserves will be depleted by April, and pledges of food beyond mid-year are uncertain."
___Officials of the groups said their concerns extend beyond the need for emergency aid.
___While the U.S. government allocated $200 million for emergency assistance to the country last year, $4 million was contributed for development assistance, they said.
___"This proportion has to be reversed," said Julius Coles, president of Washington-based Africare, one of the largest African-American organizations specializing in African aid.
___The previous season's lack of rain has prevented irrigation of crops in Ethiopia and prompted the loss of many farmers' harvests. The natural factors have been exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic that has struck the continent.
___When famine hit Ethiopia in the mid-1980s, it prompted worldwide interest and response, from musical campaigns to other fund-raising efforts.
___But the conflict with Iraq has focused attention elsewhere this time around.
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