Oxfam Alerts West Africa Of Food Crisis

Oxfam Alerts West Africa Of Food Crisis

Oxfam America has warned of an impending food crisis in the West African region.

Mr. Ray Offenheiser, the President of the organisation, said in Lagos , southwest, Nigeria , at the end of his inspection of Oxfam programmes in the region that the warning was based on the fact that many countries in the region still practised rigid agricultural systems that were not diversified.

“One of the things we have been concerned about has been food security all over the world and many countries in  West Africa are vulnerable. There is the potential for another food crisis similar to what we had in 2008 as we are beginning to see tensions around the world regarding food security,” he said.

Price volatility

He said that Oxfam America was working together with local organisations in the region to develop solutions to the problem.

The president said that the organisation was also considering initiating a programme that would deal with food price volatility.

''The programme would also be strategic enough to address perceived policy deficiencies as well as assist farmers.'' Offenheiser said.

Oxfam recalled that severe food shortages hit the Sahel region of West Africa in 2009 with 7.1 million people affected in Niger alone.

Diversity

Wendy Sherman, the Chairman of Oxfam America , had stressed the need to help the people diversify their agricultural practices.

This is with a view to enhancing their income and reinforcing their resilience against the vagaries of climate change.

NAN/Margaret/Yinka