Biotech Updates

FAO Calls for Action to Arrest Famine in Africa

August 12, 2011

Famine is spreading in the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that immediate action is needed. FAO says that longer term measures designed to build greater resilience to drought and climate change are needed. These include the development of drought-resistant seeds, the improvement of dryland crop and livestock production systems, development of irrigation infrastructure, improved storage and more effective water and pasture management.

FAO reports that in Somalia, 3.7 million people are in crisis, with 3.2 million people in need of immediate assistance. It is calling for assistance to implement short and long term interventions.

View the FAO media release at http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/86457/icode/