Lack of Seeds Threathens Food Security in Gambia

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal to help Gambia's Red Cross Society respond to the food crisis in the country. Lack of seeds is the most serious aspect of the food security situation in Gambia. Without this assistance, many people will not be able to plant their fields, plunging them into another year of serious shortage.

Other disasters have shown that a prolonged food shortage and a lack of variety in the diet will have serious consequences for the nutrition status of children under 5 years of age. The operation aims to distribute food, seeds and fertilizer to more than 5,000 of the most vulnerable farmer households in six regions of Gambia. In addition, the health staff and volunteers of the Gambia Red Cross Society will conduct nutritional screening among children under five to ensure that anyone who shows signs of malnutrition receives appropriate care.

The news release is available at http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/news-stories/africa/gambia/lack-of-seeds-threatens-long-term-food-security-in-gambia-57999/.