Here is another issue that has crossed my path and deserves attention. Niger, a country in the Northwest corner of Africa, has experienced the worst hunger crisis in their history. At least half the population, around 7.3 million people are in need of food. 17% of children or one in five are acutely malnourished. Check the BBC for the statistics on this. According to the World Food Programme, 59.5 % of the population lives below the poverty line. The poverty line or standard of poverty threshold is roughly $1 dollar a day according to the World Bank.
Just for a little background on Niger, it is a small landlocked country which 80% of which is covered by the Sahara desert. In 1960, the gained independence from France only to experience 5 constitutions and three periods of absolute military country. This coupled with extensive drought, poor education, and poor health care have made it an at risk nation. Crop failure due to this drought and famine have caught the attention of many nonprofits and even the government has been reaching out to overseas countries for help.
Keep this country in your prayers and if you are able to donate money, WFP is giving aid to the people of Niger, especially the children.
