Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, responds rapidly to Ethiopian food crisis with announcement of €1.35 million in emergency relief

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, responds rapidly to Ethiopian food crisis with announcement of €1.35 million in emergency relief

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, today responded rapidly to the emerging food crisis in Ethiopia with the announcement of €1.35 million in humanitarian assistance. 

Figures released by the Ethiopian Government yesterday (October 22) indicate that the number of people in need of emergency food relief has risen to 6.2 million.

Commenting on the crisis, Minister Power said:

“I am deeply concerned about the increase in the number of Ethiopians facing food shortages. I know that this emergency will have a particular resonance with many Irish people, given that it is 25 years since the devastating famine of 1984 to which they responded so generously. Since then, Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, has had a very significant presence in the country.

“When I visited Ethiopia earlier this year, I was struck by how vulnerable many Ethiopians are. Millions of men, women and children live in areas where their livelihoods are dependent on weather conditions.  The failure of rains last year and again this year has placed rural families under enormous strain.  Fluctuating food prices have added to their burden. 

“The number of people needing emergency food relief rose rapidly from 4.9 million in January to 5.3 million in May.  Yesterday, the Ethiopian Government revised this figure upwards to 6.2 million. Assessments on the performance of summer rains are underway and we will monitor this situation closely.

“The emergency funding that I am announcing today will contribute to the United Nations’ Humanitarian Relief Fund.  This fund will enable non-governmental organisations and UN agencies to provide clean water, emergency food supplies and vital drugs to these vulnerable families in the critical months ahead,” Minister Power said.

Today’s announcement brings to €1.85 million the amount which the Government has provided in humanitarian funding to Ethiopia this year.

However, the Minister emphasised that in addition to this emergency humanitarian funding, Irish Aid is strongly committed to tackling the root causes of hunger and poverty in Ethiopia through our long-term aid programme.

Minister Power said:

“In addition to the 6.2 million requiring emergency humanitarian support this year, another 7.5 million people who are at risk of hunger are already being supported by Irish Aid and other donors under the Productive Safety Net Programme. This innovative programme, which is the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, provides food and cash payments in exchange for public works. 

“As well as offering the security of food and cash payments, the programme also addresses the underlying causes of food insecurity. The men and women who receive this support work on community projects to conserve soil and water and protect the environment, which ultimately builds a more sustainable future for all Ethiopians.  Irish Aid is contributing €24 million to this Programme over 2008 and 2009.

“This funding is in line with the recommendations of Ireland’s Hunger Task Force. I have designated hunger as a cornerstone of the Irish Aid programme and committed to spending 20% of our budget on combating hunger. I know the money I am announcing today will have a real impact on the lives of thousands of Ethiopians who are going to bed hungry every night,” Minister Power said.

ENDS

October 23, 2009

Notes for Editors:

The overall performance of spring rains in Ethiopia increased the number of emergency humanitarian relief beneficiaries from 4.9 million in January 2009 to 5.3 million in May 2009.  On October 22, this figure was revised upwards to 6.2 million.  Assessments on the performance of summer rains are underway.

 The  Humanitarian Relief Fund is a pooled fund which is supported by international donors and managed by the United Nations. Its principal areas of funding cover nutrition and water and sanitation projects. All non-governmental organizations can seek funding. Irish NGOs with a presence in Ethiopia include Concern, Goal, Trocaire, Christian Aid, Self-Help  and Vita.

The funding will be provided through Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, which is an integral part of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs, on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975.

ENDS+++

Press Office

23 October 2009