U.S. Government Responds to Ethiopia's Urgent Seed Needs
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
(202) 712-4320
2003-055
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2003
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to a devastating seed shortfall in Ethiopia, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing more than $7.3 million in agricultural assistance. Due to ongoing drought conditions an estimated 12.6 million Ethiopians are currently in dire need of food assistance and an additional 3.1 million people require close monitoring. The countrywide seed deficit is likely to exacerbate Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis by disrupting the upcoming agricultural season and food production.
To prevent further deterioration of the situation, USAID committed $3.3 million to non-governmental organizations for emergency seed distributions to farmers. In addition, USAID will contribute $4 million to the government of Ethiopia to begin immediate delivery of seeds for cereals and pulses.
With only a few weeks left in the planting season, a rapid response to seed needs by the international donor community is critical. "The U.S. Government is committed to meeting the emergency needs of the people of the Horn of Africa. These seeds can help Ethiopians prepare for the next harvest so that they will no longer be dependent on outside assistance," said USAID Administrator Andrew S. Natsios.
For more information on the humanitarian crisis in Africa, click here.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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