A reminder

Another guest blog - this time from TREE AID's website - just so you know your money is really making a difference, and is needed. This isn't about planting a few trees - it's about saving lives.

"A second food crisis is unfolding in Africa, in the Sahel, that should start hitting the headlines in spring next year.
Why spring 2012? The answer lies in the remarkably predictable onset of food crisis, starting with an event such as drought or pest infestation, then a poor harvest leading to a grain shortfall. After this, remaining food stocks are run-down, and people turn to short-term coping strategies. For those in rural areas, this includes selling-off weakened livestock; as poor quality animals flood the market, their price plummets whilst the cost of food continues to rise, shifting the terms of trade against the rural poor. At this point, people migrate to cities in search of food or employment, depressing wages and competing for food in urban areas too.  The crisis peaks when food stocks are fully depleted and all there is to do is wait for the next harvest or hope for assistance. In the Sahel, this ‘hunger gap’ usually runs from April to August. Right now, countries in the region are facing significant grain shortfalls following poor harvests due to erratic rains and pest attacks*.
These are the early warning signs of a disaster. The TREE AID West Africa staff are already reporting devastating effects to crop yields.  And famine is fast becoming a very real threat to those just out of TREE AID’s reach.  But the situation can be avoided – if we act now.
Ongoing problems of food insecurity and climate change require long-term solutions.  Trees enable people to both meet their immediate food needs – and store tree foods for use when food becomes scarce.   Today trees are providing a safety net for those families that are working with us.
This year, despite low rainfall, the villagers in our project areas have avoided the crisis seen in other parts of the region.  There’s now a huge demand for TREE AID experience and expertise.
We desperately need your help to extend our programmes and help another 10,000 people by the end of 2012."

We really can help people avoid famine - it's so easy

Please donate what you can today

*To read the full article highlighting the crisis by Rob Bailey, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Development Programme click here