“Niger can either be seen as a never-ending problem, or as the frontline of the world’s commitments to put an end to the unnecessary deaths of children.” —Shawn Baker in the New York Times

For many months, dire warnings about impending famine in Niger due to failed rains have been issued. Now rains have come, but too late to save either primary food crops or secondary forage crops used to feed livestock. Almost half a million children in Niger are now estimated to be suffering from acute malnutrition.

Shawn Baker of Helen Keller International (a HarvestPlus partner in Africa) lived in Niger for nine years. He recently shared his views on the impending famine in a column in the New York Times.

We encourage our readers to share this story with their networks as the food crisis in Niger has received little attention in the US press. Action is needed now to reduce suffering and save lives.

More information:
Helen Keller International Release on Niger Crisis