Conflict in Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen has resulted in over 20 million people facing severe hunger. In parts of north-central South Sudan, famine has been declared. This is the first famine that has been declared since 2011, when a quarter of a million people died during a famine in Somalia.

Since last July South Sudan has been overwhelmed by conflict. Hunger caused by drought is difficult enough, but conflict is making the problem even worse. Outbreaks of violence mean it is often unsafe for farmers to work in their fields, leaving farmers with limited options to meet their family’s food needs.

Over a million South Sudanese have been displaced, having fled their homes in search of safety. In an unfamiliar territory, surrounded by violence, few families are able to find enough food to eat. For some, malnutrition is a risk, but for others starvation is an ever-present fear.

Many have fled to northern Uganda and World Renew is providing assistance to these Sudanese refugees. You can read more about this response here.

In Nigeria, World Renew is already responding to the food security needs.

In partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and ZOA, World Renew is providing 5,250 individuals with cash transfers for five months. This cash is being given to the most vulnerable families – those who have been displaced by conflict, and those who were already living in extreme poverty. Families will be able to use the cash to purchase what they need most – food.  With nearly half a million children at risk of famine in Nigeria, the scale of the need is massive and support is needed to continue this response.

Through World Renew’s membership at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the hungry are being fed all over the world.  Thanks to the support of the Canadian government, your gift to World Renew is eligible for up to a 4:1 match.   This past year, World Renew’s programs with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank provided over $7 million in funding to projects across 13 countries, helping over 200,000 people!

Your donation enables World Renew to impact as many lives as possible.  Please support our response to hunger on CFGB Sunday, to reach out to the hungry wherever they may be.

 

Image: South Sudanese refugees in Northern Uganda. | Photo by Natalia Jidovanu