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Hunger in the news

A daily selection of news reports from the world's media dealing with hunger and responses to it.
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Hunger in the news
17 December 2012

UN seeks $8.5bn for emergency aid worldwide in 2013

The United Nations on Friday appealed for $8.5 billion to help some 51 million people engulfed in 16 major crises around the world during 2013, not including the civil war in Syria. (..) In 2013, the three countries set to receive the largest chunks of the pot are Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, which suffered severe underfunding of aid projects this year.
AFP/DAWN
Hunger in the news
14 December 2012

Global burden of disease: the key data

Life expectancy in most countries has increased by around 10 years over the past four decades – but huge discrepancies remain between the richest and poorest nations, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. The study, published in the Lancet, has taken more than five years and involves 486 authors in 50 countries.
The Guardian
Hunger in the news
14 December 2012

Syrian humanitarian disaster looms as internal refugees face bread shortages

After 21 months of war, at least two million Syrians have been forced to leave their homes. Hundreds of thousands have fled abroad, where they live in dire conditions. But most are displaced inside Syria – camping in tents, sharing overcrowded rooms with relatives, renting private flats, or squatting in shivering school buildings. (..) The cardinal problem is bread – Syria's most important food staple. There is not enough to go round.
The Guardian
Hunger in the news
14 December 2012

UN emergency fund gains $384 million in pledges

United Nations member states pledged $384 million on Tuesday to an emergency fund that will allow the world body to respond quickly to natural disasters and other crises in 2013, U.N. aid chief Valerie Amos said. The U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which was created so cash could be given out quickly after a disaster without aid agencies having to wait for donations to roll in, has raised more than $2.8 billion since it was launched in 2006.
Reuters/AlertNet
Hunger in the news
14 December 2012

Saudi Arabia's generosity vital in saving millions of lives, UN official says on visit

The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today paid tribute to the generosity of Saudi Arabia in helping the agency fight hunger and meet the food needs of millions of people. “Our partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has helped save millions of lives worldwide across decades of collaboration,” said WFP's Executive Director, Ertharin Cousin, as she wrapped up a two-day visit to the Kingdom.
UN News Centre
Hunger in the news
13 December 2012

Food: How to feed the future

Scientists anticipate there will be nine billion people in the world to feed by 2050. As this number rises, so will the earth’s temperature, which is expected to increase four degrees Celsius by the end of the century, wreaking havoc on the world’s food production. Agriculturalists, scientists, businessmen, lobbyists and policymakers convened in London’s Chatham House this week to debate how to feed the planet’s growing population without degrading the earth’s resources - if such a thing is even possible.
IRIN
Climate Change
13 December 2012

The Farming Forecast Calls for Change

No matter which continent, farmers have always been at the mercy of rainfall and temperature. (..) Another round of international negotiations on climate change wrapped up in Doha, Qatar, last week without a major consensus on emissions. (..) Strikingly, though, there was a lack of consensus on addressing agricultural adaptation. (..) Many governments are not waiting for an international consensus before taking action.
The New York Times
Purchase for Progress
13 December 2012

To End Hunger in Africa, We Must Put Women at the Center of Agricultural Growth

Realizing the productive potential of women is essential, as gender inequality is both a significant cause and an effect of hunger. (..) With projects like Purchase for Progress (P4P), a five-year pilot, WFP works with partners to reduce barriers faced by rural women. (..) We must rise to the challenge presented by high, volatile food prices and turn it into an opportunity for the continent of Africa and, most important, for its women.
Forbes
Hunger in the news
12 December 2012

Helping people is always complicated – in families, welfare and in war

Working in war is not easy and never has been. (..) Humanitarian workers know this, and have to manage the powerful forces around them as best they can. To do this, they espouse the principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence. But these principles are frequently overpowered in practice by restrictions on humanitarian agency movements and the manipulation of aid by warring parties. (..) The challenge for this growing international humanitarian network is to diversify successfully and improve the way it delivers aid and protection.
The Guardian
Hunger in the news
12 December 2012

UN: Millions in Somalia Need Aid

The U.N. says millions of people in Somalia still require humanitarian aid, despite advances against al-Shabab militants. A new funding appeal has been launched to address the country’s immediate needs and build resilience against future shocks, such as droughts, floods or further conflict. (..) A three year strategy has been launched called the Somalia Consolidated Appeal Plan. It asks for $1.3 billion for the first year.
VOA News