The growing problem of hunger

Most of SCIAF’s Partners in the troubled Great Lakes region are working on peacebuilding and access to justice. But I am concerned about the food security situation in the area.

Less than 20% of people in Burundi have enough to eat and almost 50% are suffering from chronic hunger. Despite a gradual return to peace in the country, many people are still struggling to grow enough to eat. Burundi is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries and farmland is a precious commodity. Even during harvest season, households often spend up to 60% of their income on food.

In the DRC, poverty is endemic. Conflict has kept people from their fields. Now, despite the lush climate, around 30% of the country’s food is imported and a third of the population do not have enough to eat. In Rwanda, lack of food security poses a threat to the country’s recovery. Around 28% of families do not have enough to eat, a further 24% are at risk of hunger and one in four children is underweight.

I spoke to all the partners about this burning problem and together we will do something in the coming days.