Scottish Government confirms funding for African aid work

SCIAF has benefited from over £500,000 in funding from the Scottish Government to support both the Horn and East of Africa Emergency Appeal and the ongoing Kulima Programme

Fiona Hyslop announces the Scottish Government package for Scottish aid agencies (Photo: SCIAF)

On Wednesday 31st August Fiona Hyslop MSP attended SCIAF's head office to announce £2.2 million in funding for Scottish aid agencies. This is fantastic news given the recent crisis in the Horn and East of Africa.

Fiona told STV News "It is vitally important that as the news headlines change and the images of drought-stricken East Africa become less visible, we do all we can to help those still suffering in the region.

"This humanitarian aid will go directly to support Scottish organisations working on the ground and will ensure help is given swiftly and directly to those most in need.

"While other countries have slashed their aid budget, we have protected spending on international development. By providing aid directly to organisations working on the ground, we are making a real difference to some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people."

Fiona Hyslop views the SCIAF photo exhibition during her visit (Photo: Paul McSherry)

Vital funds

The funds are aimed not only at assisting with the ongoing emergency appeals of Scottish aid agencies, but to develop pre-existing work and increase the sustainability of projects on the ground. This will assist in fulfilling vital areas of need for beneficiaries hit hard by the recent drought and a range of other issues.

£100,000 of funding will be allocated to the ongoing humanitarian response to the drought crisis, with the total raised by SCIAF now in excess of £1 million. These funds will help provide essential items such as food, water and shelter - saving lives and helping protect livelihoods.

Furthermore, in excess of £430,000 will be used for the Kulima Sustainable Rural Food Security Programme in Zambia, Malawi and Burundi. The programme is aimed at supporting the food security and household income of small scale farmers by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

These practices have helped farmers adapt to the impact of climate change through projects such as Kassisi Agricultural Training College, which you may be familiar with if you have followed our Photo Friday series in recent weeks.

Lorraine Currie, SCIAF’s head of international programmes, said:

“SCIAF is working to help many of the most vulnerable people in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.

“The money received today from the Scottish Government will help to save lives and increase people’s resilience against future droughts. Around 108,000 people in Kenya will receive direct help. Emergency food and cash distribution will target those in most acute need. Livestock unlikely to survive will be bought from poor farmers to provide them with money to buy essentials.”

If you would like to support SCIAF's ongoing The Horn and East of Africa Emergency Appeal you can give online or by calling 0141 354 5555 today. Thank you for all your generous support which has helped the appeal raise over £1million.

SCIAF

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund

Scottish Government confirms funding for African aid work