Norway provides emergency relief to famine victims in Africa

The Horn of Africa has again been hit by famine and drought. Norway has allocated NOK 50 million in emergency relief to the people living in the region, reported the Norwegian Government today.

The allocation will be channelled through the UN, the Red Cross and other NGOs, and will be used to meet immediate needs.

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, commented: “It is vital to focus more closely on political solutions for this region. Horn of Africa receives 40% of all international food aid. We must intensify efforts to increase food security in this densely populated part of the world.”

A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Director General Geir O. Pedersen, has assessed the humanitarian needs in the region.

Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim pointed out that emergency relief alone is not enough. “Kenya used to be able to sell food to its neighbours. Now these countries are dependent on food aid. This is a result of factors such as conflict, climate change and inefficient agricultural methods.”

Norway is one of the largest donors to the Horn of Africa, particularly in terms of emergency relief. This year we are providing aid amounting to NOK 200 million to Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia. In addition, Norway is the world’s fourth largest contributor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which is also providing funding for the region.