Worsening conditions in the Sahel region of West Africa have seen malnutrition rates soar, as families struggle to find enough food to eat. Niger - the world’s poorest country - is at the centre of the crisis, with almost half the population facing food insecurity. Millions are also at risk in Chad, Mali, and Mauritania, with parts of Burkina Faso and Nigeria also affected.

In some areas people are eating wild fruits, leaves and maize meant for feeding poultry. Cattle herders, who depend on their animals for food and income, are among the worst affected as many animals have died, forcing families to travel far from their homes in search of food and pasture for their animals.

In Niger, Mali and Chad, Oxfam is distributing food, seeds and animal feed to the most vulnerable families, buying weak livestock from herders at above-market prices and making the meat available to local populations; vaccinating animals and running cash-for-work programmes. However we are currently facing a funding gap of £7 million to tackle the crisis and desperately need your doantions and support.



“We are witnessing an unfolding disaster which can be averted if we act quickly”, said Mamadou Biteye, who heads Oxfam’s work in West Africa, “the next harvests are several months away and people are already desperate. People are eating leaves and drinking dirty water. Unless we can raise money for this we will be forced to turn our backs on those most in need. That is why we are calling on the public, at a time when we know money is tight, to dig deep into their pockets to help those in the most dire need. Just a small amount will make a huge difference. For £20 you could feed a family for ten days.”

Just a small amount will make a huge difference. For £20 you could feed a family for ten days. You can donate to Oxfam’s appeal online, by calling, or texting.

Text. ‘DONATE’ to 70066 to give £5*

Click. www.oxfam.org.uk/emergencies

Call. 0300 200 1999

*SMS texts charged at your standard network rates. We will receive around 85% of your donation depending on your network provider