Six of Ireland’s international aid charities have teamed up to respond to the coronavirus pandemic in the developing world, with a focus on keeping markets and supply chains open for farmers.
The agencies have combined forces to form the Irish Emergency Alliance, which will jointly raise money from the Irish public.
The money will be used to support countries which are already struggling to cope with the impact of conflict, displacement, widespread poverty and poor health care.
Combined effort
Although many African countries exempted agricultural production from the lockdowns that were imposed to control coronavirus, issues have arisen, including:
Transport costs went up in some instances as hauliers seized an opportunity to earn more. Food scarcities occurred as a result of stockpiling and panic buying.Scarcities also occurred as small-scale farmers were fearful about going to towns and trading posts to sell their produce.In western Kenya, Self Help Africa has provided over 2,000 masks to the farming community.
The appeal will focus on vulnerable communities in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. The Irish Emergency Alliance is made up of ActionAid, Christian Aid, Plan International, Self Help Africa, Tearfund and World Vision.
Further poverty
For people living in refugee camps or slums it has been described as nearly impossible to practice physical distancing, while a lack of soap and water in many homes makes it harder to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Chair of the Irish Emergency Alliance Helen Keogh said: “In countries without the safety net of furlough schemes, many who lost their jobs during the pandemic are now struggling to feed their families.
“What is clear is that some of the world’s poorest people are being pushed even further into poverty and disruptions to farming and supply chains risk severe food shortages.”
To donate, call 1 800 939 979, text IEA to 50300 to give €4, or click here.
Read more
1,200 calves wanted for north African markets
Irish agri food companies wanted for African development programme
East African farmers facing crop devastation
Six of Ireland’s international aid charities have teamed up to respond to the coronavirus pandemic in the developing world, with a focus on keeping markets and supply chains open for farmers.
The agencies have combined forces to form the Irish Emergency Alliance, which will jointly raise money from the Irish public.
The money will be used to support countries which are already struggling to cope with the impact of conflict, displacement, widespread poverty and poor health care.
Combined effort
Although many African countries exempted agricultural production from the lockdowns that were imposed to control coronavirus, issues have arisen, including:
Transport costs went up in some instances as hauliers seized an opportunity to earn more. Food scarcities occurred as a result of stockpiling and panic buying.Scarcities also occurred as small-scale farmers were fearful about going to towns and trading posts to sell their produce.In western Kenya, Self Help Africa has provided over 2,000 masks to the farming community.
The appeal will focus on vulnerable communities in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. The Irish Emergency Alliance is made up of ActionAid, Christian Aid, Plan International, Self Help Africa, Tearfund and World Vision.
Further poverty
For people living in refugee camps or slums it has been described as nearly impossible to practice physical distancing, while a lack of soap and water in many homes makes it harder to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Chair of the Irish Emergency Alliance Helen Keogh said: “In countries without the safety net of furlough schemes, many who lost their jobs during the pandemic are now struggling to feed their families.
“What is clear is that some of the world’s poorest people are being pushed even further into poverty and disruptions to farming and supply chains risk severe food shortages.”
To donate, call 1 800 939 979, text IEA to 50300 to give €4, or click here.
Read more
1,200 calves wanted for north African markets
Irish agri food companies wanted for African development programme
East African farmers facing crop devastation
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