Drought leaves hundreds of thousands in desperate need of food across Central America, warns Red Cross Red Crescent
20 September 2001

Nearly 700,000 people in four Central America countries are facing a critical shortage of food after three consecutive years of drought, says the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In response, the International Federation has launched an preliminary appeal for 3.5 million Swiss francs to help 57,000 people across the region.

An estimated 1.5 million people in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador have been affected by the drought which has killed subsistence crops of beans and maize. The lack of rainfall has come on top of other crises such as a plunge in coffee prices, resulting in unemployment as plantations are forced to shut down.

The drought is the worst disaster to befall the countries since Hurricane Mitch ravaged the region three years ago. "Several factors such as unemployment, poverty and low coffee prices make this crisis complicated, it is not only a matter of a shortage of food. The way we respond to this silent disaster has to address these core issues," says Leon Prop, head of the Federation's regional delegation in Guatemala.

An integral plan of action in the four countries will include the distribution of food parcels containing maize, beans and oil - the staple diet in the region - to the 57,000 people over a period of three months. In addition, seeds, fertilizers and farm tools will also be provided in time for the next sowing season. Simultaneously, technical advice will be given on how best to use the fertilizers, seeds and on crop diversification. Affected families will also receive a small sum of money to buy essential goods in a bid to kickstart the local economy, suppressed by the effects of long term unemployment and poverty.

Poorest communities in the region will also be targeted in an attempt to improve their health situation. With the drought severely affecting people's access to food, special attention will be paid to malnutrition and anemia cases. Red Cross health teams will also assist with public education campaigns on nutrition, hygiene and the proper use of water.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Xavier Castellanos, Information Delegate Tel: +504 990 85 53

Geneva
Eva M. Calvo, Information Officer Tel: +41 22 730 4357 / +41 79 217 3372
Jemini Pandya, Information Officer Tel.: +41 22 730 4570 / +41 79 217 3374

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.