Why focus on Africa now?

The Open School provides basic education for infants whose families can't afford places in government schools [Gideon Mendel]

Across the continent almost 30 million people are going hungry – many are dying as a result. All can be tackled with the right kind of action

Some of Africa’s problems are caused by nature, some by man. We need your help to solve them all. Here are some examples of our work across the continent that Focus Africa will support.

Natural disaster

One of the worst food crises in living memory has left people across Africa struggling to survive. Drought and a massive locust invasion have caused record prices for basic foods, left millions battling to feed themselves and their families.

For example in Niger alone, 3.8 million people are malnourished. CAFOD is enabling trusted local partner organisations to provide food aid for 25,000 people.

Debt

In Zambia almost half the population is undernourished. Yet still it bears one of the heaviest debt burdens in the world. For every man, woman and child, the Zambian government owes around £437 to creditors.

By contrast, the average income per week is £1.87. Poor harvests and water scarcity have added to the burden. CAFOD is supporting local communities striving to improve livelihoods and reduce the country’s debt.

Conflict

Sudanese girl refugees at Farshana camp, Chad. [Fiona Callister]

Almost eight million people across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia face severe hunger after a succession of failed rains. In countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo the problem is worsened by conflict.

For example in Sudan, hundreds of thousands of people have fled attacks in the Darfur region, where 2.5 million people need food aid. CAFOD is providing shelter, water and basic cooking materials for 500,000 refugees.

Unfair trade rules

Southern Africa is trapped in a long-running emergency caused by a deadly combination of food shortages, poor social services, and HIV and AIDS.

Countries such as Mozambique are also hamstrung by unfair trade rules that mean their industries can’t compete. As jobs are lost, poverty sets in.

CAFOD is fighting for a long-term solution – fairer trade rules and protection for the livelihoods of poor farmers in Mozambique.

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What you can do to help

We are urging all parishes to support our scheme. With your time, energy and commitment, Focus Africa will meaningfully help communities fighting poverty