Tanzania appeals for food aid as millions face chronic famine

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

DODOMA (AFP) — Tanzania appealed for some 100,000 tonnes of relief food to help nearly four million people threatened by famine in wake of scorching drought currently that is ravaging east African nations.

"The food shortage is acute and widespread. May I on behalf of the government of Tanzania officially request you to consider the situation and assist?" Prime Minister Edward Lowassa asked a meeting of donors in the administrative capital Dodoma.

Lowassa said an assessment done by the National Food Security Information Team (FSIT) showed some 3.7 million people were at risk of famine and needed 99,676 tonnes of relief food between February and April.

"This is alarming and needs immediate attention," said Lowassa, explaining that there were only 57,620...