Water problems

5.32.32pm GMT Thu 9th Mar 2006

Children waiting for food

Not more woe from my house but drought and famine in Africa. Much of the Horn of Africa are suffering one of the worst famines in recent memory with more than 20 million at risk. People in Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Tanzania are thought to be the worst hit.

The rain cycle in the area has decreased steadily over the last decade, and the World Food Programme is running out of food for 3.5 million Kenyans who need emergency assistance. Mr Morris of the World Food Programme said money from donors remains essential as it gives the WFP flexibility to buy locally. "We could eliminate hunger for children in Africa for £3bn," he said.

Obviously I do not need to say it but if you can spare some money any of the development or aid charities will be very grateful and will ensure it gets spent in the worst hit countries.