Hunger Crisis In Niger

The United Nations is asking the world to help millions of hungry people in the African country
The leader of the United Nations (U.N.) is asking the world for help. This week, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan visited the West African country of Niger. He is hoping to draw attention to the poor desert nation, where about 3.6 million people are hungry.
"I appeal on the international community to provide immediate assistance ?which is saving hundreds of lives everyday," Annan said while visiting Niamey, the capital of Niger.
During his two-day trip, Annan met with Niger President Mamadou Tandja to talk about the crisis. Tandja has been criticized for doing too little, too late to help prevent a food shortage.
Food Emergency
One third of Niger뭩 population is hungry, according to the U.N. About 800,000 young children suffer from malnutrition. Another 1.6 million people in the neighboring countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania are also hungry. Annan said the area뭩 food shortage could get worse if more help does not come soon.
How did the food shortage happen? Last year, very little rain fell in the desert nation, causing a drought that destroyed crops. A locust invasion destroyed even more crops across West Africa. The failed harvests slowly reduced Niger뭩 food supply.
Last November, the U.N. warned of a possible food shortage in Niger. The warnings were mostly ignored and the problem got worse. Now, the U.N. is asking world leaders and others for $75 million to help the people of Niger. So far, Niger has received $40 million.
Help and Hope
Aid groups have traveled to Niger to deliver food and medical help to its poorest areas. The groups are focused on making sure people have enough food until Niger뭩 October harvest. The good news: This year's rains have been a big improvement over last year. Aid groups hope a healthy rain season will deliver a plentiful harvest in the fall.
Fast Facts: Niger
Population: 11.7 million
Capital: Niamey
Area: 489,000 square miles (slightly less than twice the size of Texas)
Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty
Major languages: French (official), Hausa
Major religions: Muslim (80%); indigenous beliefs and Christian
(Source: CIA, The World Factbook)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.Who is the UN secretary General who visited the West African Country of Niger?
2.How many millions of people are hungry?
3.What was the appeal of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan?
4.Who is the president of Niger?
5.How did the food shortage happen?
6.As a kid, how do you think you can help the people from Niger fight malnutrition?