Ethiopian Famine - Worst is Yet to Come!

Although rain is bringing relief to some parts of Ethiopia, which is experiencing its worst drought in 50 years, one tenth of the population will require food aid this year. "We have not seen the worst yet," said John Graham, country director for Save the Children, who expects a deepning crisis if international aid is not received. Less than half of the $1.4 million requested by the Ethiopian government and United Nations has been pledged. The government says its expenditures on food assistance to date totals $380 million with another $109 million committed for an order that is on route from Australia. The government points to the climatic effects of El Niño (see AllAfrica interview with the Prime Minister) but Urgessa Tura writing the Addis Standard asks why does Ethiopia remain one world's most food-insecure countries despite rapid economic growth in recent years.