May 15, 2008, Montreal- Development and Peace is working with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to send $500,000 to partner Caritas Zambia following extensive flooding in the country. The project will provide direct assistance to 24,000 Zambians by distributing locally bought food and providing seeds, fertilizer, equipment and training to local farmers.
A very heavy rainy season from December to January has destroyed crops, livestock and homes, affecting nearly half a million Zambians. This situation was recently compounded by the global food crisis, as the cost of basic goods in Zambia has increased by at least 50% in the last four months.
"We are very pleased to work with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, as this initiative allows us to increase our contribution to our partners' crucial work" says Gilio Brunelli, Director of International Programs at Development and Peace.
"This is particularly important in the present context of the global food crisis, which will continue to affect populations around the world for a long time."
Development and Peace joined the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in 2007. Since 1983, Canadians have been donating grain or money to the CFGB, which uses these in food aid and food security projects, coordinated jointly with one of its 15 member organizations.
For over forty years, Development and Peace has supported hundreds of partners in the South, working to achieve food sovereignty through land redistribution, rural development and other economic empowerment projects. It has also asked the Canadian government to pressure the World Trade Organisation and other members of the international community to adopt more pro-poor policies.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Eleonore Fournier-Tombs
514 257-8710 , ext. 307
eleonore.fournier@devp.org
