Help hunger Myanmar cyclone

Despite its impressive agricultural potential, Myanmar’s extraordinarily diverse population suffers from pronounced food insecurity. Its history is plagued with a poor economy and devastating natural disasters that have resulted in rampant underdevelopment and poverty. Most recently, in early May, 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck the nation and directly and drastically affected nearly 13 million people.

The destruction caused by Nargis is particularly evident in the border areas of Myanmar, where a large proportion of the inhabitants are of minority ethnic groups. Minorities in Myanmar are subject to especially harsh regulations by the government, and face dramatic obstacles to both trade and movement. Many families lost all of their farming assets in the cyclone, along with their houses and food stores – and are thus without any of the capital necessary to purchase seeds, agricultural tools, or livestock.

WFP immediately intervened with emergency assistance following Nargis, and its efforts have been ongoing. After providing emergency rations, WFP began implementing programs to build on community assets for future growth and to prevent the nutritional weakening of the already struggling population. To continue its operations, and to expand the reach of mother/child health, school meals, food for work, and food for training programs, WFP needs your help. With the assistance of generous individuals like you, WFP will be able to help the millions of families trying to rebuild their lives after the destruction of Nargis. Thank you for your support!

Pictures:

• A young beneficiary in Myanmar (JPG)