Appeal for more aid

The UN and the Ethiopian government have appealed for more aid to address the humanitarian crisis in the country. In an addendum to their joint appeal for 2003 issued in December, they estimated that about 20 percent of Ethiopia's population was at risk due to the drought currently affecting the country. The government's Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC) and the UN noted that in addition to food, all principal sectors were in need of help including health, water, agriculture and livestock. "More than 11.3 million people require emergency food assistance totalling 1.46 million mt of food assistance," their statement said. "Another 3.1 million need close monitoring." "Despite the positive response by the donor community thus far, firm commitments are needed in both the food and non-food sectors," the statement added. "In particular, the availability and access to seeds for farmers is critical." Click here for full statement