Kenyan humanitarian crisis not over, agencies warn

08/02/2008

THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION welcomes possible resolution, but needs remain.Toronto, ON (February 8, 2008) - While there are hopeful indications of a possible resolution to the recent conflict in Kenya, four of Canada's leading relief organizations are warning that the effects of the violence and displacement will continue as Kenyans work to rebuild their lives.

The Humanitarian Coalition, comprised of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada, applaud peace efforts in the nation, but warn that food shortages will continue. Families without livelihood support have been forced to consume their seeds intended for planting. The crisis in Kenya has meant that hundreds of thousands of hectares of farms in the fertile Rift Valley will not be harvested, producing serious food shortages for Kenyans who are living precariously in temporary camps and shelters. It is estimated that more than 20 per cent of the maize crop, a staple for children and adults, has been left behind as families fled from their farms. Making matters worse, farmers, who must plant fields in the next two weeks to ensure a harvest to provide food in the future, are facing serious shortages of seed. The disruption of harvesting and planting cycles will require significant donor support for food and livelihood programs, as a shortfall of corn production appears across the country and food prices rise out of reach of the poor. "Within days of the outbreak of violence, the cost of maize meal in Nairobi slums had increased by 50 per cent and in Kisumu slums up to 300 per cent," said CARE International's Mohammed Qazilbash. Four of Canada's leading relief organizations will continue to coordinate a fundraising appeal to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Kenya, which has already affected more than 500,000 people. Through a single toll-free number, Canadian donations will be allocated where they are needed most. The four agencies have spokespeople available in Kenya and in Canada for interviews on the emergency response. Photos from Kenya are also available. - 30 - Canadians are asked to donate to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION by calling 1-800-464-9154, logging onto http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca, or by mailing donations to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, P.O. Box 1221, Station K, Toronto, ON, M4P 3E4. For background on the mission and current programs run by the four agencies, please visit http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca Media Contact: Media Contact: Andrea Lanthier-Seymour, Media Relations Tel: 613.228.5678, Cell: 613.799.7562,