US gives Ethiopia more than $121 million in food-related aid amid E. African drought

US gives Ethiopia more than $121 million in food-related aid amid E. African drought

By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, October 4, 6:23 PM

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — A top U.S. aid official says the U.S. will donate more than $121 million to Ethiopia to fight food insecurity amid a drought in the East African nation.

USAID director Raj Shah said Tuesday during a visit to Ethiopia’s capital that the U.S. will provide $110 million to a program that will benefit 1.5 million people. He says another $10 million will be spent on a nutrition program and $1.2 million given in loans to encourage farmers.


More than 4.5 million Ethiopians need food assistance. East Africa’s drought has developed into a famine in neighboring Somalia. The U.N. says 750,000 people are in danger of dying over the next few months. The U.N. estimates tens of thousands have died already.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/us-gives-ethiopia-more-than-121-million-in-food-related-aid-amid-e-african-drought/2011/10/04/gIQA5uSDLL_story.html