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Food crisis tightens in Malawi |
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Sunday, 02 February 2003 |
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As the food crisis tightens its grip in Malawi, Christian relief and development agency Tearfund Jan. 24 reported a worrying increase in the number of children coming onto the street in the desperate search for food and money. Starvation looms for more than three million people in Malawi, almost a third of the population, as a result of the countrys worst food crisis for decades.
"We are seeing an increasing number of children coming onto the street because of the food crisis. Theres no left food at home so they are forced onto the street to beg. For many its their only option," said Nelson Mkandawire, Executive Director of Tearfund partner Chisomo Childrens Club, based in Malawis largest city, Blantyre. "During 2002 we saw approximately 40 new children coming onto the streets every month, but in December that figure doubled," he said. |
