Craft of Emergency Nutrition, Food Aid, and Livelihoods Evolving Amid Obstacles

by Daniel J Gerstle · 2009-12-06 22:58:00 -0500
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A recent survey supported by the UN Children's Fund and European Commission evidences a drop in global malnutrition from 15 to 12%. That is, of the sample studied. Nutrition and food economies are quite complicated, but the science of how aid tackles such issues continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Even if there are questions and nuances, this is good news.

Where aid agencies at one time simply delivered grains, they later began to distribute seeds. Where they began targeting displaced families and school children, they now also focus on protecting farmers and the production which feeds markets. There is a lot to learn, but also a lot to be proud of for people who have participated.

To track progress and learn more, the best sites include Tufts University's Feinstein International Center, the International Crisis Group, and ReliefWeb.

[Photo: Food aid in Lilongwe]

Daniel J Gerstle is a journalist, human rights researcher, and humanitarian aid consultant. He is Editor and Chief Correspondent for HELO: The Crisis Story Magazine.
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