Bewket Abebe is a senior journalist and Tv producer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Buried Alive: Nature’s Wrath Adds to Lengthy Casualty List

25 Jul 2024  |  The Reporter Magazine  |  English  |  Ethiopia

A devastating landslide in Kencho Shacha Gozdi, Ethiopia, resulted in over 260 fatalities and displaced thousands. The disaster highlighted the region's vulnerability to natural hazards, exacerbated by geological conditions and human activities. Experts had previously warned of high landslide risks in the area, but comprehensive mitigation measures were lacking. The international community responded swiftly, with various organizations participating in relief efforts. The tragedy underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and risk assessment in Ethiopia, a country prone to landslides due to its mountainous terrain.

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World Vision World Health Organization World Food Programme Disaster Risk Management Commission Ethiopian Geological Survey Arba Minch University Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs United Nations Children’s Fund International Organization for Migration United Nations Population Fund

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Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

Devex Pro Insider: COP29 chaos, and Skoll dreams of Mars colonization

18 Nov 2024  |  Devex  |  English  |  Trump Administration

The article discusses the chaotic developments at the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan, highlighting the withdrawal of Argentina and the absence of France due to political tensions. It also covers the political appointments made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, including Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, amidst concerns over potential U.N. funding cuts. The piece touches on Jeff Skoll's shift in political stance, DAI's successful Afghan relocation efforts, and leadership changes within various organizations. The article provides insights into the broader implications of these events on global climate and political dynamics.

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World Food Programme United Nations USAID DAI Skoll Foundation UNICEF

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Alessandra Bajec is a journalist based in Cairo since 2013. From 2010 to 2011, she lived Palestine where she made her first steps as a freelance journalist. She has experience in writing for print, online media along with some radio experience. Her work has appeared in UN's IRIN, Russia Today's rt....

Rising floods and droughts in Sudan leave millions in crisis

26 Nov 2024  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

South Sudan faces severe climate challenges with rising floods and droughts affecting millions. The floods have displaced hundreds of thousands, destroyed crops, and damaged infrastructure, exacerbating food insecurity and health risks. Experts highlight the need for mitigation strategies, including community engagement and infrastructure development, to address these climate shocks. The situation is compounded by economic stagnation, disease outbreaks, and conflict, with the international community urged to take action.

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World Food Programme UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs International Crisis Group Sudd Environment Agency

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Elizabeth Bryant is a journalist based in Paris, France.

We can still turn the tide against hunger and famine in Sudan

14 Aug 2024  |  ReliefWeb  |  English  |  Conflict in Sudan

The World Food Programme (WFP) is intensifying its efforts to combat hunger and famine in Sudan, targeting 3 million people with food and cash support amid ongoing conflict. The WFP's operations are challenged by the need for humanitarian access and funding, with US$459 million required to support up to 8.4 million people by year-end. Famine has been confirmed in the Zamzam camp, marking a significant crisis in Sudan, which is now the world's largest displacement crisis. The conflict has severely impacted food production and markets, exacerbating food insecurity. The WFP's efforts are supported by various international donors, emphasizing the need for global attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis.

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World Food Programme United Nations

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Custódio Persidónio Cossa, is a journalist based in Maputo, Mozambique. With over four years of experience in Journalism, focusing on politics, economics and society, for radio, TV, online press and Print.
Worked for Radio Voz Coop, Plenária TV, Inforclassificados Newspaper and Mozambique News ...

Nearly 800,000 Mozambicans May Face Hunger in the Coming Months

02 Nov 2024  |  aimnews.org  |  Portuguese  |  Climate Change

At least 773,000 Mozambicans are projected to face food insecurity over the next five months due to violent extremism in Cabo Delgado and increased frequency of extreme weather events, exacerbated by La Niña. The withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Military Mission has led to a deterioration in peace and security, resulting in over 160,000 displacements. FAO's Director-General Qu Dongyu describes the situation as catastrophic, while WFP's Executive Director Cindy McCain calls for diplomatic solutions and safe humanitarian assistance. Mozambique is listed among high-concern countries alongside Chad, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen.

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World Food Programme FAO SAMIM

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I am a writer. Recent subjects have included a short story about a hunt for unique gestures amid the sad repetitions of stock photography, an essay about money and migration in Juba, South Sudan, and a grammar of redacted documents. 

Currently, I am a 2014 UNESCO Laureate Artist in Creative ...

Taxonomies of Hunger

24 Sept 2024  |  newleftreview.org  |  English  |  Economics

The article discusses the increasing hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa, exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and economic collapse. It highlights the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the fragility of import-reliant economies. The text critiques the international humanitarian system's approach to famine, noting the historical use of famine as a war tactic and the visual grammar associated with famine appeals. The article also examines the economic transformations that have left African states vulnerable to global market fluctuations.

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World Food Programme Clingendael Institute UN

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Valentina Di Donato is a journalist based in Rome, Italy. From pasta to politics: I Often write and talk about the Vatican, Italian politics, the migrant crisis, culture, and tourism.

How Access To Food For Survivors Of Genocide Is The First Step To Dignity

05 Jul 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Refugee Camps

In the Cox's Bazar refugee camp, Rohingya survivors of the Myanmar genocide strive for dignity through economic agency, facilitated by the World Food Program's initiatives. Despite facing ongoing threats such as kidnappings and abuse, the refugees find solace in work and community. The United States has declared the oppression of Rohingya as genocide and continues to provide aid, though donor fatigue poses challenges. The article highlights the resilience of the Rohingya people amidst adversity, emphasizing the need for sustained international support and local economic integration.

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World Food Program Human Rights Watch United States UNDP

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Lucía Domínguez is a journalist based in Pontevedra, Spain.

From reactive to proactive: the untapped potential for anticipatory action in small and medium NGOs

25 Sept 2024  |  Bond | The international development network  |  English  |  Non-Governmental Organizations

Anticipatory action (AA) is highlighted as a proactive crisis response method that can significantly reduce the impact of predictable disasters. The article discusses the successful implementation of AA by the local NGO Prottyashi in Bangladesh, in partnership with World Jewish Relief, during Cyclone Mocha. It emphasizes the importance of using both hard and soft triggers, incorporating local knowledge, and building capacity among stakeholders. Recommendations for small-to-medium-sized NGOs include establishing community committees, leveraging existing resources, and creating pre-agreed plans. The article underscores the potential of AA to improve humanitarian operations and future resiliency.

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World Food Programme World Jewish Relief Prottyashi START Network London School of Economics IFRC

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I'm a multimedia journalist based in Barcelona, Spain, with over 4 years of experience in article writing, in-depth research, live broadcasting, and video production. I write and produce content on a variety of topics ranging from politics and international affairs to popular culture and women's ...

Traditional weather forecasting is slow and expensive. AI could help.

03 Jan 2025  |  grist.org  |  English  |  Climate Change

AI is revolutionizing weather forecasting by providing faster and more accurate predictions compared to traditional methods. As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, AI-driven tools, developed by organizations like Google and Oxford University, offer significant advantages in predicting and preparing for such occurrences. These models, which can run on laptops, are particularly beneficial for regions like Kenya, where traditional forecasting resources are limited. Despite challenges like energy consumption, AI models are proving to be more efficient and cost-effective, with potential for widespread adoption through cross-sector collaborations.

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World Food Programme Kenya Meteorological Department Oxford University European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts NSF AI Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography

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Kim Harrisberg is a multimedia journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

She won the Vodacom Online Journalist of the Year award in 2015 for her multimedia storytelling piece on domestic worker's salaries in South Africa.

She is skilled in journalistic writing, videography, audio editing ...

Which Southern African Countries Are Battling Drought Disasters

17 Feb 2025  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Food Insecurity

Southern Africa is experiencing severe drought conditions exacerbated by El Niño, affecting countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Lesotho. Millions face food insecurity, with humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme calling for significant funding to address the crisis. The drought has led to crop failures, malnutrition, and economic challenges, with potential flooding risks from the impending La Niña phenomenon. Each country faces unique challenges, from Zimbabwe's recurring droughts to Malawi's cyclone impacts, Zambia's economic strain, Lesotho's funding shortfalls, and Namibia's malnutrition crisis.

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Integrated Food Security Phase Classification World Food Programme Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee International Monetary Fund International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

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Hereward is a freelance multi-media journalist covering South-East Asia from his base in Yangon, Myanmar. 

He previously worked as a correspondent for Reuters for six years across East, Central and West Africa.

Bioherbicide helps lift Kenya’s witchweed curse on farmers

30 Oct 2024  |  www.timeslive.co.za  |  English  |  Witchweed

Catherine Wanjala, a farmer in Kenya, significantly increased her maize yield by using Kichawi Kill, a bioherbicide developed by Toothpick, to combat witchweed. The World Food Programme supports trials to expand its use across Sub-Saharan Africa. The bioherbicide, made from a naturally occurring fungus, offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. It has already benefited over 12,000 farmers and is pending regulatory approval in several African countries. The development aligns with global efforts to reduce pesticide use, as discussed at the UN biodiversity summit.

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World Food Programme UN biodiversity summit

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Scovian Lillian is a freelancer writer and a Communications  professional with six years of experience in Journalism and a year of experience in Public Relations based in Nairobi Kenya. She is passionate about Science, Health and Agribusiness and environment. With experience in Journalism and ...

From lab to land: Real research should impact end users

15 Oct 2024  |  www.universityworldnews.com  |  English  |  Agricultural Innovation

Professor Jane Ambuko's research focuses on reducing food loss and waste (FLW) in Kenya, particularly in the horticultural sector. Her work emphasizes transitioning innovative solutions from the lab to practical applications for end users, such as farmers and processors. Key innovations include low-cost cold storage and drying technologies, supported by organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation and the World Food Programme. Ambuko highlights the importance of addressing FLW for sustainable food systems, climate change mitigation, and food security. She advocates for education and training to improve postharvest practices and calls for a multidisciplinary approach to tackle FLW challenges.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations World Food Programme National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation University of Nairobi Rockefeller Foundation

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

How Years of Government Failures Caused a Flood ‘Worse Than Boko Haram’

27 Oct 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Climate Change

A catastrophic flood in Maiduguri, Nigeria, caused by the collapse of the Alau dam, has been attributed to years of government negligence and mismanagement. Despite repeated warnings from engineers and local residents about the dam's deteriorating condition, officials failed to take corrective action. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with up to 1,000 people killed and nearly half a million displaced. The flood has exacerbated existing challenges in the region, including food and water shortages, and has drawn attention to the need for urgent maintenance of over 300 other dams in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with promises of future action to prevent similar disasters.

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United Nations World Food Program Nigerian Government Chad Basin Development Agency

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Experienced and an established international freelance journalist with an office in Malawi's commercial capital Blantyre. I do radio,  print and TV stories with 21 years of practical experience in journalism.  I am an accredited stringer for the Voice of America, a correspondent for the Africa ...

UN food program helps fight rising cases of malnutrition in Malawi

07 Oct 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Food Insecurity

The World Food Program (WFP) is actively addressing the rising malnutrition crisis in Malawi, exacerbated by severe droughts and natural disasters. The WFP is providing supplementary feeding and emergency food distribution to affected populations, particularly targeting vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. The drought has severely impacted crop production, leaving millions without food. Health experts report increased malnutrition rates, with significant numbers of children experiencing stunted growth. The WFP, alongside Malawi's government, is working to mitigate the crisis, emphasizing the need for a shift from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture to ensure long-term food security.

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World Food Program Ministry of Health Department of Disaster Management Affairs

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Aster Misganaw is a journalist based in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. She currently works for the Voice of America, Horn of Africa Service. She mostly reports in Ethiopian official language Amharic. Aster has been with the Voice of America since 2018. Before joining VOA, she was an award-winning journalist ...

Ethiopian military boosts operations in Amhara region

03 Oct 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Human Rights Violations

The Ethiopian military has intensified operations against Fano rebel groups in the Amhara region, citing the need for forceful measures as peace efforts have failed. Amnesty International has accused the Ethiopian army of mass arbitrary detentions, urging an end to such practices. The conflict has exacerbated humanitarian challenges, with the World Food Program facing significant security risks in delivering aid. Kidnappings have surged, linked to the ongoing political and security crisis, involving various actors with differing motives.

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World Food Program Ethiopian National Defense Force Amnesty International Ethiopian Human Rights Commission

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Lovejoy Sebastian Mutongwiza is an award-winning photojournalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. (****)

Zimbabwe's Indigenous Grains Make a Comeback Amid Climate Challenges

13 Nov 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Food Security

Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence in the cultivation of indigenous grains like millet and sorghum as smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. These grains, overshadowed by maize due to colonial influence, are proving essential in combating food insecurity exacerbated by climate variability. The 'My Food is African' campaign and support from organizations like the World Food Programme are driving this shift. Farmers like Tendai Munyoro and Josephine Moyo are leading the way, with increased cultivation and economic benefits. Despite challenges such as seed access and cultural perceptions, the movement towards agroecology is seen as a sustainable solution for the future.

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World Food Programme Ministry of Agriculture VSO Zimbabwe

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Tonny Onyulo is a freelance print and broadcast journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He reports across Africa. He has worked for both local and international media, including Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), County Newspaper in Nairobi, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, USA Today, ...

Church-linked groups are helping South Sudanese refugees live like locals in Uganda

07 Oct 2024  |  Episcopal News Service  |  English  |  Humanitarian Aid

Church-linked organizations are playing a crucial role in aiding South Sudanese refugees in Uganda, helping them integrate into local communities and become self-reliant. Finn Church Aid and the Salesians of Don Bosco are providing vocational training, education, and farming resources, enabling refugees to start businesses and support their families. These initiatives are reducing dependency on aid and improving livelihoods, with many refugees achieving independence. The programs also offer spiritual and psychosocial support, contributing to the overall well-being of the refugee community.

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World Food Program Finn Church Aid UNHCR Salesians of Don Bosco

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Freelance journalist- Charles Pensulo lives in Blantyre, Malawi, focusing on issues related to climate change, food security, human rights, global development and governance. His work has been published by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the Guardian Global Development Professional Network, and the ...

How Ukrainian Grain Helps Alleviate Hunger in Malawi After El Niño

10 Jan 2025  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Climate Change

The Ukrainian Grain initiative, launched by President Volodymyr Zelensky in collaboration with the World Food Programme and other countries, has provided significant relief to Malawi, which has been severely affected by drought due to El Niño. The program delivered 19,200 metric tons of grain to Malawi, aiding 863,000 people. Despite this relief, ongoing drought and pest issues threaten future harvests, prompting local leaders to explore alternative crops. The initiative highlights international cooperation in addressing food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical events.

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World Food Programme Government of Ukraine Department of Disaster Management Affairs of Malawi

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Tanbirul Miraj Ripon is a Bangladeshi independent journalist and film producer who has worked with AFP, The Economist, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, CNN, The New Humanitarian, NBC, EPA, and at least five others.
 
He regularly covers Rohingya Refugees, Conflict, Politics, Human Rights, ...

Myanmar’s military junta accused of using hunger as a ‘weapon’ by blocking vital food aid

23 Aug 2024  |  www.cnn.com  |  English  |  Military Junta

Myanmar's military junta is accused of using hunger as a weapon by blocking vital food aid in Rakhine state, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid ongoing civil war. The junta's restrictions on aid deliveries, including road and waterway blockades, have left many civilians in dire need, with reports of starvation and inflated prices for basic goods. The Arakan Army, an ethnic minority rebel group, controls significant territory in Rakhine, further complicating aid efforts. Despite international attempts to mediate, the situation remains critical, with millions requiring urgent assistance.

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World Food Programme Myanmar’s military junta United Nations Arakan Army Human Rights Watch

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LISA SCHLEIN is a freelance journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland.  My reporting is largely centered around United Nations activities, including human rights, humanitarian (refugee and migration) issues, international political events, health, environment and development with a focus on Africa.  
...

Africa: Conflict, Climate Change Increase Hunger and Malnutrition Across Africa

16 Oct 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Conflict

Despite global food production being sufficient, hunger and malnutrition persist due to conflict, climate change, and economic challenges. The UN and humanitarian organizations highlight severe food shortages and malnutrition in Africa, particularly in regions like Lake Chad and Southern Africa. UNICEF and the World Food Program appeal for international support to address the crisis, with millions at risk of severe malnutrition and food insecurity. The situation is exacerbated by climate events like droughts, impacting millions of lives and requiring urgent international intervention.

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World Food Program Food and Agriculture Organization United Nations UNICEF International Committee of the Red Cross

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SAM WAKHAKHA is a journalist based in Kampala, Uganda with interest and passion in the science research, health, agriculture and science beats. I hold a bachelor of mass communication degree from Uganda Christian University, having graduated in 2009 I have 13 years' experience in covering these ...

What next after successful HIV injectable research?

31 Jul 2024  |  www.newvision.co.ug  |  English  |  Medical Research

The article discusses the promising results of a study on lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, which showed 100% effectiveness in preventing infection among young women in South Africa and Uganda. The study, sponsored by Gilead Sciences, is awaiting further results from a similar study on men. Stakeholders, including UNAIDS and the Desmond Tutu HIV Center, emphasize the need for the drug to be affordable and accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The drug's approval process involves the FDA and WHO, with potential availability in two years. The article highlights the importance of sensitization and adherence to PrEP to reduce new HIV infections.

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United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS World Health Organisation Food and Drug Administration Desmond Tutu HIV Center Preventive Care International

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