Food Shortages and Hunger

debis or buckets of grain are given away to families struggling with hunger and poverty


previous relief aid and crisis management

grain giveaways during the last famine

On Friday it was brought to our attention that there is a food shortage in the surrounding villages which has been estimated to be affecting 1000 people, approximately 600 of which are children.
Children have been fainting in their classrooms at school from hunger.

This is largely due to the lack of rains last year and the consequent failure of crops. Although families now have seed to plant this year, last years harvest was so pitiful many families in the surrounding villages are now out of food. Although they have planted seed they are looking at many months before they yield their crop.

In the meantime we would love to provide assistance and oversee the support of the local churches in their efforts to sustain their flocks.

Below is an estimate of costs for maize and beans that was provided by Elisante (one of our workers and an elder in his church). Also included below is the strategy that the Joshua team will take in distributing food.

WE are hoping that with your help we can raise close to $500 to alleviate some of the hunger.

1 Debi (bucket) of maize costs 7000 tz shillings= around $7
1 debi of beans costs 25,000 tz shillings= around $25

1 sack (100 kilos) maize costs 42,000 tz shillings= $42
1 sack beans costs 150,000 tz shillings = $150

Our strategy is to involve local churches and leaders in not only identifying the poor and ministering to them but also providing an invitation and link to that church.

Elisante who is one of our long term trusted and respected workers was the person responsible for bringing this matter to our attention. He has personally been involved with helping his community from his own resources and has first hand experience of the situation. We will ask Elisante to identify churches who are also able to help alleviate the situation for the poor in their community. Churches will need to identify the poor and make a list of names with the number of people, status of the household (single parent etc.) religious background and needs.

Elisante will source the best place to buy maize and beans. We will involve the churches where possible in the distribution so that people receive a clear invitation to church as well as a swahili tract along with their debi of maize. There will be followup with the families and only 1 debi per family will be given to last a number of weeks so stop resale of the maize for booze.

Please email us at owensinafrica@gmail.com if you are able to help with this need. I know that the villagers cannot do this without our help. Many of them are fasting.... do they have a choice?

If you wish to give - please dont hesitate to email us or click on the donate button on our website. Be sure to also email us to designate your donation for the "hunger fund".

thanks

Judi