When the food crisis gets personal

We all know it to be true. The news we're feed is skewed. While news of Murdoch and the phone-hacking scandal covers the front pages, we receive mere glimpses of the food crisis in the horn of Africa. So many children are dying, particularly in Somalia (where just this week famine has been declared) that they should be on our front pages daily. This isn't a fast moving tsunami, but the effect on the countries will be just as bad, if not worse.

And our response to this crisis mirror's the media. As a collective western society we have given very little to combat this famine. Every month this year, something has demanded our response and money. With the QLD floods, the Japanese quake and tsunami and storms across America, our wallets are lighter and we're suffering compassion fatigue.

Back in '82 the world was shocked with images of black children and bloated stomachs in Ethiopia as they suffered a famine (LiveAid was one of the responses). Now, despite our easy access to images, footage and information, the response from wealthier countries and individuals, has been marginal. We're being careful, holding onto our pennies, not even willing to spend them on a rainy day.

Personally, regardless of my love for the region, my own pockets have been locked shut and the key thrown away. With a couple of sponsor children and regular donations sent to a few projects I'm connected with, I feel my altruism levels are reaching their limits.

Until it became personal.

Last year on a trip to Uganda (you can read a bit about here), I made friends with a beautiful young Ugandan women. We became fast friends and have been in contact ever since, sending regular emails and updating each other on our uni results, love lives, and our families. A few days ago I asked how they were faring with the current food crisis. Here is her response.

Hi 
My studies are still going on and soon sitting for my exams, and one more year to go.
Sincerely we are affected so much with increase in prices of food stuffs, and we are foregoing some budget by maybe eating once a day,
For example,the price of posho was 600ugshs,but is 3800ugshs,sugar was 1200ugshs,but now is 5800ugshs and it keeps on increasing everyday,
and above all,we are healthy and GOD is so merciful to us.
Thanks
God Bless You
Love you