Panafrican News Agency

Burkina Faso: Government lays out plan to stave off famine in Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - Facing the possibility of famine hitting several areas of Burkina Faso, the country's Ministry of Agriculture has set up a response plan to food insecurity with an outlay of 22 billion CFA Francs, official sources said on Monday.

"With the support of our technical and financial partners, we have established a response plan to food and nutritional insecurity for vulnerable families estimated this year," said Agriculture minister Jacob Ouédraogo.

Marking the International Food Day, Mr Ouédraogo said that the government would provide food handouts to the needy, while his ministry undertakes improvement of irrigation schemes and takes action to rehabilitate farmlands.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to work for a world free from hunger and malnutrition.

The 37th World Food Day was celebrated on Monday with emphasis on investing in food security and rural development.

-0- PANA NDT/IS/MSA/AR 16Oct2017