Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to communities in Burundi affected by famine. According to recent reports, famine conditions are affecting 15 of the country’s 17 provinces, mostly in the northern and eastern part of the country. Food is needed for an estimated 2.5 million people. Irregularities in rain have caused a prolonged drought which has led to crop failure and the depletion of livestock. The drought is spreading across much of east and central Africa, leaving millions vulnerable to starvation.

“The Church is assisting dioceses as they seek to respond to the crisis,” said the Rev. Pascal Bigirimana, Provincial Secretary for the Anglican Church of Burundi. “Interventions include providing life-saving distributions that will address the immediate food needs of the worst affected communities and seeds for the next agricultural seasons, if rains come,” said Mr. Bigirimana.

Episcopal Relief and Development is supplying emergency assistance to aid the dioceses hardest hit by drought in the Anglican Church of Burundi. The assistance will provide households with food supplies such as beans, maize, rice, oil, salt, four, and sugar. “As part of a longer-term response, ERD is also supplying seeds, beans, fertilizer, and water cans to provide a harvest,” said Janis Rosheuvel, ERD’s Program Associate for Africa.

To make a contribution to help people affected by this crisis, donate to the Africa Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, Africa Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.