Focus on getting resources to the poor, particularly for women and children, welcomed by CARE
ATLANTA (July 10, 2009) - The Obama administration's announcement of $20 billion in agricultural assistance for poor farmers is a tremendous start to helping families and countries feed themselves, according to CARE experts. Of critical importance to the success of the program is making sure that assistance reaches the poorest of the poor, often women and girls.
"CARE's work in the field demonstrates the need to ensure that assistance reaches those most vulnerable to chronic hunger, the poorest of the poor. This initiative sets us on the path to do that," said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE USA. "We look forward to working with all parties to make this commitment a reality."
CARE notes the breadth and depth of the administration's pledge. The size of commitment is substantial and includes a particular focus on supporting women and families. The strategy takes into account the effects of climate change on agricultural production, something CARE works on in communities around the globe. And, the initiative includes the essential element of support for good governance to ensure that gains made are gains kept.
The majority of people coping with chronic hunger are members of farming households who live on small plots of marginal land, located far from markets and public services. These people typically have meager savings, few assets and little access to credit, information or improved technologies. Their farming methods tend to be rudimentary and unproductive. Their incomes and ability to purchase food are extremely low. "The administration's package recognizes this reality and seeks to address it," Gayle concluded.
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Atlanta: Brian Feagans, CARE,
bfeagans@care.org, +1.404.979.9453, +1.404.457.4644
