A mother comforts her emaciated infant at an
emergency feeding centre in Maradi in southern
Niger. Photograph: Finbarr O'Reilly/ReutersAccording to the UN's World Food Programme poor rains and the worst locust invasion in 15 years have pushed Niger into severe "hunger season". More than a million people are facing a serious food crisis and children, always the most vulnerable, are now beginning to die from starvation.
Late action on the famine warnings (first issued in November) means the relief operation will have to play catch up, but the WFP estimates $16m (£9m) could feed those who are most in need. It is soliciting for donations, as is the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is coordinating the fundraising efforts of NGOs including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children.
