3. - usaid

mCRIFTION OF ?HE DISASTER
Several countries in Africa suffered drought/food emergencies during fiscal
year 1969 and are shown on the above map. Some of them requested and
received food donations fm the USG.
In ?he Gambia the prolonged lack of rain caused failure of maize and rice
crops. The drop in rice production of 40-50 percent during 1969 created
an acute food shortage.
ACTION TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GAMBIA
In November 1968 a request was made by the GCYE for emergency diversion of
USG cereals from Catholic Relief Services stocks on hand in the country to
feed 75,000 people in Jam, Kiang, Niumi and Central Boddihu Provinces for
a t h e mths period. In April 1969 further drought assistance was r+
quested fmm the World Food Program to feed a total .of 180,000 victims
during the period of June through August 1969.
ASSISTANCE PRCIVIIIED BY THE U.
S. GOVERNMENT
The USAID Food for Peace Officer met with Catholic Relief Services representative
in Bathhurst in November of 1968 to discuss the food emergency with
the GCYE. Catholic Relief Services indicated its willingness to use
grains k.an its on-going programs, if the USG would later replace these
gains. Approval was given by AID for diversion of 3,637,000 pounds of
P. L. 480, Title 11, sorghum with an estimated market value of . . . $94,925
In April of 1969, the World Food Program approved a contribution to The
Gambia of 4,320 metric tons of sorghum. It requested that the USG donate
3,240 metric tons of this amount, which was approved by AID. Estimted
market value of the sorghum plus ocean freight was . . . . . . . . $324 000
TrieZ5
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY U.
S. VOLUNTARY AGENCDE
Experienced Catholic Relief Services staff coordinated and assisted h the
distribution of above USG P. L. 480 food.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY OTHER NATIONS AND INIERNATIQNAL ORGANIZATIONS
World Food h.oeram
In addition to obtaining 3,240 metric tms of sorghum fmm the USG as a
donation, the WFP purchased 1,080 metric tans of sorghum in France.
Estimated market value - $66,310.