U.N. warns of food crisis in Niger

ROME, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Malnutrition rates in Niger are more than 15 percent for much of the country despite food aid delivered by two U.N. humanitarian agencies, an assessment warns.

An assessment by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program finds that acute malnutrition is about 15 percent for most of the country.

"Food and non-food assistance is still necessary to reconstitute the resilience capacity of the affected populations to allow them to have independent access to food," the joint report reads.

The Niger government in 2010 joined the United Nations in what is described as a "massive" intervention to prevent a food and nutrition crisis in the country. The United Nations estimates the livelihood of more than 7 million people is affected by the situation, which is complicated by rainfall amounts.

The assessment notes that more assistance is needed so Niger farmers can get the seeds and fertilizer they need before the start of the planting season in May.

The WFP and FAO said their work led to a 60 percent increase in cereal production, but more emergency aid was needed to help avert a catastrophe in Niger.

"This assistance must be provided as soon as possible in order to prevent the negative impacts that could further weaken their means of subsistence after their own food stocks are exhausted," the joint assessment read.