Drought stresses Tanzania’s relief structure; Christians continue response.

Tanzania (MNN)–Although rains have now begun falling, and fields can be seen with crops in them, over a year of drought has done its damage.

At the end of 2003, close to 85 percent of maize, sorghum and groundnut crops in Tanzanian’s north was affected by drought, leaving thousands of people without enough to feed their families. In addition, food prices in some areas have doubled and available jobs have dropped as dramatically.

Crop production for this farming season is still feeling the after-effects of drought, as people ate the seeds intended for planting, and travelled to other areas to look for work instead of working their own farms.

The resulting food shortage threatens nearly two million people, including more than 11,000 Compassion-sponsored children.

Compassion has distributed nearly a half million dollars to avoid a food crisis. Pray for the staff and the partner churches as they work to meet needs.