World Vision responds to U.S. President Obama's announcement at the G8 Summit of the creation of New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 18, 2012 /CNW/ -

Comments by Sheri Arnott, World Vision's food security expert:

"We are pleased to see the G8 leaders, including Prime Minister Harper, take a significant step to keep food security and nutrition a top priority and help lift 50 million people in Africa out of poverty. But the leaders won't be able to claim success in 10 years if this Alliance grows economies but not healthy children."

"Last year, a devastating famine tore through the Horn of Africa and today, 15 million people are at risk in West Africa due to cyclical drought. The New Alliance has the potential to help countries in Africa  prevent these cyclical crises in the future, but only if these new investments directly benefit vulnerable households."

"For the New Alliance to be successful, private sector investment in Africa can't take the place of major public investments. This year, all of the G8 countries must urgently meet the commitments that they made at the 2009 L'Aquila G8 summit on food security. Canada was the first country to meet these commitments and at this G8 summit, we are looking for a commitment from the Government of Canada to sustain those funding levels in future."

"The New Alliance must be a true alliance and put smallholder farmers front and center. Smallholder farmers are the backbone of the private agricultural sector in Africa and produce the bulk of the food consumed on the continent.  Helping families grow their businesses makes great sense and it should be the central goal of the New Alliance."

"The G8 has had a strong agenda on food security, and maternal and child health. These issues are linked because children and their families need enough nutritious food to be healthy. But the New Alliance misses an opportunity to bring all these pieces together by not committing new resources to proven nutrition solutions. Canada is making the connection in these areas and can lead the G8 to ensure this group of world leaders does too."

"In these challenging economic times, it's still important to remember those who desperately need help.  The New Alliance will require true accountability to ensure that millions around the world can give their children a healthy start in life." 

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Media contact:

Bob Neufeld
647-622-2045
[email protected]