By Barry Mason 11 October 2008 Oxfam has reported that the number of Ethiopians needing emergency food assistance has jumped to 6.4 million from 4.6 million in June. It cited United Nations figures that there was a $260 million shortfall for agencies trying to address Ethiopia’s crisis. Oxfam’s country director Waleed Rauf cited government figures showing that 6.4 million people need emergency assistance and more than 13.5 million people are in need of some sort of aid, stating that “The number of those suffering severe hunger and destitution has spiralled.” A World Food Programme (WFP) press release of August 28 also noted how severely rising commodity prices are exacerbating the situation created by a regional drought. “The impact of global soaring food and fuel prices on local prices has compounded the problem... Some of...
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