EU humanitarian aid to drought victims in South Armenia

Channeled through the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) which comes under the responsibility of Commissioner Poul Nielson, these funds will help bring relief to Armenia which has been hit last year by a drought that has had a severe impact throughout the country. While the north and the center of the country managed to recover, the southern parts have been affected by a second consecutive drought this year. In particular, in the regions of Vayots Dzor and Syunik, subsistent farmers' families are now left without sufficient food stock to pass the winter. It's been assessed that among the major effects of this second drought for these families, most of which refugees, there is an increase of food insecurity, and the risk of a rise in malnutrition of children in the area.

The new funds made available will allow operations to be carried out in two phases. Fodder for milking cows and other animals will be initially supplied to support approximately 2000 households throughout the coming winter. Households will then be provided at the beginning of 2002, with agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers) to start a new agricultural cycle in spring waiting for the next harvest season.

Over €2 million were earmarked this year by the European Commission in response to the drought that affected Armenia and Georgia in 2000.

| Top |