Welthungerhilfe: How water shortages threaten food security

(21.06.2011) The great natural disasters in Haiti and Pakistan during the last year have led to an enormous willingness to help in Germany. "In 2010 Welthungerhilfe recorded donations totalling 76.2 million euros, the largest amount in its almost 50-year long history. We wish to thank our donors for this striking demonstration of their great solidarity with the victims of the disasters", says Dr Wolfgang Jamann, the Chairman of Welthungerhilfe's Board of Directors. "The central thrust of our message for Haiti and Pakistan is: We will maintain our presence on the ground in the country so as assist the people with reconstruction over the long term", as Dr Wolfgang Jamann emphasises at the presentation of the 2010 annual report.

"In addition to natural disasters with immediate and severe short-term effects, silent catastrophes are one of the greatest challenges for long-term development“, according to Bärbel Dieckmann, Welthungerhilfe's Chairperson. "This year Welthungerhilfe has chosen water as its main subject focus since water is the most basic commodity needed for human survival", stresses Bärbel Dieckmann, who recently returned from drought-stricken Kenya. Almost 900 million people worldwide have no access to clean water. Each year 1.9 million people die of diarrhoea illnesses which are caused by contaminated water.

"In Kenya I saw for example how Rock Catchment Harvesting enables people to survive long periods of drought and ensures they could drink clean water every day. Bärbel Dieckmann goes on to state: "Welthungerhilfe will replicate this successful model in other countries, initially in South Sudan". Welthungerhilfe is currently carrying out 21 projects in the wash sector (water, sanitation and hygiene) with a total value of 20 million euros.

Last year Welthungerhilfe was provided with donations totalling 76.2 million euros as well as 131.7 million euros of public grants. Its administration expenses were 1.6%, and the share of funds devoted to advertising and public relations work was 4.7%.