Famine caused by Rat & Worm Infestations

A rat infestation combined with a worm plague has devastated 14,224 hectares of subsistence crops in the northeastern part of Nicaragua. The affected areas are the municipality of Waspan, which is located 634 km northeast of the capital Managua in the Northern Atlantic Autonomous Region, and the municipalities of Wiwili and San Jose Bocay in the Jinotega department.

The affected municipalities are the largest and poorest in the country. They are inhabited by the indigenous Miskito population who live along the Coco River banks and survive on subsistence farming and fishing. 129 communities have been severely affected and 49,000 persons are facing hunger as their subsistence crops have been completely destroyed. Due to the extreme poverty in the region and the high level of malnutrition -particularly among women and children - the situation is seriously threatening the survival of the population.

ACT Nicaragua Forum is proposing to respond to this emergency by providing food aid to 800 families and psychosocial support to 39 communities. The ACT response is part of a wider co-ordination of agencies responding to this emergency which is led by ACT member Christian Medical Action (AMC). AMC will implement this project along with ACT member Interchurch Center for Theological and Social Studies (CIEETS).

Project Completion Date: 31 March 2006

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested (US$):

Total Appeal Target(s): 162,252

Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0

Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: 162 252

Signed by:
Jenny Borden
Interim Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office