Story: African Nation Niger Faces Famine, 08/01/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec05/niger_8-01.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What caused the food shortage?

2. What is the region like?

3. How did the international community respond to initial requests for aid?

4. What kind of aid is Niger receiving?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. If the technological advances of the past few centuries have made food much easier to produce and distribute, why are there still famines?

2. What does the international community do to monitor regions that are at risk for famines?

2. Given the Sahel's harsh climate, what can the region to do protect its crops?

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.