Appeal for Zimbabwe as aid ban is lifted

As the ban on aid agencies operating in Zimbabwe islifted, the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) issupporting an appeal by ACT International that will deliver foodand agricultural support to some of the country's most vulnerablepeople.

Over 2 million people were in need of urgent food supplies whenthe Zimbabwean government ordered all aid agencies to suspend theirhumanitarian and development work on June 4. The ban only worsenedan already desperate situation in a country with growing politicalinstability, 85% of the population out of work and inflation levelsthat were spiralling out of control.

Amanda Norman, MRDF Supporter Relations Director, said: "We mightthink that the financial situation in Britain is grim, but theeconomic disaster faced by those in Zimbabwe puts things well andtruly into perspective. Millions of Zimbabweans have been caught upin this complex humanitarian crisis and it's hard to know how toeven begin to make a difference. This appeal enables us to workwith others to alleviate some of the suffering in the short term,and empower people to begin rebuilding their lives."

It is estimated that nearly 4 million people could go hungry inOctober, with this number peaking at 5 million between January andMarch 2009. Now that the ban has been lifted, many will now be ableto access much-needed food supplies.

The appeal through Action by Churches Together (ACT) willdistribute monthly food rations of maize, cooking oil and beans toover 26,000 people in some of the most vulnerable communities.Farmers will be able to rebuild their livelihoods thanks to theprovision of seeds, fertilisers and training in conservationfarming that will help them to guard against the impact ofdrought.

Donations to MRDF's appeal for Zimbabwe can be made by debit orcredit card on 020 7224 4814, or by cheque, payable to "MRDF(Zimbabwe emergency)", posted to MRDF, Methodist Church House, 25Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR.

Taxpayers are encouraged to gift aid their donations wherepossible, adding a value of 28p to every pound they give, at noextra personal cost.