As nations around the world grapple with economic woes and austerity measures, efforts are still underway to help Africa fight hunger. President Obama recently announced a $3 billion aide package that will tackle pervasive malnutrition in various nations on the African Continent.
The United States and other donor nations have tapped the private sector to lead the way in making what President Obama says are “historic investments.” Private sector donations in the area humanitarian efforts around the world aren’t new. But the alliance between donor nations and the private sector presents major challenges as nations are experiencing sputtering economies. However, the alliance seems to bolster the idea that wealthier nations still have a duty to assist struggling countries even during times of austerity. “Some have asked in a time of austerity, whether this new alliance is just a way for governments to shift the burden on to somebody else,” Obama said of the private sector commitments. “I want to be clear, the answer is no.”
Food security, agriculture and various other development issues in Africa were on the table of discussion during the G-8 summit held in Chicago. The heads of States from Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana and Tanzania were in attendance. Nearly $22 billion in pledges have yet to make its way through the pipeline to help struggling African nations. The G-8 will release an accountability report detailing how much of the $22 billion has been used.
According to the White House, Private Sector donations in conjunction with assistance from donor nations will help to lift nearly 50 million people out of poverty in Africa over the next 10 years.
