Amid a myriad of ills, famine is slowly spreading across sub-Saharan Africa unheeded by the world.
By Fred Bridgland in Johannesburg
DESPITE a long summer of public appeals and media attention finally being paid to the desperate hunger in Niger, in huge swathes of western and southern Africa people are still facing starvation. The latest figures suggest a million people are facing food shortages in Mali, along with 500,000 in Burkina Faso and 600,000 in Mauritania.
A Combination of Locusts and Severe Drought
This week United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will visit Niger to highlight the fact that despite heart-rendering television reports and a late spate of donations, hundreds of thousands are still facing food shortages there, an embarrassment for Niger’s president, Mamadou Tandja, who insists “there is no famine”. A combination of locusts and severe drought are a problem across the whole region – aid may be distributed country by country, but the lack of rain and a plague of insects know no bounds.
No Food Stores for the “Lean Season”
While southern Africa enters its September-December “lean season” where the norm is for food stores to run low ahead of a new harvest, in the west of the continent, the sporadic rainfalls have not stopped the need for food aid to tide whole populations through the worst of their hunger. In countries such as Niger, where sustenance farmers have lost 70% of their animals, buying food at an inflated price is not an option.
The “Perfect Storm” of Issues
The UN says it needs some £1.2 billion to feed more than 25 million Africans this year across great swathes of southern Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel. The money raised so far from the G8 and other donors? Less than half – a shortfall of some £614m. But, as countless development experts have pointed out, this tragedy is just the latest of Africa’s “complex emergencies” including flooding, climate change, HIV/Aids, bad governance, unfair trade terms, poor agricultural systems, poverty, refugee movements, locust plagues, and ongoing civil wars.
Anthropologists Aid Workers on the Ground
Increasingly, anthropologists are employed by aid agencies to try to help their workers avoid making good-intentioned but disastrous blunders among the traditional societies in which they work. Andrew Timpson, an Africa specialist with the Save the Children Fund (SCF), says, “We no longer try to deliver Rolls-Royce services, but try to work within the local structures of societies where the national state is fragile.”
Africa’s “Complex Emergencies” and the Famine Crisis
The “perfect storm” of Africa’s “complex emergencies” is immediately manifested by a food crisis as serious as any in the five decades since Africa’s independence from European rule began. Malnourished bodies are found everywhere on the continent, with aid agencies stretched to capacity in makeshift feeding centers.
HIV/Aids and Food Shortages
Several southern African countries, where HIV has infected as much as 40% of the adult population, have experienced a series of food shortages every year. HIV/Aids is one of the most important reasons because people’s resilience to disease is so low.
The Lack of Sustained Media Response
There is still bitterness about the lack of help for Africa without a sustained media response. Neil Gallagher, the UN World Food Programme’s (WFP) chief spokesman, said, “It’s almost like we’re in a post-literate world – if it’s not on TV, it’s not real. If people won’t believe you without a physical manifestation of suffering on camera, how do you get the money?”
Hotels in Africa
While Africa faces numerous challenges and crises, it is also home to a diverse and vibrant tourism industry. Here are some of the top hotels you can visit across the continent:
1. Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Located in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Grace Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of Table Mountain and the harbor. With award-winning restaurants, a spa, and impeccable service, this hotel is a favorite among tourists.
2. Movenpick Resort, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Perched on the shores of the Red Sea, Movenpick Resort in Sharm El Sheikh is a paradise for beach lovers and divers. The resort features multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a range of water sports activities. Guests can also indulge in delicious cuisine at the hotel's restaurants.
3. Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Nanyuki, Kenya
Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club offers a unique safari experience. Guests can enjoy wildlife encounters, horseback riding, and golfing in the beautiful surroundings. The hotel's luxurious amenities and exceptional service make it a top choice for travelers.
4. Royal Livingstone Hotel, Livingstone, Zambia
Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Royal Livingstone Hotel is just a short walk away from the mighty Victoria Falls. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the falls from their rooms and explore the surrounding wildlife on safari tours. The hotel's colonial-style architecture adds to its charm.
5. Serena Hotel, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Nestled on the idyllic shores of Zanzibar, Serena Hotel offers a tranquil retreat with beautiful beachfront views. Guests can relax in the hotel's infinity pool, indulge in spa treatments, or explore the vibrant culture and history of Stone Town. The hotel's elegant design and warm hospitality create a memorable stay for visitors.
6. La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
Situated in the heart of Marrakech, La Mamounia is a luxurious oasis with lush gardens and exquisite Moroccan architecture. The hotel features spacious rooms, a world-class spa, and several dining options serving traditional Moroccan cuisine. Guests can also explore the nearby Medina and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
These are just a few examples of the many outstanding hotels available for travelers in Africa. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, the continent has something to offer for every taste and preference.