Representatives of more than seven African countries met June 28 to discuss how the United States and non-governmental humanitarian organizations can work to end hunger in Africa.

Participants, who met at a Senate office building in downtown Washington, D.C., said the United States can help by increasing foreign aid and by devoting more importance to local governments. “Decentralization and empowerment of local entities is the best weapon against hunger,” says Gerard Latchman who represented the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the meeting.

Latchman says there are four categories of countries with different assistance needs. Countries with war, such as Sierra Leone and Sudan, need the most assistance in order to improve food production capabilities. Some countries such as Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia need continuing food aid because of famine and drought. Other countries need stock piling of food for emergencies, and some countries, which are at peace, need better distribution of basic staples such as wheat and maize. 

Latchman also points out a correlation between AIDS and hunger. The most productive element of the community, teenagers through middle-aged adults, is impacted by AIDS, he explains. A reduced workforce means less planting and harvesting and therefore low productivity.

Attendees included representatives from Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, as well as many experts and non-governmental organization representatives.  The meeting was organized in part by Cathleen Harrington, a legislative assistant to Senator Barbara Mikulski and daughter of Clarence Hodges, director of public affairs and religious liberty for the Adventist Church in North America.