Africa's women last and least in food crisis

[Amelia]

Africa's women last and least in food crisis

Cultural expectations ensure women are hardest hit amid growing scarcity

By Kevin Sullivan

July. 20, 2008

The Washington Post

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso - After she woke in the dark to sweep city streets, after she walked an hour to buy less than $2 worth of food, after she cooked for two hours in the searing noon heat, Fanta Lingani served her family's only meal of the day.

First she set out a bowl of corn mush, seasoned with tree leaves, dried fish and wood ashes, for the 11 smallest children, who tore into it with bare hands.

Then she set out a bowl for her husband. Then two bowls for a dozen older children. Then finally, after everyone else had finished, a bowl for herself. She always eats last.

A year ago, before food prices nearly doubled, Lingani would have had three meals a day of meat, rice and vegetables. Now two mouthfuls of bland mush would have to do her until tomorrow.

Rubbing her red-rimmed eyes, chewing lightly on a twig she picked off the ground, Lingani gave the last of her food to the children.

"I'm not hungry," she said.

This article is a must read

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25757291/

[Dr. Shane]

Drill here. Drill now. What more can a person say. The price of oil has played a major role in the global food crisis. Just on word of drilling last week, the price of oil fell $16. If we move forward with it the price will certainly stop climbing and probably fall some more. Stories like this really bring the reality of the crisis to heart.