Spotlight on Niger's worsening hunger crisis

We’re on the brink of a serious humanitarian crisis in West Africa’s Sahel region, especially in Niger, where millions of people are at risk of not having enough food. The warning comes from Caritas members in the region who say the worsening hunger crisis is caused by low rainfall followed by droughts and high food prices. Susy Hodges spoke to Bill Restetter, the country representative for Niger for Catholic Relief Services.

Restetter says the already serious hunger crisis will "only get worse in the coming weeks" as the country heads into the traditional "lean season" waiting for the next harvest to come in and predicts "it will be "a very difficult time for the people of Niger." He talks of how they are trying to build the resistence of the population to the harsh living conditions, droughts and poor harvests. Restetter says aid is being donated by the international community but "sadly it's never enough" because "the need is so great" for these vulnerable people.

Listen to the full interview by Susy Hodges with Bill Restetter: