Africa is torn by various man-made calamities that make its population more vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters. Civil war, political oppression, governmental corruption and mismanagement, collapse of government-managed health care and educational systems and the low return on the world market for African cash crops and raw materials all contribute to a catastrophic decrease in the quality of life for the majority of the people. Local populations are mobilizing through churches, non-governmental and grassroots organizations in order to try to help themselves. Funds are needed to support programs organized in the areas of agriculture, water development, reforestation, primary health care, small enterprises and soil and environmental protection. Contributions from Presbyterians in the US can make a difference. |
