UN renews Rwanda drought appeal

The United Nations World Food Programme has renewed its appeal for funds to help feed more than a quarter-of-a-million people affected by drought and famine in south-eastern Rwanda.

It's asking for six-point-three million dollars and says an initial appeal in November drew little response from donor countries.

The prime minister, Bernard Makuza, called for a fresh commitment from foreign governments, highlighting the dangers faced by a huge swathe of the rural population.

Three consecutive years of inadequate rains have devastated crops and herds.

World Food Programme officials say more than thirteen-thousand tonnes of food will be needed over the next three months to feed the most vulnerable in society. A BBC correspondent in Rwanda says there are fears that the country's agricultural problems are structural and that Rwanda will be facing the same situation next year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service