PM recognises agriculture is vital to Somalia’s future

Anti-poverty campaign group ONE has today welcomed Prime Minster David Cameron's recognition that investment in agriculture over the long-term is a key part of Somalia's return to strength and stability.

Adrian Lovett, Europe Director of ONE, said:

"Today the Prime Minister stepped forward as a global leader, supporting the poorest people in the world not just in times of dire emergency but over the long term. The Prime Minister is right to say that an important part Somalia's future stability lies in improved agriculture. Political and security solutions must be accompanied by an investment in farming and food security to help communities cope in times of drought and become self-sufficient.

"We welcome the announcement of additional aid for Somalia by the Prime Minster. Only with investment in basic services to support local communities can Somalis hope to build a strong and prosperous country that will no longer need to depend on aid.

"This conference must be the start of a serious international effort to tackle the causes of famine, hunger and malnutrition in Somalia and across Africa."

Notes to editor:
1. Addressing the London Somalia conference this morning the Prime Minister said:
"But it's not enough just to give emergency aid. We need to help Somalis get back on their feet. What matters most to ordinary Somalis is what matters to all of us: finding a job, supporting their families, and making sure their children are properly fed and educated. This means providing them with long-term agricultural development assistance that will help them not only survive the lean season but actually put themselves and their families on the path to sustainability and self-sufficiency."

ONE is a global advocacy and campaigning organisation backed by more than 2.5 million people from around the world dedicated to fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. For more information please visit www.ONE.org

For further information please contact Katherine Sladden, +44 7584 470 644, Katherine.sladden@one.org