United Nations Photo

Headline Sahelian Zone Ravaged by Severe Drought

Caption Description Plagued by a five-year drought, the Sahelian Zone, which comprises the six West African countries of Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, the Upper Volta, the Niger and Chad, is faced with imminent famine and near extinction of herds vital to the nomad population. Extending over some 3,000 kilometres south of the Sahara, the Sahelian desert consists of a broad belt of arid land running through the six drought-stricken countries. Millions of cattle have already perished, while an estimated third of the six countries' total population of 30 million suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim has designated the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the focal point to concentrate all relief efforts of the United Nations systems in assisting the disaster-stricken areas.
Nomad women eagerly await food rations at the distribution centre for relief supplies. This was one of the first places where relief food was available. [Exact date unknown]

Unique Identifier UN7496534

NICA ID 348265

Production Date 04/01/1973 11:27:44 AM

Country Mauritania

City/Location Nouakchott

Credit UN Photo/Purcell