Africa 'needs massive food aid'

NAIROBI (Reuter) - The United Nations estimates that Africa, hit by endless civil strife and the worst drought in memory, needs massive food aid this year to prevent thousands of people from dying. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says food distribution in Somalia has improved, but massive supplies are needed this year for millions of starving Africans hit by civil war.

The Rome-based food agency said in a report that drought in southern Africa has stretched food needs in the continent. About 300,000 people died from famine and 'hunger-related causes' in 1992 in Somalia.