VOA常速英语听力2013年02月（WORD文本）：CONFLICT-THREATENS-MALI-FARMING_13.doc

1、The conflict in northern Mali is threatening the countrys food security. Many farmers are among the hundreds of thousands of people whove been displaced. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said the next planting season is in jeopardy.Daniele Donati, the FAOs Chief of Emergency Operations, sa

2、id that affects both internally displaced persons and those whove fled to neighboring countries.“The major concern in this moment is the next campaign, which starts in May. There is an estimated 230 240,000 IDPs in the country and 140 150,000 refugees in the sub-region. We need to provide them basic

3、 packages to resume normal agricultural activities,” he said.There are other problems affecting Malis food security, as well.“The fact that borders are closed is limiting trade and the availability of some basic commodities. Prices are going up. And if they dont resume normal agricultural activities

4、 they will have little to eat for the coming nine months,” he said.The FAO reported that even before the conflict, Mali was feeling the effects of a 2011 / 2012 drought, along with high grain prices.Many of the displaced farmers are reported to be in refugee camps or with host families in Burkina Fa

5、so, Mauritania and Niger. Others fled to southern Mali.Donati said, “They lost everything because they are away from their places. They dont have agricultural tools. They dont have basic seeds. And their animals are also at risk because there is no availability of veterinary drugs and so on. This is

6、 also a major challenge for the displaced households because animals represent years of savings. Its a lifetime of savings.”The FAO said efforts should be made to grow vegetables on what land is available near the displaced and in refugee camps. Its also appealing to donors for $12 million in humani

7、tarian aid. It would be used to help about 500,000 people cope with current conditions and build more weather resilient agricultural systems. Another $10 million is needed, it said, to assist the newly displaced and families who are sharing their homes and food with them.FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva has held talks with Malis agricultural minister about resuming food production when the security situation permits.