Sunday, July 20, 2008

Africa's women last and least in food crisis

Cultural expectations ensure women are hardest hit amid growing scarcity.
A pre-teen girl at the Goughin Market munches a piece of corn that she gets in return for helping man the family vegetable stand.
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso - After she woke in the dark to sweep city streets, after she walked an hour to buy less than $2 worth of food, after she cooked for two hours in the searing noon heat, Fanta Lingani served her family's only meal of the day.
First she set out a bowl of corn mush, seasoned with tree leaves, dried fish and wood ashes, for the 11 smallest children, who tore into it with bare hands.
Then she set out a bowl for her husband. Then two bowls for a dozen older children. Then finally, after everyone else had finished, a bowl for herself. She always eats last.

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