UK food aid and the African emergency 1983–1986

Abstract

The UK Overseas Development Administration (ODA) administers a bilateral food aid programme of approximately 115 000 tonnes of cereals annually, which formed an important component of the UK's response to the African emergency. The way this programme operated during the period is examined, including a review of the respective roles of non-governmental organizations, the World Food Programme and agencies of recipient governments. The ODA attempted to provide appropriate commodities through triangular transactions. Some implications for emergency aid are considered.