Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa

From October 13 – 17, 2013 The Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa  (FECCIWA) in collaboration with National Christian Councils and Churches joined millions of Christians worldwide in the celebration of the Global Week of Action on Food. Under this year’ theme “Seeds for Life” church leaders engaged local farmers, fisher folks, decision makers and the general public into worship services and public dialogue in order to overcome hunger and to improve livelihoods in harmony with creation. With a united voice during the week of action, church leaders in the region preached sermons and advocated for increased solidarity between consumers and local producers in the church’s fight against hunger and extreme poverty.

Speaking to a huge crowd of both religious and civil society leaders in Banjul, The Gambia, at the opening of a one day symposium on “Seeds for Life”, FECCIWA’s President, the Most Rev. Emmanuel Josiah Udofia said the “Food security should not be left in the hands of governments alone. FECCIWA and its member churches must come together to build awareness and speak out against hunger and social injustice. Churches are prepared and willing to accompany governments in order to make West Africa a better place for all.”  The Most Rev. Udofia encouraged church leaders on World Food Day to sustain their efforts to building more equity, just and environmental friendly food systems to fight hunger and conflict.

A two day strategic planning meeting on the theme "Food for life" organized by FECCIWA was officially opened today, December 12, 2012 in Lomé Togo by the Vice President of FECCIWA, Rev. KADERA Bamerbanona.

At this year's World Social Forum, FECCIWA and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance are collaborating on an open debate on Food Security versus Global Market. The West African Churches feel that it is a harsh paradox that in a world of food surpluses, hunger and malnutrition remain pervasive on the African Continent with ample agricultural endowments. Africa especially sub - Sahara African Africa remains the world's most food -insecure region. At the moment, more than 15 million people are at risk in the Sahel alone - across the semi - arid belt from Senegal to Chad; and an equal number in the Horn of Africa remain vulnerable after last year's food crisis in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.