Help support global agriculture efforts

One in six people around the world goes to sleep hungry every night. This is a global emergency which has significant impact on health, education and work productivity in Africa and other parts of the world. This Thanksgiving season, as it's customary to look back and be thankful for what we have, I hope many would consider joining me in sharing our good fortune as Americans by helping in the global fight against poverty and hunger.

Investing in agriculture is one of the best ways to combat extreme poverty. According to World Bank estimates, growth in the agriculture sector is twice as effective at reducing poverty as growth in other sectors. Smart aid targeted at agricultural development is far more effective and less expensive than emergency food response. We must not wait for another food emergency before we act.

In addition, investing in agriculture in Africa is an investment in Africa's women. Women produce nearly 80 percent of Africa's food, and more than two-thirds of African women are employed in agriculture. When women earn money they feed their children and send them to school, directly improving health care and education in their families and in their communities.

This week I called Sen. Durbin and our newly elected Sen. Kirk to ask for their support in protecting the proposed $1.3 billion for global agricultural programs as part of the FY2011 budget. This is the kind of aid that would ensure that less aid is needed in the long run it will help Africa help itself.

I still plan on giving to a local food bank, I care about the problem of hunger in the Chicago area, but I'll know that I've also made a difference in the global fight against poverty. Please join me and call your senators today.

Tzviatko Chiderov

Glenview