Mike Sackett Quotations

Our window of opportunity to help Malawi and the rest of the region is closing fast.

We are hoping to buy maize this year from within Zambia and Malawi -- to feed vulnerable people inside those countries.

Even with surpluses, there remains a hard core of people who are unable to grow anything themselves, because they have no land or the household has been devastated by AIDS.

I have to be honest and say it's somewhat disappointing. They have, of course, been preoccupied with the election, but the election is now over, and we'll be making it clear to the Kenyans that we'll be looking for a much more active involvement on their side.

If donations are not made quickly enough, we have the financial systems in place to help ensure people do not starve. But these loans cannot be repeated if the international community does not step in to repay them. Loans of this magnitude are only taken if serious consequences, such as loss of life, appear likely and there no other options.

The children of southern Africa need help now - before their tiny emaciated bodies appear on television screens.

The challenge in the year ahead will be managing any surpluses that occur.