But as we have moved to reinforce that structure. we have ignored the rapid erosion of the foundation supporting it. Little has been done to reverse the tide of desertification. Little has been done to resettle refugees in an organized manner. And little has been done to instruct farmers in effective agricultural techniques that can cope with the notinsurmountable problems of drought. After all. although we may pin the responsibility for famine on the shortage of rainfall. this reasoning does not explain the ability of Zimbabwe to dramatically increase its annual wheat production during 4 years of drought. Ultimately. we must live with the knowledge that we have not done a complete job of assisting the African peoples prepare for a drought whose worst consequences could have been averted. And what is the result of our inadequate response to the African drought? The result is indicated by the contents of H.R. 1239-$880 million not only for food aid. but also for longterm development assistance. refugee resettlement and disaster relief. But what is $880 million in the face of the devastation of an African drought that has continued unabated for 6 years? Let me turn again to the Sudan.
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refugee refugees