‘Help for a Good Fund’

I was encouraged to see your editorial (Feb. 10), “Help for a Good Fund,” about the second replenishment for the International Fund for Agricultural Development. As a program that aids toward the self-sufficiency of our world’s poor and hungry, it deserves all the attention it can get.

In spite of the fact that the second replenishment of $500 million is only half the level of the original proposal, an additional special fund for sub-Saharan Africa has been set up.

U.N. member-nations are assessed for their portion of their donation to the main fund; however, the special fund can receive money from U.N. member-nations as well as donations from private groups.

The fund is looking to raise an additional $300 million earmarked especially for sub-Saharan African programs. To date $185 million has been pledged, with more than $1 million coming from contributions made by Scandinavian youths.

Thus far the United States has not pledged any money toward this special fund. U.S. support of the sub-Saharan African fund would be an investment toward the self-sufficiency of our troubled neighbors.

JAN BERLFEIN

Pacific Palisades