Global coffee market is dominated by multinationals and the price for farmers has decreased over the years.

“Sally was the heartbeat of Trócaire for almost 40 years. She was a truly remarkable person. She embodied our values.”

Self Help Africa was created in the wake of the Ethiopian Famine of 1984/5 to create long-term solutions to hunger and extreme poverty in the region. The IFA supported one of its first actions – the shipment and distribution of 2,000 tonnes of Cara Donegal seed potatoes to famine affected communities in Ethiopia.

"People are really hopeful. The ordinary people always wanted this peace."

“Now more than ever, the compassion, empathy and generosity of spirit, so characteristic of our people in our best moments, are displayed by our awardees here today” President Michael D Higgins

“2016 saw the scale of humanitarian need in the world reach record levels with over 130 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Ireland is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to ease the plight of civilians caught up in conflicts and natural disasters,” - Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, T.D.

In 2009 Fr Patrick Devine SMA founded the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. It has now trained over 9,600 community leaders and village elders as peacemakers.

In the Turkana region in the north of Kenya, around 30 per cent of people are severely malnourished, warns Trócaire.

Trócaire workers are responding to this humanitarian crisis with dedication, courage and selflessness.

Over 24 million people currently rely on food aid in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya due to a combination of drought and conflict.

His work “leaves a real, positive, and enduring legacy for millions of people across the globe” – President Higgins.

As head of the diplomatic corps in Ethiopia at the time of the famine, Archbishop Thomas White was responsible for coordinating the contributions of many countries and charities in support of those who were starving.

Pope Francis urged people to “commit not to stop at making statements, but also to provide concrete food aid and to allow it to reach suffering populations.”

It is hoped that the fund will allow Trócaire to bring support to 7,000 people in drought-affected areas of Ethiopia.

The independently assessed award affirms good environmental stewardship and helps church communities to witness to caring for God’s creation.

If even a fraction of the learning of Irish agriculture reached Africa it would lift many millions of people out of extreme poverty, says Gorta–Self Help Africa

“We are running for all refugees” - Paulo Lokoro who is a 24-year-old 800-metre runner.

UN Special Envoy on Climate Change Mary Robinson says international community must do more.

Trócaire and Concern underline their financial transparency and accountability.

“If we wait to see the images that haunted us thirty years ago before we intervene, we will have failed the people of Ethiopia."

"Missionaries have always had the unique foresight and commitment to target the world’s most difficult challenges" - Heydi Foster, CEO of Misean Cara.

Cattle improvement programme is about "technology transfer and capacity building and not about traditional aid" - John Weakliam, CEO, Vita.

“We are being confronted with a human tragedy that requires a generous political and church partnership to help meet the needs of these vulnerable people."

The struggle of farmers in Ethiopia is the same as that of rural Ireland in the past says Eddie Downey Irish Farmers Association (IFA) President who has visited the country.

Last year, 356 missionary projects were approved for funding by Misean Cara, which is financed by up to €14 million from Irish Aid.

New app is suitable for mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices and is simple to use for active mobile phone users.

The theme of Trócaire’s 2015 Lenten campaign is ‘Fighting drought and hunger caused by climate change’.

Collaboration between Trócaire and Poetry Ireland is open to all writers from published poets to primary school students.

On behalf of the Irish people, President pays tribute to the “courageous” health workers, doctors and nurses, battling to contain the virus.

Climate change, Trócaire director warns, is the single biggest threat to humanity but the political system has refused to address it.