Food Shortage crippling Burundi

A few weeks ago, rainstorms swept through the northern provinces of Burundi. These rainstorms reduced the acres of maize, sweet potatoes and rice to murky swamps, plunging tens of thousands into serious food shortages. This is only aggravated by Burundi's transitional period from 13 years of civil war. Ever since the end of the civil war, Burundi has relied on the World Food Programme to feed it's people. The government has just put in a plea for $12million more because of it's current state of emergency. However, it is hard to convince companies to give aid when the country itself seemingly is so lush and fruitful. It is reported that 80% of this years food crops have been ruined by the rains. Stephanie Savariaud of the WFP, however, believes that aid MUST be given to Burundi. She says that "you can't get economic growth on an empty stomach or sustain peace on an empty stomach". This connects to exactly what we were discussing last week. The next question is, how much aid will it take for a country to get back on its feet?