This is the VOA Special English Development Report.

October 16 is World Food Day. This day is also the anniversary of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The U.N. agency leads international efforts to defeat world hunger. It was created in 1945.

The F.A.O. says more than 150 countries are holding special events to observe World Food Day. At F.A.O. headquarters in Rome, for example, runners competed in a five kilometer race through the city's historical area. Events in other countries include discussions among experts, press conferences and musical programs.

The message of this year's World Food Day is "investing in agriculture for food security." The F.A.O. says foreign aid for agriculture has decreased during the past twenty years. During the early 1980s, the agency reports 9,000 illion dollars was provided each year. In the late 1990s, foreign aid for agriculture had dropped to less than five thousand million dollars a year. Yet, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that more than 850 million people around the world do not get enough food.

The U.N. agency notes that most of the world's farmers grow small amounts of food. But, many face problems feeding themselves. The F.A.O. says agricultural aid could help small farmers make a profit from their crops. Farmers would also be able to feed their families throughout the year and reinvest in their farms. And, they could buy better seeds, equipment and chemical fertilizers to help their crops grow.

Separately, the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006 has been awarded to economist Muhammad Yunis and his Bangladesh microfinance organization, the Grameen Bank. The award recognizes their efforts to improve the lives of poor people. The Grameen Bank lends small amounts of money to poor people who are unable to get traditional loans, especially women. The money is used for simple projects that help women support themselves.

Mr. Yunus says he plans to give his share of the 1,300,000 dollar Nobel award to good causes. He says he wants to establish an eye hospital and start a project to produce low-cost food for the poor.

And that's the VOA Special English Development Report, written by Jill Moss.

microfinance: 小額貸款


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