TWO failed rainy seasons have left Ethiopia on the brink of a humanitarian disaster which could see up to 14 million people in desperate need of food.

Drought is the main cause of the crisis, but rain is not the only answer.

The solutions lie in Washington and London as much as in the skies of Ethiopia.

Not only is Ethiopia carrying a huge debt burden, but the collapse in the coffee price - which brings in 60 per cent of Ethiopia's income - means the Government simply does not have enough resources to look after their people in time of need.

Clearly the priority is to get food into the country now. But we also need to help Ethiopia break the brutal cycle of poverty and address the underlying causes which blight poor countries all around the world.

Readers who want to donate to Oxfam's Ethiopia Appeal can call 0845 3007070 or log on to the Oxfam website oxfam.org.uk.

Jonathan Dorsett,

Campaigns Officer, Yorkshire & North East,

Oxfam Campaigns,

Park Square East, Leeds.

Updated: 11:10 Thursday, November 21, 2002