The area has been disastrously affected by drought and poor harvests, and now, with the crisis deepening, more than 18 million people across seven countries are vulnerable to the impact, with some six million severely food insecure.
Steve said: "I know that women and pastoralists are particularly badly affected, and while food stocks are dangerously low in some communities, they have simply run out in others.
"I wholeheartedly applaud the work Oxfam GB has done, alongside colleagues in the US, Canada, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Australia and Holland in campaigning to raise awareness and funds, and I know they are currently lobbying the Gulf States."
Oxfam GB said: "We are very pleased to welcome the fact that UK DfID is now meeting its "fair share" of this funding appeal. On 10 June DFID announced a further £10 million in funding for the Sahel and a further £5.4 million 9 days later."
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Find out more about our work in developing countries abroad at www.dfid.gov.uk.