oxfam also declined to get involved in preparations for the famine prior to the appearance of beggars in the streets during the rainy season of 1973. after the effects of the famine became visible, oxfam ran a famous television piece on the famine in britain. the catholic relief services provided effective relief in 1973–74. the ministry of rural development and the ministry of agriculture provide food-for-work assistance through program which built the road from the plains to zobil mountain. the program distributed grain from the united states agency for international development.