USA supports WFP’s longer-term efforts for the most vulnerable populations in Niger | WPN World People News

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Food for Peace Office just announced a generous 35 million USD in-kind donation to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Niger.

In Niger, 1.4 million people are likely to go hungry, with 1 on 2 children under 5 suffering from chronic malnutrition and 10,3% acutely malnourished. For years, people have been trapped by recurrent natural disasters, compounded by increasing demographic pressure, environmental degradation and insecurity. WFP and USAID are working hand in hand to improve vulnerable people’s food security and strengthen their longer-term resilience to recurrent shocks.

“We already have achieved a lot with the support of the American people, we are grateful for USAID’s renewed trust and support to our activities to relieve the suffering of the most vulnerable in Niger” says Sory Ouane, WFP Representative in Niger. This in-kind contribution will allow WFP to help thousands to improve their livelihoods by, reducing risks and impact of shocks and increasing food security. The contribution will also allow WFP to provide food assistance on the emergency front, to Nigerian and Malian refugees, as well as displaced Nigeriens and vulnerable host communities.

WFP is working with the government and partners to support the implementation of a “integrated package” of interventions for resilience building. It combines activities using food or cash-based transfers with land rehabilitation, water harvesting and agro-forestry activities and trainings, etc. These are inseparable from actions implemented to address nutrition, education and seasonal shocks. We believe, along with USAID, that these longer-term efforts will allow Niger to achieve its potential and empower women, men and children to find sustainable solutions out of poverty and look towards a brighter future.

Source:World Food Programme