The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continues to face a wide range of food and nutrition security challenges, which add to the protracted humanitarian situation in the country. Agriculture annually falls short of meeting food needs, due to shortages of arable land, lack of access to modern agricultural equipment and fertilizers, and recurrent disasters.

An increase in climate-related disasters sees droughts, floods, typhoons and heatwaves causing soil leeching, erosion, landslides and damage to crops and infrastructure. Even minor disasters can significantly reduce agricultural production and the availability of food, stressing communities’ already limited coping capacities. According to INFORM Global Risk Index 2021, DPRK ranked 29th among 191 countries for such disasters, and was placed in the high-risk category.

The effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, including border closures, restricted mobility and periodic closure of public and child institutions, have reportedly also affected food security and nutrition situation. 

Economic and political issues add further difficulties, with restrictions on international trade and investments imposed by the United Nations Security Council. The strong link between food insecurity and malnutrition means any negative impact on agriculture and food production has widespread and long-lasting consequences, and compounds the already widespread undernutrition that affects millions in the country.

An estimated 10.7 million people – or more than 40 percent of the population – are undernourished and require humanitarian assistance, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report 2022. Many people suffer from chronic malnutrition due to lack of essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. 

Those living outside towns and cities have worse diets, with many relying on rural relatives, improvised ‘kitchen gardens’ or market activities to supplement the food they receive through the Government’s Public Distribution System. The system consistently provides lower food rations than the Government’s daily target.

Poor nutrition is particularly problematic for young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as good nutrition is crucial in a child’s early years. Stunting (impaired growth and development due to chronic malnutrition) affects nearly one in five children under 5 .

The World Food Programme has been providing food assistance in DPRK since 1995, saving lives and making significant progress in reducing levels of child malnutrition.

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What the World Food Programme is doing in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Nutrition
When possible, WFP provides specialized nutritious food to 1 million pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, helping to reduce acute and chronic malnutrition. These fortified foods include blended cereals or biscuits with added protein, vitamins and minerals, which boost the micronutrients, fats and proteins in people’s daily diets. WFP targets this assistance to supported institutions including nurseries, hospitals, paediatric wards and some boarding schools. WFP also provides support to the factories that produce fortified foods.
DIsaster risk reduction
When possible, WFP works to reduce communities’ vulnerability to climate shocks with disaster risk-reduction measures. This helps mitigate climate risk, reduce the need for humanitarian action and contribute to food security by addressing threats to agricultural land and production. Activities – which include repairing embankments, dredging rivers, planting trees and improving soils to restore and protect the environment – also support training, especially among women, creating temporary employment and supplementing families’ food stocks
Crisis response
WFP maintains the capacity to provide in-kind emergency food assistance to crisis and disaster-affected communities when required, ensuring those affected have access to food in times of emergency.

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Partners and donors

Achieving Zero Hunger is the work of many. Our work in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
Canada France Sweden Switzerland Russian Federation

Operations in Democratic People's Republic of Korea

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Contacts

Office

P.O. Box 27, Munsudong
North Korea

Phone
+850 2 3817219 ; +850 2 3817217
Fax
+850 2 3817639
Email
WFP.PyongYang@wfp.org
For media inquiries
WFP.PyongYang@wfp.org
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