As an upper-middle income country, Ecuador is experiencing a reduction in financing from donor countries. 

Both the World Food Programme (WFP) and partners face multiple challenges in securing funds for the country's social protection system – which is crucial given the socioeconomic difficulties caused by migration and the impact of multiple social, climate and security crises.

Despite Ecuador demonstrating resilience in its economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, growth has stagnated. Over a quarter of the population was living in poverty in mid 2024, while extreme poverty reached 10.6 percent. This situation is exacerbated by high levels of insecurity and political uncertainty.

Ecuador faces a complex migration situation, marked by both the continuous influx of migrants and an increase in emigration. In March 2024, the Working Group for Refugees and Migrants estimated that there were almost half a million Venezuelan migrants in Ecuador. Of these, more than 245,000 experience food insecurity, with over 45,000 suffering from severe food insecurity.

The country's vulnerability to the consequences of the climate crisis threatens the sustainability of food systems and could worsen malnutrition and poverty.

WFP focuses on four key areas: ensuring access to food; eradicating malnutrition; promoting adaptation to climate change and sustainable food systems; and providing goods and services. With these priorities, we aim to address challenges in the 23 provinces where we operate, with the invaluable support of our partners and donors.

What the World Food Programme is doing in Ecuador

Food assistance and nutrition
We provide vital food assistance to more than 320,000 refugees, migrants and Ecuadorians suffering from severe food insecurity. We use cash transfers and vouchers to reach vulnerable people, covering both border areas and urban centres, as well as remote regions with high levels of malnutrition and poverty. Additionally, WFP raises awareness of proper food and nutrition, prioritizing pregnant or breastfeeding women and children up to 5 years old.
Ending malnutrition
WFP works with the Government of Ecuador and local governments to combat malnutrition. Through the home-grown school meals programme, we contribute to improving the nutrition of school-aged children while boosting the economy of smallholder farmers, who are the main suppliers for the initiative. By the end of 2024, WFP expects to reach 30,000 children nationwide.
Climate change adaptation and sustainable food systems
WFP supports the Government's efforts to build food systems that are nutritious, inclusive and sustainable, while improving resilience to the effects of climate change. To achieve this, WFP implements initiatives such as rice farming with ducks, the development of agro-ecological farms, and the design and implementation of nature-based and community-based adaptation measures to reduce the risk of climate-induced hunger and malnutrition. These transformative approaches strengthen the livelihoods of communities and family agriculture, building on their ancestral knowledge while incorporating gender and nutrition.
Capacity strengthening
WFP is committed to supporting national and local institutions in the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition and emergencies. This includes strengthening social protection systems by promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, disseminating research findings and fostering South-South cooperation. Additionally, through our supply chain operations, WFP implements activities such as capacity needs mapping, preparedness workshops, and simulation exercises to enhance logistical capacity.
Emergency preparedness and response
WFP enhances the ability of institutions and communities to respond to emergencies and minimize their impact on vulnerable populations, including through evidence-based forecasting. WFP promotes coordination between public entities and local communities in establishing emergency-responsive social protection mechanisms.
Service provision
WFP offers services such as procurement, logistics, administrative support and engineering. Additionally, WFP strengthens logistics coordination, operational processes and emergency preparedness for partners.

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Partners and donors

Achieving Zero Hunger is the work of many. Our work in Ecuador is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
Adaptation Fund Canada China European Union Favorita Foundation

Operations in Ecuador

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Contacts

Office

Avenida Mariana de Jesús Oe7-02 y Nuño de Valderrama. Edificio Citimed. Piso 8
Quito
Ecuador

Phone
+593 2 393 9350
Email
quito.communication@wfp.org
For media inquiries
quito.communication@wfp.org
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