Nicaragua has achieved significant development gains in the last years, with sustained growth and a resilient economy, despite recurrent shocks. Yet, as a lower-middle income country that is located in a hot spot for climate change and frequently impacted by hazards, it continues to face challenges in food security and remains among the poorest countries in Latin America. According to the World Risk Report, it is one of the countries most affected by extreme weather events: droughts, hurricanes, tropical storms and floods, among others. 

These hazards have adverse effects on food systems, threatening the food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable populations, particularly those living in the Dry Corridor. This includes smallholder farmers, who are responsible for 79 percent of the country’s basic grain production. 

The World Food Programme (WFP) supports initiatives aimed at improving food security, enhancing nutrition and strengthening farmers’ access to sustainable markets. 

In addition, WFP collaborates with national institutions to reinforce disaster risk management, social protection systems and food systems. 

What the World Food Programme is doing in Nicaragua

School meals

WFP works together with the Ministry of Education (MINED) to strengthen the National School Nutrition Program (PINE-MINED) — the country’s largest social protection initiative. Through this partnership, WFP ensures nutritious meals reach 144,000 students across 2,000 preschools, primary schools, and distance-learning centres in 47 municipalities of the Dry Corridor, one of Nicaragua’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Together with MINED, WFP aims to transform school meals by gradually introducing fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables — boosting essential vitamins and minerals for children’s growth and development. Supporting school  vegetable  gardens is part of this effort. Beyond food, WFP invests in safe water systems, energy-efficient school kitchens, storage facilities, and clean energy technologies, creating healthier environments for learning and meal preparation.

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Partners and Donors

Achieving zero hunger is the work of many. Our work in the Republic of Nicaragua is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
Nicaragua Canada The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Operations in Nicaragua

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Contacts

Office

Edificio COBIRSA, 3er. piso, kilómetro 6 1/2 Carretera a Masaya, contiguo a Edificio Claro
Managua
Nicaragua

Phone
+505 2278-4982
Email
wfp.nicaragua@wfp.org
For media inquiries
amalia.palacios@wfp.org
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