EU Helps WFP Strengthen Livelihoods For 50,000 People In Lake Chad Region
N’DJAMENA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of €3.5 million (US$3.9 million) from the European Union to support 50,000 highly vulnerable people in the Lake Chad region, west of the Sahelian belt. The contribution which is provided by the EU’s Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP), enables WFP to go beyond providing emergency relief in a poor region where insecurity and massive population displacements are causing a steep deterioration of people’s food and nutritional status.
Malnutrition rates in the Lake Chad region are near the emergency threshold and displaced people and host communities have seen their livelihoods directly affected by the crisis, with reduced cross-border trade and very limited agricultural and fishing activities.“This important contribution from one of our main donors will support our ‘Food Assistance For Assets’ programme which is crucial to ensuring that the most vulnerable families receive the support they need,”said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Chad Representative. “This type of programme represents a turning point: besides responding to emergency needs, it also sets the people on the path towards Zero Hunger.”
During the 18 month project, WFP assistance will go to people who will be directly involved in choosing and creating their community assets. Through cash-based transfers, recipients gain more autonomy, giving them control over their food supply as well as stimulating the local economy as they purchase on local markets.
“I want to say thank you to all actors involved for their commitment and their efforts to improve the daily life of displaced people and host communities who are suffering - and whom we don’t always hear –so that they can hope for a better future,”said Denisa-Elena Ionete, Ambassador, Chief of the European Union Delegation in Chad.
Across the Lake Chad region, WFP is working closely with UNICEF and FAO. The EU–supported project will also be implemented in partnership with the local authorities. It will improve the management of natural resources and develop the potential for agriculture, forestry and fisheries. It is especially important to ensure the best use of resources in a region affected by the impact of climate change.
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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food in emergencies and working with communities to build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.
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For more informations please contact :
Nathalie Magnien, WFP/Tchad, Mob. +235 66 99 30 40
