Japan and WFP partner to improve lifesaving food and nutrition assistance in Niger

The food security and malnutrition situation in Niger has deteriorated sharply, due to the combined effects of conflict — which has disrupted livelihoods and forced 300,000 people to flee their homes in the country — and recurrent climate shocks, compounded by the socio-economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and high food prices.

“The Government of Japan is steadfast in its commitment to support the people of Niger,” said Sory Ouane, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Niger. “This contribution will allow us to provide timely and very critical food and nutrition assistance where it is most needed.”

WFP will support 77,000 people through monthly unconditional food distributions and provide more than 6,000 children (aged 6 to 23) months with supplementary feeding to prevent malnutrition.  Over 1,500 pregnant or breastfeeding women and their children will be supported with fortified blended foods to help treat moderate acute malnutrition. WFP will also provide food support to caregivers of children that are admitted in health centres for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition.

WFP’s comprehensive response in Niger seeks to provide emergency assistance to IDPs, host communities, refugees, and returnees as well as life changing support including resilience building and the strengthening of social cohesion projects.  WFP needs US$ 100 million in the next 6-months for its operations in Niger.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.  We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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