Japan helps WFP to provide a lifeline for emergency food and nutrition assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Some 5.7 million people have been displaced internally in the DRC (the highest in Africa). Of these, some 1.5 million people were displaced in 2022 alone. This means people have lost incomes and their livelihoods – finding it harder to feed their families.

"We are so grateful for Japan’s support in the DRC, WFP has been able to provide emergency assistance to 76,400 people in crisis-affected areas, making sure children and families have access to essential food and nutrition needs, there are many competing crises globally and we must not forget the people of the DRC,” said Peter Musoko, WFP Country Director in the DRC.

The surge in fuel and food prices since the conflict in Ukraine, has put staples like wheat increasingly out of reach for many, while disruptions to supply chains and markets due to country’s ongoing conflict, have threatened the daily food security of millions.

"At the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, held in Tunis in August 2022, Japan announced its commitment to addressing the food crisis, supporting sustainable agricultural production and combating climate change. This contribution is a part of our commitment," said Minami Hiro, Ambassador of Japan to the DRC.

“In this difficult moment, Japan remains determined to support the populations of DRC facing a food crisis situation," Ambassador Minani Hiro added.   

WFP is working with the government and partners to respond to the immediate food needs and to strengthen development activities, including building smallholder farmer skills, supporting people to become financially independent, and making sure school children have access to healthy meals and are ready to learn. So far, WFP has assisted 5.4 million people, including 138,000 people affected by the recent escalation of violence in eastern DRC.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is 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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