USAID and WFP partner on new data collection initiative to monitor food security in Nepal
Kathmandu – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a generous contribution of $499,951 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for monitoring activities that improve the quality and availability of data about food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Nepal. Over the next two years, this information will enable public stakeholders to make more effective and data-driven investment decisions to improve food security and community resilience.
According to WFP’s latest household assessment released in October 2022, approximately 17 percent (4.91 million) of people living in Nepal are food insecure, a significant increase from 13.2 percent in June 2022.
WFP and partners will use data generated under this initiative to continuously assess the impact of the global food crisis and other shocks and stresses on household food security at the national and provincial levels. Increasing the frequency and scope of data collection will enable stakeholders, including WFP, the Government of Nepal, development, and humanitarian actors to make better-informed decisions about when, where, and how to invest in resilience-building activities that safeguard food security for Nepal’s vulnerable social groups, especially women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized social groups. Key outputs include monthly market assessments, household surveys, and agricultural production monitoring reports.
Acting USAID Nepal Mission Director, Karen Welch, said: “Data generated through USAID's partnership with the World Food Programme will help the government of Nepal, local actors, and development partners better understand who is most affected by food insecurity and how to respond with the most appropriate form of assistance.”
"This partnership with USAID is a significant step towards achieving sustainable food security and improved nutrition outcomes in Nepal,” said WFP Nepal Country Director, Mr Robert Kasca. “Through rigorous data collection and analysis, we will be better equipped to address the challenges faced by our most vulnerable communities.”
This collaboration underscores both organizations' commitment to creating a Nepal where no one goes to bed hungry. WFP and USAID look forward to making lasting strides in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.”
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About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) 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.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government's international development assistance to promote democratic values abroad and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world on behalf of the American people. In partnership with the Government of Nepal, USAID has pledged $659 million over five years to support development in the sectors of Health, Education, Environment and Resilience, Democracy Rights and Governance, and Economic Growth.
Follow us on Twitter: @WFP_Nepal.