WFP Continues Hunger Support Amid Niger’s Political Crisis

The World Food Programme (WFP) emphasizes the necessity of maintaining its hunger and nutritional aid as Niger grapples with a political crisis. The WFP urges unrestricted movement for humanitarian personnel and resources, as well as continued financial backing, to maintain food distributions and developmental initiatives.

WFP’s Acting Regional Director for Western Africa, Margot van der Velden, highlighted the critical importance of WFP’s operations in supporting Niger’s most vulnerable populations, regardless of the political climate. In the first week of August, WFP provided essential food to 140,000 individuals and malnutrition care to 74,000 children.

Despite facing substantial challenges, WFP remains committed to helping vulnerable groups, especially during the lean season between harvests. Presently, 3.3 million people, or 13% of Niger’s population, are severely food-insecure, with 698,000 being displaced.

Anticipating a rise in demand, WFP is prepared to expand its operations. They expect to assist over 1 million people with emergency food aid in August and provide social protection transfers to an additional 180,000 individuals affected by climate shocks.

Although the primary harvest season starts in October, communities throughout Niger, with the help of resilience-building efforts, are still producing nutritious food. However, sanctions and border closures are severely disrupting the supply of essential food and medical resources to Niger.

There’s growing concern about the ripple effects, especially as the cost of staple foods could become unaffordable for many. Compounding the problem, WFP is having to reduce rations globally due to funding shortages. For its operations in Niger to continue until January, WFP urgently requires US$71 million. This figure could increase if the crisis intensifies.

Van der Velden warned of the catastrophic repercussions of insufficient funding, pointing out that crises in the Sahel region don’t adhere to borders. Notably, Niger serves as a vital supply chain route for neighboring countries also facing significant humanitarian challenges. In 2023, WFP aims to assist 3.6 million individuals, including 1.5 million affected by seasonal food insecurity and escalating conflict.