Food security in Africa: the World Bank extends its support to 2.8 million people

Jihane
Jihane
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The World Bank has extended its support for food security and the resilience of food systems to benefit a further 2.8 million people, according to a press release from the international financial institution.

As part of the second and third phases of the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank Group has approved financing of $903 million from the International Development Association (IDA) for the Comoros ($40 million), Kenya ($150 million), Malawi ($250 million), Somalia ($150 million), Tanzania ($300 million) and the African Union Commission ($13 million).

This extension of aid comes at a time when food systems in Eastern and Southern Africa continue to suffer from multiple shocks. The aid should reach five million direct beneficiaries over the first three phases.

It should be noted that the first phase of the programme, launched in June 2022, provides support to Ethiopia and Madagascar, as well as to two regional bodies. The addition of five countries under the third phase is a response to the constant demand for long-term solutions offered by the Food Systems Resilience Programme.

World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Victoria Kwakwa said that studies have shown that proactive investments in building resilience are not only cost-effective, but also minimise the costs of emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.

The PRSF helps participating countries prioritise medium-term investments that can transform and strengthen the resilience of their food systems. It also helps countries to rebuild their production capacity and improve the management of their natural resources.

Jihan Rmili

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