The World Food Program (WFP) is implementing a new strategy to tackle the food security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In July, the organization decided to distribute cash and food to the poorest populations, particularly affected by the armed conflicts in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
This new approach enables WFP to provide more effective assistance to displaced people and host families. The aim is to provide cash to 1.1 million people in camps, collective sites and host families in these three provinces. Ultimately, WFP hopes to reach 1.7 million people with food and cash.
WFP’s plan also includes supporting the agricultural activities of communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. The aim is to provide poor families with the means to meet their food needs more independently.
To determine cash distribution sites, WFP conducts multi-sector analyzes taking into account the functionality and accessibility of markets, infrastructure, security, protection and beneficiary preferences. Thus, the beneficiary families can use this cash in a flexible way, according to their needs.
However, WFP emphasizes the importance of market stability to ensure the effectiveness of this cash assistance. The food program therefore adapts according to available resources and feasibility assessments, alternating between assistance in cash and assistance in kind.
This new WFP strategy aims to respond more appropriately to the food needs of populations affected by the crisis in the DRC. By providing these families with access to cash and food, WFP is helping to improve their situation and strengthen their self-reliance.
The cash and food distribution is part of a broader program to scale up WFP operations in the DRC. With more than 3.6 million people expected to benefit from this assistance, it is crucial to put in place effective measures to tackle the food security crisis in the country.
In conclusion, the World Food Program is taking a new and effective approach to addressing the food security crisis in the DRC. By distributing cash and food to the most deprived populations, the WFP offers more appropriate aid and contributes to strengthening the autonomy of families affected by conflicts and natural disasters