The World Food Program (WFP) is deploying an effective new strategy to help the poor in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More particularly in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, which are facing a major food security crisis due to armed conflicts.
To meet the food needs of displaced people and host families, WFP is implementing a cash and food distribution. This initiative, made public earlier this month, aims to reach 1.1 million people in camps, collective sites and host families. The goal is to provide $15 in cash per person to cover their food and emergency needs for the month.
WFP estimates that 3.6 million people are waiting to benefit from this assistance in the mentioned provinces. So far, 63,600 people have been registered and are already receiving cash to meet their basic and food needs.
To determine the feasibility of cash assistance, WFP conducts multi-sectoral analyses. Selected sites are assessed based on accessibility to markets, infrastructure, security and beneficiary preferences. This approach makes it possible to guarantee the stability of the market, while offering families greater autonomy in the use of the assistance received.
Flexibility is also at the heart of WFP operations, which alternates between cash and in-kind assistance depending on available resources and feasibility assessments. The organization remains vigilant and adapts its intervention methods to meet the changing needs of affected communities.
The implementation of this new cash and food distribution strategy allows WFP to provide more direct and targeted assistance to vulnerable populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By supporting local agricultural activities, the organization also helps build the resilience of communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
By creating a direct link between the aid provided and the real needs of the beneficiaries, the WFP plays an essential role in the fight against the food crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This innovative approach makes it possible to provide more effective and sustainable assistance, while allowing communities to regain their dignity and autonomy