The World Food Program (WFP) is rolling out a new strategy for the food security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the provinces of Ituri, North and South Kivu, armed groups are seriously affecting the population, creating a humanitarian emergency. In order to help the poorest, the WFP is setting up a distribution of cash and food to displaced people and host families.
This initiative aims to reach 1.7 million people with food and cash in July. WFP has already extended its cash distributions to 1.1 million people in camps and collective sites. According to the organization, 3.6 million people are waiting to benefit from this assistance, and already 63,600 people have been registered.
Cash allows families to choose and have greater flexibility in the use of their food aid. However, maintaining market stability is essential for the success of this strategy. WFP relies on multi-sector analyzes to determine the feasibility of cash assistance, assessing the functionality and accessibility of markets, infrastructure, security and beneficiary preferences.
WFP plans to gradually increase the number of people benefiting from this food and cash assistance over the next six months. Its goal is to provide $15 in cash per person to cover their monthly food and emergency needs. This flexible approach will make it possible to adapt the modalities of assistance according to available resources and feasibility assessments.
The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires an effective and coordinated response. Thanks to this new WFP strategy, the most vulnerable people will be able to receive vital food and financial assistance to meet their needs. Hopefully this initiative will help improve the situation in the provinces of Ituri, North and South Kivu, and bring some relief to people affected by conflict and natural disasters