Tackling hunger
World Food Programme’s Annual Report 2009 highlights the difficulties faced by developing countries in battling hunger. It mentions some of the best practices and innovative programmes that have contributed towards ending the cycle of hunger in many regions of the world.
In 2008, WFP faced a particularly difficult set of challenges, provoked by dramatically rising food and fuel prices and aggravated by widespread turmoil in international financial systems.
- Cover page of the report/ Photo credit WFP
While taking on with its programmes WFP witnessed shocks from the financial and commodities markets, extreme climate events and political turmoil, which had a severe impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people.
All these factors, combined with diminished purchasing power, reduced remittances and tightened access to credit, resulted in an additional 115 million people added to the ranks of the hungry over the past two years.
However due to the generosity of donors, the innovative work of nations and a dedicated global staff the organisation has been successful to prevent a worldwide crisis from turning into a full-scale human tragedy. With food riots erupting in more than 30 nations in the first half of 2008, WFP’s assistance helped bring stability to a volatile environment.
They deployed innovative, targeted food safety-net programmes and strategic plan toolbox, like mother and- child health and nutrition initiatives; targeted cash transfers and food vouchers; local food purchase; and school feeding.
It helped to break the cycle of hunger at its root by spending $1.1 billion purchasing food in developing countries.
WFP also launched the new Emergency Market Mitigation Account in March 2008 with a special appeal for $755 million to cover the additional costs generated by higher commodity and fuel prices.
It aimed to strengthen private sector partnerships. By 2017, WFP envisions $200 million coming from the private sector through expanded partnerships and intensified fundraising efforts.
By the end of 2008, WFP delivered an unprecedented amount of food—almost four million metric tons—to more than 102 million people in 78 countries.
