World Food Programme, EIF strengthen journey to zero hunger
The World Food Programme (WFP) and Environment Investment Fund (EIF) recently signed an agreement to provide capacity strengthening to the government on the journey to zero hunger by 2030.
WFP Country Director, George Fedha said that to accelerate the journey to zero hunger and food and nutrition security, they have identified key entry points through the three key strategic pillars of rural transformation; sustainable food systems; and human capital development. These are the key focal areas for support to the government.
“In addition to these pillars, cross-cutting areas of digital transformation, women, and youth empowerment and job creation have also been prioritized,” Fedha added.
Specifically, WFP is mandated to promote projects that produces food locally as part of an overall strategy to lessen Namibia’s dependence on imported food. More than 60% of all the food is important while 70% of the population buys its food in local markets. Only a fraction of Namibia’s total requirement for sustenance is produced locally.
In this regard, the WFP / EIF agreement is intended to boost specific programmes under the Sustainable Development Goal No 2 of Zero Hunger, No13 on Climate Action and No 17 on Partnerships.
EIF Chief Executicve, Benedict Libanda said to achieve these SDGs by 2030, it is paramount that industries, as well as individuals, harness their knowledge of materials and financial resources to ensure the safety and prosperity of people and natural environments.
“For this reason, the EIF is ready to partner with entities such as WFP as a demonstration of our commitment to championing SDGs. We need to work together to find solutions that are sustainable and durable, and that recognizes our interdependence as institutions,” Libanda said.
