FAO Deputy Director-General, Ms. Beth Bechdol, met with DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to reinforce collaborations aimed at addressing food insecurity and resilience. With 25 million facing hunger, the FAO’s focus includes supporting livelihood activities in IDP camps. The discussions emphasize sustainable agricultural practices as essential for alleviating food insecurity in the nation.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Deputy Director-General, Ms. Beth Bechdol, recently engaged in discussions with her Excellency Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The focal point of the meeting was to enhance collaboration between FAO and DRC’s national authorities in addressing the pressing concerns of food insecurity and cultivating resilience against hunger. The high-level delegation, which also included other senior FAO officials, sought to reinforce partnerships and promote effective strategies to tackle the urgent food needs of the nations citizens.
This significant meeting underscores FAO’s commitment to not only alleviate immediate hunger but also to implement sustainable agricultural practices in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Given that approximately 25 million individuals—amounting to nearly a quarter of the DRC’s population—face food insecurity largely due to ongoing conflict, FAO aims to empower vulnerable populations through livelihood support. With ongoing projects supplying displaced households with essential resources like micro-gardening kits and livestock, FAO is working towards reducing dependency on humanitarian aid and fostering long-term agricultural resilience.
Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka emphasized her appreciation for FAO’s substantial partnership and assured continued government support for achieving shared objectives. The discussions occurred in a context where food insecurity remains a critical challenge, exacerbated by conflict, particularly in regions such as North Kivu and South Kivu. With a reported projection of 25.6 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity by December 2024, the urgency of collaborative efforts between FAO and the DRC government cannot be overstated.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis marked by widespread food insecurity due to persistent conflict and socio-economic challenges. Approximately 25 million individuals are currently facing hunger, with a projected increase as detailed by recent food security analyses. Agrarian livelihoods are crucial in this context, as 70 percent of the population relies on agriculture, herding, and fishing for sustenance. FAO plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues through strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at material and psychological resilience in vulnerable communities, particularly in the eastern provinces most affected by violence.
In conclusion, the high-level talks between FAO and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s government highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat food insecurity through sustainable agricultural practices. With significant portions of the population facing acute food shortages, FAO’s initiatives are essential for building resilience and enhancing livelihoods in IDP camps. Continued investment and collaboration are vital to fostering a long-term solution to the challenges posed by hunger and poverty in the DRC.
Original Source: www.fao.org
