Somto BisinaThe Norwegian Government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis in north-eastern Nigeria by pledging an additional $4.5 million in support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This funding will aid FAO’s humanitarian activities and contribute to the expansion of food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods in the affected states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba.
The FAO Representative in Nigeria, Fred Kafeero, announced this significant contribution during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony held in Abuja between the Norwegian Government and the FAO.
Kafeero highlighted that Norway’s total support since the start of the crisis now amounts to $24 million, which has already benefited over 1.1 million conflict-affected individuals, with the numbers still rising.
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Norway’s financial assistance will be directed towards an ongoing initiative that aims to rebuild the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities in Northeast Nigeria, which have been impacted by a decade-long conflict.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Norway has been actively involved in this effort since 2017, generously contributing to the region’s recovery.
In the context of the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), FAO has set an ambitious target of reaching two million people. However, only 56,000 individuals have been reached so far.
Kafeero emphasized the pressing need for livelihood interventions, highlighting an analysis of funding trends that reveals a mere 3.4 out of 100 units of total funding allocated to the food security sector are directed towards such interventions.
To bridge this funding gap and ensure adequate support for the 2023 lean season, an addendum for a complementary fund has been deemed crucial.
Kafeero emphasized that this fund not only signifies the fruitful collaboration and partnership between the Norwegian Government and FAO in Nigeria but also addresses the urgent need to fill the livelihoods funding gap.
While the current funding has contributed significantly to improving food security in the region, the needs of 3.7 million people requiring livelihood assistance still remain unmet.
The Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Knut Eiliv Lein, shed light on the long-standing partnership between Norway and FAO.
The Norwegian Government renewed its three-year program with FAO last year, further increasing funding to $4.5 million. Lein emphasized that the additional funding commitment is aimed at supporting agriculture and assisting individuals impacted by the conflict.
Norway continued support and collaboration with FAO underscore its dedication to addressing the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria. With these funds, FAO can intensify its efforts to alleviate the suffering of conflict-affected communities, enhance food security, and work towards sustainable livelihoods.
The Norwegian Government’s commitment serves as an example of international cooperation and solidarity in the face of adversity, offering hope and support to those in need.
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