WFP Receives US$ 1.65 Million from CERF to Address Severe Drought in Southern Angola

WFP’s hotspot analysis indicates that approximately 2.8 million people will be food insecure across southern Angola in 2024.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a vital contribution of US$ 1.65 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), part of a larger US$ 3 million allocation. This funding will significantly enhance WFP’s humanitarian efforts in response to the severe drought in southern Angola, exacerbated by El Niño.

The funds will enable WFP to provide critical food assistance and nutrition support to children suffering from acute malnutrition and vulnerable families in Huíla and Cunene provinces, the areas most impacted by the drought. The WFP’s community-based management of acute malnutrition program will screen 63,000 children under five, with approximately 7,600 expected to receive targeted supplementary feeding. Additionally, around 5,000 food-insecure households will benefit from food vouchers over the next two months.

José Ferrão, WFP Representative in Angola, emphasized the importance of this contribution: “Millions in the southern region are facing the devastating effects of the El Niño-induced drought. This essential funding from CERF will help us address the extensive impacts on food and nutrition security. We are deeply grateful to CERF’s donors for their support, which will bring hope and strengthen resilience in affected communities.”

WFP’s hotspot analysis indicates that approximately 2.8 million people will be food insecure across southern Angola in 2024. The drought, worsened by El Niño, has led to failed crops, livestock losses, water shortages, and rising food prices. Many families are struggling to meet their basic food needs, with women and children particularly at risk as they search for food and water.

Zahira Virani, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Angola, highlighted the global humanitarian mechanism’s role: “To support the Government’s efforts, the UN has mobilized resources through the Central Emergency Response Fund. This US$ 3 million allocation will assist WFP and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in implementing a comprehensive response strategy. The strategy includes immediate life-saving measures, anticipatory actions, and long-term sustainability efforts.”

Since 2021, WFP has been instrumental in the Government-led drought response, offering nutrition support, food vouchers, and training for health workers to address acute malnutrition. WFP also provides nutrition-sensitive school meals and take-home rations to primary school-aged children and their families, further supporting those most in need.