Boost as Turkana County, WFP enter into MoU to address food security

MoU will also enhance school feeding programmes and campaigns to boost nutrition for the vulnerable population. (Courtesy)

The World Food Programme (WFP) and Turkana County government have entered into a five-year joint collaboration to address food security in the region.

WFP and the county signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week that will see them jointly cooperate to contain the perennial food shortage in the region.

The MoU that was signed by Governor Josphat Nanok and WFP representative and Country Director Annalisa Conte will see the NGO and the county government establish efforts to transform the region.

It will enhance joint investment, influence county government policies to improve food systems, boost market access for agricultural producers and influence community resilience.

It also aims at strengthening the devolved unit’s preparedness in dealing with emergencies, implementation of school feeding programmes and campaigns to boost nutrition for the vulnerable population.

Speaking after signing the MoU Nanok said investment to support food production through flood-based farming for over 10,000 households in the county will contribute to achieving food security.

 “This agreement is going to run for the next five years and we will be utilising resources through support of WFP to increase acreage under irrigation,” said the governor.

The governor hailed WFP support in the past which he said assisted in responding to emergencies, refugee assistance and asset creation.

Conte said WFP was shifting its form of support for the region from primarily providing relief response to joint investment to develop food security for communities. 

“We will continue providing relief whenever needed, but we want to change the lives of these people who are regularly affected by food insecurity. We will support communities have better access to food, diversify livelihoods and developing and integrating the markets,” she said.