Japan donates $1M to boost food security in S. Sudan

October 9, 2015 (JUBA) – Japan announced a $1 million contribution to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to enable South Sudanese communities restore livelihoods and enhance their resilience against future shocks affecting food security.

“Japan is committed to assisting the people of South Sudan attain long-term food security and break the cycle of constant hunger crises. These funds will help WFP deliver such assistance to needy communities,” said Kiya Masahiko, Japan’s envoy to South Sudan.

WFP said it will use the Japanese grant to purchase food to help meet the immediate food needs of vulnerable people while they work on community asset-creation projects.

Nearly two million people were displaced by the South Sudanese with aid agencies anticipating nearly four million could face famine.

“We welcome this additional contribution from Japan, which will boost our efforts to support livelihoods and prevent households and communities from falling deeper into food insecurity,” said WFP’s country director for South Sudan, Joyce Luma.

“It is important to build resilience and invest in the future in more stable parts of the country while we continue providing life-saving assistance to people directly affected by conflict,” she added.

This latest contribution from the Japanese government will reportedly go towards implementing food-for-assets activities in South Sudan’s Lakes state early next year.

(ST)