To combat food insecurity: US donates 3,500 metric tonnes of rice for IDPs, refugees in Cameroon.

The consignment was received at the Douala Port July 1, 2024. It was received by a delegation from the USAID Cameroon. 

The delegation led by USAID Representative in Cameroon, Philippe Accilien and the Regional Humanitarian Advisor of the USAID West Africa Office, John Grabowski, witnessed the arrival and offloading of a ship carrying the 3,500 metric tonnes of rice and other food items. 

The officials said the arrival of the large shipment marked a significant moment for WFP, as it will enable the body to continue providing assistance to populations affected by food insecurity in Cameroon, particularly in the regions of Adamawa, East, Far North, North, North West and South West. 

The food, came at a crucial time when funding for humanitarian aid is falling sharply while the number of people facing acute food insecurity runs into millions across the country.

“More than ever, there is a need for concerted efforts to provide food and nutrition assistance to families most in need, and WFP thanks USAID and its other partners for their unwavering support, which allows WFP to maintain a vital link for populations affected by the crisis,” said officials.

The USAID country Representative, Philippe Accilien, in his remarks commended the hospitality of the government of Cameroon and its people.

"We want to acknowledge the generosity of the people of Cameroon and the country’s government. There are more than three million refugees in here…and the government has been welcoming for quite a while. So, we want to start by acknowledging that," he said 

"This food is coming to address food insecurity with the IDPs, refugees…we know that no one leaves home if they do not have a reason to, so the people are in Cameroon who have left their homes, have a good reason to have done that. So, this food will support their immediate needs in terms of food security and the American government on behalf of the American people, through me are showing their support as the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to Cameroon,” he added. 

To ensure equitable distribution, a targeting strategy will be used to identify the people who are really in need in the crisis regions.

From the seaport, the food items will be stored at the WFP warehouse in Douala, then it will be transferred to other warehouses in the North West, South West, Far North, North and the East Regions.

"So, once we have the food in these warehouses, we Will dispatch them to those who are in need. In addition to rice, we also have vegetable oil, blended corn Soyer so that we can provide a complete food basket to those in need," a WFP official told reporters. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Issue No:3159 of Friday July 5, 2024