WFP partners Nigeria, others to kickstart food assistance program, targets 7.5 million people

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has partnered with Nigeria and other West and Central African countries to launch this year’s food assistance program for the lean season, which runs from June to August. The initiative aims to reach 7.5 million people despite a near-record number of individuals in need of food assistance across the region.

Despite the target, the program falls short of the projected 55 million people facing severe food insecurity in West and Central Africa. Due to funding constraints, approximately 87% of food-insecure individuals in the region will not receive support. The WFP’s effort supports government responses in countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and others.

The food security crisis in West and Central Africa is exacerbated by conflicts, high food prices, and the climate crisis, with economic shocks further straining the region. The WFP could expand its reach to 12 million people if additional funding becomes available, but current resources limit the program’s impact, addressing only about 13% of the projected severe hunger cases.