In recent news, the Nobel Peace Prize for 2020 was bestowed upon the World Food Programme (WFP). This United Nations (UN) agency has been recognized for its instrumental efforts in combating hunger, enhancing peace conditions in areas affected by conflict, and inhibiting the use of hunger as a weapon during war and conflict.
The World Food Programme: An Overview
Established in 1961 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the WFP evolved into a standalone UN agency by 1965. The main headquarters of this program is located in Rome, Italy.
Significance and Achievements of the World Food Programme
Among the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN, eradicating hunger is a significant goal with the target to achieve ‘Zero Hunger’ (SDG 2) by 2030. The WFP emerges as the primary agency under the UN working dedicatedly towards achieving this goal.
As of now, the WFP holds the title of the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting against hunger. In 2019 alone, it extended assistance to a whopping 97 million people across 88 countries – the highest count since 2012. In the same year, it facilitated the delivery of about 4.4 million tonnes of food and made purchases totaling up to USD 1.7 billion worth of food from 91 nations, and procured goods and services worth USD 762 million from over 156 countries.
Hunger: The Scary Numbers
As per the data revealed by the WFP, globally, there are 690 million people battling hunger, with approximately 60% residing in nations plagued with conflicts. It further claims that individuals living in countries coping with long-term crises are more than twice as likely to suffer malnutrition than those in more stable areas (2.5 times, to be exact).
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation further. With loss of income, soaring food prices, and disrupted supply chains, the number of people grappling with hunger is expected to rise sharply. The WFP projects that by 2030, almost half of the world’s poor will inhabit fragile areas deeply affected by conflict.
Role of WFP in India
Operating in India since 1963, the WFP focuses on amending the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and offers technical assistance, policy advice, and advocacy for improving food accessibility.
The WFP has introduced unique initiatives, such as the Automatic Grain Dispensing Machine (Annapurti) and Mobile Storage Units, for effective implementation of TPDS. More recently, WFP India carried out a pilot project aimed at rice fortification for the government’s Mid-day Meal schemes.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, WFP India collaborated with central and state governments and developed guidance for reopening schools. Notably, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), offering technical support for establishing supplementary nutrition production units.