Korea Donates 11,520 MT of Rice to Support Malian Refugees and School Children in West Africa

In Guinea-Bissau, where economic and climate-related crises are intensifying hunger and malnutrition, WFP will distribute 2,400 metric tons of rice to 180,000 children in 850 schools over four months.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a substantial food aid contribution of 11,520 metric tons of rice from the Republic of Korea. This donation aims to address the emergency food and nutrition needs of 81,600 Malian refugees and 287,000 school children across Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone.

This aid comes at a critical time when millions in West Africa are grappling with severe food insecurity exacerbated by the climate crisis, ongoing conflicts, and rising food and fuel costs. The March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis reveals that 2.3 million people in these countries are facing acute hunger during the June-August lean season.

Yongho Jung, Director at Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), expressed the significance of the donation: "I am pleased that this year, the rice assistance from the Republic of Korea has doubled, and for the first time, we are supporting three countries in West Africa with Korean rice. Our goal is to give back and offer hope to those facing severe food crises."

In Guinea-Bissau, where economic and climate-related crises are intensifying hunger and malnutrition, WFP will distribute 2,400 metric tons of rice to 180,000 children in 850 schools over four months. This vital support will enhance school enrollment and retention, addressing nutritional gaps and encouraging parents to keep their children in school.

Claude Kakule, WFP's Country Director in Guinea-Bissau, praised the donation: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea. This timely contribution will be crucial in boosting school enrollment and retention rates, especially following a period of food shortage."

In Mauritania, the Korean rice will supplement general food assistance for 81,600 Malian refugees at the Mbera camp over 11 months. Additionally, it will provide school meals to 7,700 refugee children and 46,800 children from host communities from October 2024 to June 2025. The donation will support a comprehensive food basket for vulnerable families, helping them avoid adverse coping strategies during the lean season.

Patrick Teixeira, WFP's Deputy Country Director in Mauritania, noted, "This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea is a lifeline for those impacted by multiple crises. It will significantly enhance WFP's efforts to improve food security and nutrition for refugees and vulnerable communities affected by economic and climate shocks."

In Sierra Leone, where hunger is rising due to the economic impacts of the Ukraine crisis and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Korean rice will support 106,700 students across 494 primary schools. This assistance will bolster government efforts to meet the food and nutrition needs of schoolchildren in the country.

Yvonne Forsen, WFP's Country Director in Sierra Leone, commended the donation: "This act of generosity from the Republic of Korea exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation and compassion at the core of the WFP mission. We deeply appreciate their commitment to humanitarian efforts and their positive impact on those in need."