FAO Head of Office/OIC North East Office, Daouda Doumbia
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a relief program in Maiduguri, targeting 1,000 children suffering from malnutrition in the area.
The program, which started on Monday, aims to complement existing nutrition programs in Borno State by addressing critical food security needs in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps and flood-affected communities.
The FAO Head of Office/OIC North East Office, Daouda Doumbia, said the program is part of FAO’s broader response to the ongoing flooding crisis in Northeast Nigeria.
“The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will distributes the essential relief materials to flood-affected communities in Borno State, following the devastating floods of 9 September, 2024.
“These, reduce the risk of environmental degradation and promote safer cooking practices,” he said.
“Today’s distribution will focus on 1,000 households in the Jere, Local Government Areas, as part of FAO’s continued efforts to support vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters and enhance food security.”
“This initiative is a key component of FAO’s broader response to the ongoing flooding crisis in Northeast Nigeria.
“Through t inhe provision of Tom Brown, a locally sourced supplementary food for children with malnutrition, Safe Access to Fuel and Energy kits (SAFE kits), and animal health services, we hope to achieve success in addressing malnutrition from the flood disaster in the state.
“FAO remains dedicated to improving nutrition and resilience building for the most vulnerable populations in the face of climate-related challenges which include the distribution of Tom Brown (Locally Produced Supplementary Food (LPSF),” Dr. Daouda added
According too him, FAO will provide homestead garden kits and cash transfers to support women-led households. The homestead garden kits include highly nutritious, short-maturing vegetable seeds, and each household will receive $50 to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The FAO Emergency Specialist, Yakaka Bukar Maina, said the organization is distributing supplementary food to 1,000 children under five, targeting 4,680 children across three IDP camps and flood-affected communities. They’re also providing livestock health services, homestead garden kits, and cash transfers to support women-led households, as well as SAFE kits for fuel-efficient stoves and briquettes.
These initiatives according to him would improve nutritional status, support food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
