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THE Japanese government has contributed US$1.4 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide food assistance to some 70,000 refugees in north-western Tanzania.
A ceremony was held at Dar es Salaam port today to mark the contribution which will be used to purchase beans from local producers, fortified vegetable oil and fortified corn soya blend known as Super Cereal and Super Cereal Plus. These Super Cereals make a highly nutritious porridge which is particularly important for mothers and young children who are vulnerable to undernutrition and its lasting effects. The ceremony was officiated by the Hon. Mathias Chikawe (MP), Tanzanian Minister for Home Affairs.
“This donation is a crucial step towards meeting the nutrition needs of these refugees who are dependent on WFP food,” said WFP Tanzania Country Representative Richard Ragan. “With this money, WFP can purchase food to feed some 14,000 children under five years of age, 3,000 pregnant and nursing women, and around 1,800 patients receiving medical care.”
Japan is a strong supporter of WFP, having donated US$14 million towards refugee operations in Tanzania over the last 10 years. The ceremony was attended by H. E. Mr. Masaki Okada, Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania.
“The Government of Japan has been supporting the development of Tanzania and other countries in the region for many years, including the refugee populations,” said the Ambassador. “As a response to the appeal by WFP, the Japanese government gave this contribution to implement the refugee programme in Tanzania. The government’s response reflects shared concerns amongst the people of Japan about the impact of conflicts.”
Japan’s contribution will also help to boost the local economy. Under WFP’s Purchase for Progress initiative, which supports smallholder farmers by connecting them to agricultural markets, the beans will be purchased locally.