Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-26 11:15:15
The Government of the Central African Republic (C.A.R) has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to expand the homegrown school meals programme across the country, targeting 400,000 children. This initiative was announced by President Faustin Archange Touadera during the Africa Day of School Feeding commemoration at Sainte Philomene primary school in Bimbo, near the capital Bangui.
President Faustin Archange Touadera emphasized the importance of education and the wellbeing of Central African children, stating that these priorities led to the launch of the homegrown school meals programme as a key component of the national social protection strategy. The programme aims to break the cycle of food insecurity and malnutrition through a holistic approach that integrates education, health, nutrition, and agriculture, with a special focus on smallholder farmers.
The homegrown school meals programme will utilize locally grown and sourced food from smallholder farmers and traders to provide safe and nutritious meals to school children. The coverage of the programme is set to increase to 400,000 children by 2027, up from 150,000 in 2023. This expansion is expected to boost local food production and consumption, creating demand for diverse and nutritious food while stimulating the local economy and strengthening food systems.
By linking farmers with traders and school children, the programme plays a crucial role in building sustainable national food systems. Additionally, it provides opportunities for women to secure jobs as cooks, food packers, quality control agents, processors, and transporters, contributing to their economic empowerment.
Houssainou Tall, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in CAR, commended the Central African Government for adopting the homegrown school meals programme, emphasizing its potential to not only nourish the next generation but also create jobs, foster economic growth, and promote long-term development in the country. WFP is committed to supporting the Government and collaborating with partners to ensure that Central African children have access to nutritious food and quality education.
Prior to the expansion of the homegrown school meals programme, WFP has been providing school meals to 170,000 children across the country using cash or imported food. This initiative has not only helped schoolchildren and teachers focus better in class but also provided a crucial safety net for families in a country where 36 percent of the population faces acute hunger due to conflict, population displacement, and widespread poverty.
In conclusion, the nationwide expansion of the homegrown school meals programme in the Central African Republic signifies a significant step towards addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty among school children. By prioritizing education, health, and local agriculture, the programme has the potential to create lasting positive impacts on the lives of children and families in the country.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
