Mali: Sweden and UN agencies launch multi-year project to strengthen food and nutrition security in Mali
The Swedish government, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP) have signed a four-year program to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities. of food insecurity, malnutrition and the effects of climate change in the Malay regions of Segou and Sikasso.
With a grant of USD 23 million from Sweden and based on expertise from the three UN agencies, the project will contribute to improving food and nutrition security for 144,800 people, especially women and children. This objective will be achieved through sustainable agricultural support, the creation and rehabilitation of social resources, such as the development of fish halls, the production of communities of improved stoves and fuel briquettes made from plant and animal waste, and improved access to water and health services.
“Strengthening food security and nutrition resilience for the most vulnerable people requires a multisectoral and integrated approach. In this project, our multi-year partnership with the three UN agencies will enable us to address the root causes of vulnerability and contribute to sustainable “In addition, this is an important project that addresses the six thematic perspectives for Sweden’s development cooperation: poverty reduction, human rights, gender equality, conflict sensitivity, environment, climate change and resilience”, informed Richard Bomboma, Head of Cooperation for Sweden. in Mali.
The local communities of Segou (Barouéli Circle) and Sikasso (Bougouni and Sikasso circles) are among the main actors in this project. They will be directly involved in the implementation and monitoring of project activities and will also be equipped and aware of good diet and hygiene routines. The emphasis is on women’s active participation.
“The FAO is committed to working with all partners to support project beneficiaries to strengthen their resilience, conserve natural resources and biodiversity affected by climate change. We will jointly use the tools to strengthen social cohesion and reduce conflicts in agriculture to achieve better productivity. , a better environment, better nutrition and better living conditions for the beneficiaries of this project, “said Mansour N’Diaye, FAO Representative in Mali.
To ensure sustainability, the project will link emergency measures to development initiatives within the triple Nexus of peace, humanitarian and development.
“This program places particular emphasis on children and young people, and women’s involvement and active participation. We look forward to seeing an improvement in people’s ability to prepare, prevent and respond to the effects of crises and shocks, including climate change, to ensure a better Sweden is a key partner of UNICEF in Mali, and we are pleased to continue to strengthen our partnership. By joining forces, we can maximize our impact on Mali’s residents. The complementary expertise and experience of the three The UN agencies will ensure that the long-term effect is strong and solid, “said Sylvie FOUET, UNICEF’s representative in Mali.
“Our common priority is to work with communities, including those displaced by conflict, to enable them to have sustainable access to safe and nutritious food. This includes programs that offer food or cash in exchange for work to build assets. “which will benefit society as a whole and the development of business-related activities, in a complementary way to the sister bodies UNICEF and FAO,” said Sally HAYDOCK, WFP Representative and Director of Mali.