The NDMA Supremo made these commendation while delivering his launching statement at the World Food ProgrammeWarehouse in Kanifing where the food items were handed over to The Gambian Government on Tuesday 16th May, 2023.
"The National Disaster Management Agency appreciates this assistance to the population through the World Food Programme. We are committed to work with WFP, in the identification, registration and distribution of these food items to the population that are most in need," Sanna Dahaba, NDMA Executive Director outlined.
He added: "The assistance is timely as the lean season is the most difficult period for families and households in the country. During this period, households food stocks are depleted, food prices are higher, more energy required in the farms, and the risks of climate related disasters."
According to him, the increased frequency in climate related shocks has created unprecedented challenges for The Gambia thus impacting negatively on the country's food and nutrition security, adding that the 2022 floods were the worst in almost half a century and their impact on food security makes the food donation very timely.
"The Government of The Gambia under the leadership of His Excellency Adama Barrow has made bold steps by clearly articulating the need to build resilience to shocks as indicated in the National Development Plan. The Government will continue to take necessary actions in the formation of policies and action plans to enhance food security.," Dahaba disclosed.
He added: "The Government will continue to work with WFP and partners to provide humanitarian assistance through food or cash distribution for immediate relief in case of emergencies. While we are taking bold steps, we still need the support of the people and Government of Japan."
Yasuhiro Tsumura, World Food Programme, Country Director, disclosed that the food assistance will reach twenty six thousand (26, 000) Gambian households with four thousand (4000) malnourished children and one thousand (1000) elderlies and poor and vulnerable families.
According to him, all the donated food items amounting to thirty six million (36 million) which were all locally sourced and purchased from local farmers is meant to enhance their incomes, noting that this amounts to nine hundred (900) metric tons of nutritive food items including rice and beans that is hoped to add great nutitive value to the diet of the beneficiaries.
Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health of The Gambia and OsamuIzawa, Japan Ambassador all highlighted the strong bilateral and fruitful relationship between the two countries, affirming that the donated food items will go a long way in helping the beneficiaries in no small measure.
