Republic of Korea rice donation bolsters WFP’s emergency response in Madagascar

The contribution will enable WFP to assist over 416,000 vulnerable people who are experiencing recurring extreme climatic events, such as droughts and cyclones, in the South and Southeast of Madagascar.

“The Republic of Korea reiterates its commitment to support Madagascar in is ongoing development efforts, through various cooperation projects,” said H.E. Ji Hyun Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Madagascar. “The Republic of Korea attaches particular importance to supporting people in need, vulnerable to climatic hazards and drought and it is in this spirit, that the Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to support WFP.”

In Madagascar, over 1.31 million people face elevated levels of food insecurity, and the combination of increasing climate shocks and economic recession has affected people’s resilience. The El Niño phenomenon has resulted in less than average rains during the rainy season, therefore significantly affecting agricultural production. Smallholder farmers who rely on rainfed agriculture experienced reduced harvests. As such, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is expected to rise during the next lean season, the time between planting and harvest (October to March).

“We highly appreciate the support from the Republic of Korea, a key partner for WFP in Madagascar,” said Mamadou Mbaye, acting WFP Country Director and Representative in Madagascar, at a handover ceremony in Antananarivo on 27 June 2024. “This contribution arrives at a crucial time, as we are expecting a rise in the number of people in need of assistance following the El Niño phenomenon and the consecutive floods related to cyclone Gamane and tropical storm Alvaro."

The Republic of Korea is one of WFP’s key donors in Madagascar. Between 2020 and 2024, WFP has received contributions to the value of US$ 6.5 million, through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in support of nutrition assistance.  

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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