The United States of America assist Nigerien people in the face of the food insecurity and nutrition crisis

10 May 2010

In the face of the food insecurity and nutrition crisis, the United States Government is acting in partnership with agencies of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Government of Niger to provide food commodities and humanitarian support to the people of Niger.  Providing relief to the nation's vulnerable populations is a high priority.  The United States has never wavered in providing humanitarian assistance to Niger, and consequently, early last fall, undertook the necessary preparations so that aid could be provided in the event of a crisis.

The people of America, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have contributed 47,010 metric tons of food commodities to date in support of the emergency response to feed over 2.3 million vulnerable Nigeriens.  The bulk of this assistance (36,640 metric tons) is being distributed through multiple World Food Program feeding initiatives in support of the Government of Niger’s Plan of Response, in particular to support nutrition programs for malnourished children.  Another 10,370 tons of commodities are being delivered to U.S. NGO partners for additional nutritional support.  The total value of this emergency food assistance is US$53 million. 

The Obama Administration sees fighting chronic hunger as a key priority of our foreign policy.  The purpose of foreign assistance is to create conditions where it is no longer needed.  Complementing our commitment to providing emergency food aid during crises, the U.S. Government has a broad global strategy to strengthen the worldwide agricultural sector, to increase incomes, support rural communities, and stimulate economic growth.  President Obama announced that the United States would commit $3.5 billion USD (1.7 trillion CFA) over three years to agricultural development worldwide.  We will work with other governments, multinational institutions, NGOs, and especially rural farmers to reduce hunger sustainably, raise the incomes of the rural poor, and reduce the number of children suffering from under-nutrition.  Other countries are joining us in this effort.  Major industrialized nations have committed more than $22 billion (10.8 trillion CFA) over three years to spur agriculture-led economic growth.

The American people want to help the people of Niger during hard times.  We stand with the people of Niger during this difficult time as a partner and as a friend.