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Farhiya Abdullahi Haji likes to cook rice with onions and tomatoes, or make pilau with meat, or serve it alongside cowpea leaves and beans. However she prepares it, her four kids love it. As a family of Somalis living in a refugee camp in northern Kenya, which has seen its refugee population swell to 60 per cent rise in the last five years because of climate shocks and war, there isn’t always enough to go around.
“When there’s no food in the house, it’s not a home. There is no joy,” Farhiya said.
The rise in refugee needs has outpaced resources in recent months, forcing the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to elect deep ration cuts. Fortunately for Farhiya, the Republic of Korea doubled its rice contribution to Kenya this year to 21,000 metric tons, valued at US$ 14.2 million.
This substantial donation will allow WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in the camps of Dadaab and Kakuma. “The Republic of Korea’s contribution arrives at a critical time when WFP’s resources are severely stretched and the needs rising fast,” said Ms. Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya.
“This generous donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people, providing them with much-needed sustenance during these challenging times.”
The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast supporter of WFP’s operations in Kenya, contributing a total of 64,500 metric tons of rice since 2018, valued at approximately US$ 53 million, making it WFP’s Kenya second-largest donor.
“The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting Kenya in its efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations like refugees and asylum seekers,” said H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kenya.
“We recognize the challenges faced by WFP in providing adequate food assistance, and we hope this contribution will help alleviate some of the burden.”
When food was more plentiful, Farhiya used to share whatever she had left over with neighbours. With the Republic of Korea’s help, that may now be possible once again. “My kids love rice so much,” Farhiya said. “When the kids see food in the sack they say, ‘God is great’, we have food.”