THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD

Published purpose

March 2014 - Recent natural disasters, economic shocks and food price increases have compromised the already precarious food security (access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food) of the poor in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Half of the population of 34 million people live in poverty and a third are chronically undernourished. Coffee production is the main source of income for 2 million people in these countries. Over the last few years, the resurgence of coffee rust in the region has affected 50 percent of the coffee growing areas, and resulted in 220,000 lost jobs. Further losses are expected in 2014. Small-holder farmers and seasonal labourers are particularly in need of assistance. With the support of DFATD and other donors, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is meeting the immediate food needs of 467,000 people affected by disasters and food insecurity. Project activities include: (1) immediate food distribution to 262,000 people affected by disasters; and (2) distribution of cash, vouchers or food to 205,000 people to restore or create community assets.