Ahead of World Food Day, Catholic Entity Highlights Measures to End Hunger in Africa

In the October report, Trócaire officials say that increased investment in agriculture should be “non-market distorting” and should also “promote social equity and sustainability.”

Officials of the Catholic entity say that there is need to embrace disaster risk reduction that involves protection of livelihoods.

“A crucial part of Trócaire’s work is supporting people to protect themselves, their livelihoods and their belongings from shocks and disasters including climate-related, political, conflict, disease epidemics, economic and financial disruptions,” they add.

To strengthen farming across the globe, including Africa, Trócaire officials recommend “locally-led active monitoring, early-warning measures, and infrastructural measures such as reinforcing homes.”

Focusing their attention of the humanitarian crisis in parts of Africa amid unprecedented drought, the leadership of Trócaire says, “In the Horn and East Africa, farmers are facing a fifth consecutive season of drought, compounded by the recent rise in food and fuel due to the war in Ukraine.”

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Trócaire add in reference to the World Food Programme (WFP), “With crops continuing to fail and livestock being wiped out, an estimated 7.2 million people are waking up hungry every day in Southern and Southeastern Ethiopia.

In Somalia, they say, “the situation is so bad that famine may be declared in parts of the country in the coming weeks.”

In the October 13 report, hygiene and sanitation are also highlighted as challenges. Officials of the overseas development agency of the Catholic Bishops of Ireland say, “A huge focus of Trócaire’s health programme is ensuring that people have access to clean, safe water and adequate hygiene and sanitation services.”

In addressing the issue of hunger across the globe, including Africa, Trócaire officials say that the issue of gender needs to be embraced in the struggle for economic stability.

“Trócaire is working to close this gender gap by helping women control the resources needed to feed their families, grow nutritious food, expand their businesses and participate in leadership roles in food and agricultural systems,” they say, making reference to an initiative in Sierra Leone.

They express their awareness about drought and hunger in Somalia and say supporting refugees and internally Displaced people (IDPs) through programs that seek to promote farming could be one way of addressing the challenges.

“Trócaire’s programs support the immediate needs of people who are forced to flee their homes with cash transfers, food distribution and access to health services,” they say in the October 13 report.

The officials of the Catholic entity add, “Trócaire also provides early interventions that involve provision of food to children before they become acutely malnourished, and work their families to build long term resilience.”

WFD was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1945 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

This year's theme for WFD is, “Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow.” According to WFP, the theme underscores the fact that “production and consumption of safe food have immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet, and the economy.”

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.