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World Bank approves $500mn to aid Africa’s fight against locust plague
The World Bank Group approved today a $500 million program to help countries in Africa and the Middle East fight the locust swarms that are threatening the food security and livelihoods of millions of people. The bank’s financing package will deliver immediate and long-term support to help hard-hit farmers and rural communities control the swarms, withstand the dual crises of COVID19 and locusts and restore their livelihoods. World Bank Group President, David Malpass joins CNBC Africa for more.
Thu, 21 May 2020 14:51:23 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The emergency funding will provide immediate assistance to farmers, rural communities, and families affected by COVID-19 and locust swarms.
- The program aims to control the current locust infestation and implement measures to prevent future outbreaks, with a focus on regional cooperation.
- The World Bank is also providing significant support to African countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on health systems and economic stability.
The World Bank Group has announced a $500 million program aimed at assisting countries in Africa and the Middle East in combating the locust swarms that pose a threat to food security and livelihoods of millions of people. The financing package will provide immediate and long-term support to help farmers, rural communities, and families affected by the dual crises of COVID-19 and locust infestations. World Bank Group President, David Malpass, shed more light on the program in a recent interview with CNBC Africa.
The epicenter of the locust crisis is in the Horn of Africa, specifically affecting countries such as Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The funding will focus on providing food, seeds, and fodder for animals to the affected communities. Locust swarms have been ravaging crops and grazing land, posing a threat to both food security and economic stability in the region.
Malpass highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further devastation. The World Bank is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to ensure effective and timely delivery of aid to those in need.
The $500 million emergency funding is aimed at both controlling the current locust infestation and implementing measures to prevent future outbreaks. Malpass underscored the importance of regional cooperation, as the locust threat could spread to neighboring countries, exacerbating the crisis. The World Bank is urging other donors, including bilateral and multilateral development banks, to contribute to the program to enhance its impact and reach.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank has allocated approximately $160 billion in grants and financial support globally. A significant portion of this funding is expected to benefit African countries, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations and fragile states. The World Bank is accelerating its programs to address the immediate health and economic challenges posed by the pandemic.
While East Africa grapples with the locust invasion, West Africa faces different challenges, notably in the areas of energy access, water supply, and digital connectivity. Malpass highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, such as electricity grids, to enhance economic development and connectivity to the global economy. With many West African countries facing fiscal deficits, the World Bank is working with regional partners to bolster energy systems and promote sustainable, low-carbon strategies.
In terms of healthcare support, the World Bank is actively engaged in strengthening health systems across the continent. The focus is on equipping frontline medical workers with essential supplies like personal protective equipment and ensuring the effective delivery of vaccines. Malpass stressed the importance of sanitation, hygiene practices, and child nutrition in combating health challenges.
The World Bank's comprehensive approach aims to address the immediate needs of communities impacted by the locust crisis while also laying the foundation for long-term resilience and sustainability. By mobilizing financial resources and technical assistance, the World Bank is working closely with governments and international partners to mitigate the impact of the locust infestation and support recovery efforts in Africa and the Middle East.
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