Norway donates NOK 150 million to South Sudan
In an effort to improve food security, Norway has donated NOK 150 million (approx. USD 18.6 million) in multiyear funding to FAO South Sudan to provide life-saving livelihood support to thousands of farmers.
The agreement, signed today by Norway’s Ambassador to South Sudan Lars Andersen and FAO Representative Serge Tissot, paves the way for the continuation of a longstanding successful collaboration in strategic areas to improve food security in South Sudan.
“FAO is very grateful for Norway’s continued and unwavering support to the Emergency Livelihood Response Programme,” said Serge Tissot, FAO Representative in South Sudan. “With these funds, we will be able to assist vulnerable farmers all over the country with vital support to increase local production which ensures families have food on their tables.”
With yearly contributions to the Emergency Livelihood Response Programme over the past four years, Norway is among FAO’s top resource partners in South Sudan. Norway’s funding reaches its peak with this contribution, being its largest donation to FAO to date and a commitment spanning three years. Continuous support to emergency activities will allow the Organization to streamline its timely response.
“There is no question that the efforts of the international community has saved millions of lives during the conflict in South Sudan. It is not only important to relieve immediate needs, but also to do so in a manner that strengthens food security in the long run,” said Lars Andersen, the Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan.
“Norway believes that the Emergency Livelihood Response Programme represents a particularly valuable contribution to boosting recovery and resilience. The primary reason for the desperate humanitarian situation is the conflict, and the conflict must end. But even if the conflict ends now, it will take time for South Sudan to recover. Norway is proud to be a long standing partner of FAO to improve the livelihoods of the people of South Sudan,” he added.
In 2018, FAO aims to reach 4.8 million people with inputs for crop, vegetable and fisheries production to produce at least 300 000 tonnes of food and vaccinate and treat over 8.7 million livestock to protect pastoralists’ assets. As a result of these activities, beneficiaries increase the availability of food and access to it in their communities by selling the surplus in the local markets.