afrol News, 26 March - The US Agency for International Development has awarded US$3.7 million to the Senegalese government to rapidly reduce the malnutrition rates and increase food security.

According to the USAID communiqué, the $2.7 million of $3.7 million is geared towards improving the community-based nutrition efforts and agriculture production in the regions of Ziguinchor, Sedhiou and Kolda in Senegal.

The Principal Regional Advisor of USAID/Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) Regional Office for West and North Africa, Regina Davis, said the assistance will help thousands of families struggling to cope with the immediate impacts of the global food and financial crisis.

“With this funding, FAO will strengthen livelihoods and improve the nutritional status of the most vulnerable households affected by rising food prices,” she said.

The statement further said the programme, which will be implemented by the USAID partners will provide community-based nutrition programmes for malnourished children, build community awareness for the importance of good nutrition and how to prevent malnutrition.

“It will also educate farmers on the benefits of improved seed varieties, organise seed fairs that will make improved seed varieties available and provide micro-loans to community-based groups,” the statement said.

The statement said the USAID is also providing $1.05 million to FAO) to provide regional coordination of food security and agriculture efforts.

The current global recession has weighed heavily on poor African states especially those that depend on aid to feed their masses.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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