World Bank’s manager for global agriculture practice, Julian Lampietti, has announced a new strategy the bank is adopting to help boost food security and beat global hunger.
Lampietty presented the Bank’s new program called the Global Challenge Program on Food and Nutrition Security in Berlin in mid-January and noted that it’s set to launch later this year officially.
The goal of this program is to make food more available – as well as prepare communities in case of food crises. The project’s details are to be revealed shortly, per Devex.
The World Bank (WB) is continually making efforts and increasing operations to curb global hunger and malnutrition and has made some $45 billion available in financing worldwide “including $13.2 billion for West and Central Africa and $10.6 billion for East Africa,” WB has said.
Elsewhere, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Food Security Cary Fowler has expressed hope for crop cultivation despite climate change and its looming impact.
According to Fowler, who spoke to Stuart Norval in an interview with FRANCE 24, it’s essential to take a step back and harness the power of (perhaps forgotten) indigenous plants, in addition to ensuring healthy, fertile soil.
Fowler pointed out that a global effort must be made and focus on Africa, estimating that by the end of the century, it will be the most inhabited continent. The U.S. Special Envoy added that the largest continent currently imports the majority of its staple crops, while over 300 indigenous crops are left uncultivated – largely due to underinvestment.
To reach the goals of feeding people, Fowler noted, Africa should turn to those traditional crops with the help and investment of governments worldwide.
