The FAO plans to assist over 100 million individuals across 54 nations by 2026, with a funding target of $2.5 billion.
The organization is advocating for a more focused and adaptive strategy, emphasizing key priorities, sequencing actions efficiently, and centering on practical solutions that farmers demand, aligned with Members’ priorities.
Approximately 80% of those experiencing acute food insecurity are in rural regions, dependent on agriculture, herding, fishing, or forestry.
Yet, a mere 5% of food-sector humanitarian funding supports agricultural livelihoods, perpetuating a cycle of crisis and dependence, according to the agency.
With a focus on anticipatory action and swift emergency agricultural aid, FAO seeks:
• $1.5 billion for emergency aid to 60 million individuals, including seeds, tools, livestock health, livelihood recovery, and cash assistance.
• $1 billion for resilience programs benefiting 43 million individuals, emphasizing climate-smart agrifood solutions, water systems, markets, and ecosystem restoration.
• $70 million for global services to enhance data, early warning, anticipatory action, and cross-sector coordination.
UN increases aid for 120,000 displaced in Mozambique
The UN has boosted life-saving aid for 120,000 individuals displaced by rising violence in Mozambique’s Nampula province.
Under the guidance of Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, $6 million has been allocated from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for support.
Violence that began in 2017 in Cabo Delgado has displaced over 1.3 million people. “The situation has sharply worsened since mid-November as conflict spreads,” stated UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Overcrowded and vulnerable
Over two-thirds of the 100,000 who have fled recently are sheltering in congested schools, makeshift structures, open spaces, or with already vulnerable host families, according to OCHA.
People lack proper shelter and have limited access to safe water, healthcare, protection, and sanitation services, while a cholera outbreak continues to spread, Mr. Dujarric added.
CERF funding will prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene services for those in the Erati and Memba districts, along with essential household items, shelter, protection, and livelihood support.
Arrests and repression overshadow Uganda’s upcoming elections
At least 550 individuals, including members of Uganda’s main opposition party, have been arrested or detained ahead of January’s elections, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported.
OHCHR stated heavily armed security forces have been deployed to areas where National Unity Platform (NUP) rallies are planned. Last week, officers reportedly used live ammunition in Iganga, killing at least one person and injuring three others.
“It is deeply regrettable that election campaigns have once again been marked by widespread arbitrary arrests, detentions, and the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against the opposition, as well as undue restriction of press freedom,” said UN human rights chief Volker Türk.
Opposition held in isolation
Reports of enforced disappearances and torture of NUP supporters have risen over the past year, OHCHR warned.
Security forces are accused of using unmarked minibuses known as “drones” to transport individuals to unofficial detention sites or “safe houses”, where they are allegedly held incommunicado.
Earlier this year, the military head posted on social media that he was holding the NUP leader’s bodyguard in his “basement”.
Following public outcry, the bodyguard was subsequently presented in court, visibly shaken and showing signs of physical abuse.
Mr. Türk urged authorities to thoroughly and impartially investigate all allegations of mistreatment.
OHCHR added that at least 32 journalists and media workers were assaulted or had their equipment confiscated by security personnel during a parliamentary by-election in March.
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