World Food Programme
Why in News?
India-WFP Rice Deal: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU to supply rice for global relief efforts at a fixed price until March 2026.
Other Steps
- 2026 Global Outlook: WFP warned that 318 million people face acute hunger, double pre-pandemic levels, with active famines confirmed in Gaza and parts of Sudan.
- Innovation Showcase: WFP recently spotlighted AI-driven solutions, such as "Annapurti" grain ATMs and digital hunger maps, at the 2026 Munich Security Conference side-event.
- Funding Crisis: Severe resource constraints have forced WFP to cut rations in countries like Uganda and Niger, with total funding dropping from $9.8 billion in 2024 to an expected $6.4 billion in 2025.
- Emergency Response: A joint UN convoy led by WFP recently reached cut-off communities in Sudan's South Kordofan State, providing aid to 130,000 people for the first time in months.
About WFP
- Establishment: Founded in 1961 by the UN General Assembly and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Headquarters: Located in Rome, Italy.
- Mission: To achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by providing emergency food aid and building long-term resilience.
- Funding: Entirely funded by voluntary contributions from governments, corporations, and individuals.
- Governance: Led by an Executive Director (currently Cindy McCain) and overseen by a 36-member Executive Board.
- Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded in 2020 for efforts to combat hunger and prevent its use as a weapon of war.
- Operations: Operates in over 120 countries, managing vast logistics including 5,000 trucks, 20 ships, and 80 aircraft.
- Innovation: Uses blockchain for refugee aid (in Jordan) and satellite analytics to predict climate-related disasters.
- School Meals: The world’s largest provider of school meals, reaching over 466 million children globally.
