The United Nations World Food Program Gradually Restarts Aid to Ethiopia Amidst Reform Measures

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has initiated the gradual resumption of food aid to Ethiopia, marking a significant step forward after suspending aid for nearly five months due to a massive scheme to pilfer donated grain. This strategic pause, affecting 20 million Ethiopians and 800,000 refugees, stirred a storm of criticism in the global community, with some even alleging that hundreds died of hunger during the hiatus.

Restarting Distribution Trials

WFP has commenced small-scale distribution trials in select regions while acknowledging the government’s continued involvement in the process. As part of a comprehensive reform effort, the agency has introduced enhanced controls and measures, including digital beneficiary registration, grain sack markings, feedback hotlines, and amplified training for aid partners. This revamped system, currently implemented in the northern Tigray region, aims to ensure that food reaches those who need it most effectively.

The suspension, triggered by the discovery of stolen grain being sold in markets, prompted the U.S. to halt its own food aid to Ethiopia. U.S. officials have labelled the grain theft as potentially the largest-ever diversion of donated food. The resumption of WFP aid, however, is not funded by the U.S., as the World Bank finances the program.

Need of the Hour

Critics have called for a complete overhaul of Ethiopia’s government involvement in the aid system. While WFP operates at the government’s request, the ongoing dialogue on reform underscores the complexities of ensuring aid reaches its intended recipients. USAID Administrator Samantha Power expressed the intention to restart food assistance swiftly while emphasising the necessity to establish confidence that aid effectively reaches the vulnerable. This move comes as the U.S. seeks to showcase its ability to detect and prevent aid theft, a crucial endeavour to bolster public support for aid programs, particularly in the context of global challenges.

As WFP cautiously navigates the path to revitalising food aid distribution in Ethiopia, the ultimate goal remains steadfast: to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the sustenance they desperately need.