The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Fiji to reinforce its partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, through a pilot Anticipatory Action programme that aims to proactively shield communities in Fiji from the devastating impacts of tropical cyclones.
The first-of-its-kind project in the Pacific will provide pre-emptive cash transfers to targeted social welfare beneficiaries to cushion the shocks of tropical cyclones on food security and livelihoods. It is also designed to prevent vulnerable groups, especially women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, from being impacted further by climate shocks and vulnerabilities.
The MOU was signed between WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office Country Director, Alpha Bah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Shiri Gounder and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki.
“WFP values its partnership with the Government and people of Fiji. We are pleased to support this Anticipatory Action pilot project, marking a significant step forward in empowering communities to take early action. Recipients may use the funds to better protect themselves before a cyclone approaches, by buying food items, securing water, sanitation and hygiene requirements, meeting evacuation costs, structurally strengthening their homes and protecting livestock,” said Bah.
With funding from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and WFP, the Government and WFP aim to support 15,000 families in the forecasted path of a category 3, or stronger, cyclone.
The project will provide FJD 200 to each eligible household, enabling the Fijian Government, WFP and UN partners to support beneficiaries before a cyclone hits, reducing storm-related costs and suffering.
