MBABANE – The Governments of Eswatini and Japan have signed an agreement for food assistance worth E25 million to be received from Japan, through the United Nations World Food Programme. The food assistance will go towards the Homegrown School Feeding Programme, according Government’s official statement on social media.
The programme is currently piloted in 50 schools as well as smallholder farmer assistance. Signing on behalf of Eswatini was Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina, while signing for Japan was His Excellency Maruyama Norio, Japan Ambassador to Eswatini.
Eswatini Minister Dr Gina said that the assistance comes at the right time where the food commodity prices are sky rocketing posing a risk to food insecurity to most vulnerable households.
“We appreciate the contribution made by the Government of Japan in different sectors of the country’s economy, even under the current COVID-19 pandemic and the world economic situation resulting from geo- political tensions,” remarked Minister Dr Gina.
He added that in the last two years alone, Eswatini has received food assistance worth E37.4 million from the Government of Japan, and this has helped the Government of Eswatini to increase access to education by retaining school going children.
Japan Ambassador H.E MARUYAMA Norio revealed that this aid is aimed at improving food security, and support the economic and social development of the country. Japan would like to continue to contribute toward improving the livelihood of vulnerable people in Eswatini.
World Food Programme Country Director Deepak Shah also echoed the sentiments of the two diplomats. He said, “This project will contribute to the betterment of livelihoods and improved economic status of emaSwati. When food is procured locally, it contributes to stable markets, boosts local agriculture & impacts rural transformation.
