WFP urged to restore school feeding programme in schools

Ngorongoro District Commissioner, Col Wilson Sakulo made the call here at the weekend during the launch of WFP’s offices in the region.

Col. Sakulo said that WFP used to provide food to schools in the periphery and to pastoral societies, a move which contributed to increase in academic performance, understanding and decrease in school pupils skipping schools.

“The current situation has worsened and contributed to the increase in malnutrition for children below five years old especially in Longido and Monduli districts after the cessation of the feeding project. This has resulted in the decline in pupils’ performance and focus in their studies in the many of the schools in the periphery,” he said.

Col. Sakulo said the situation is attributed to the effects of climate change which have caused drought and frequent floods that have affected crop cultivation and animal keeping which are the primary income generation activities.

“Apart from the impacts on agriculture, drought has also affected the wild animals that attract tourists and help generate income for the people in the region and the nation. I request WFP to ponder on how to restore a sustainable plan for a balanced diet in schools in these areas in collaboration with the government, stakeholders and parents,” he said.

He said the government acknowledges the efforts exhibited by WFP in collaboration with other stakeholders in addressing the challenges posed by climate change which contribute to malnutrition.

“We acknowledge the efforts you have invested to help farmers with timely quality fertilizers, access to markets for selling their crops and reducing the loss of crops harvests. We also applaud you for the launch of a plan to aid farmers and pastoralists to understand and effectively use weather information issued by the meteorological authority,” he said.

Sarah Gordon, WFP Country Director and Representative said the presence of the organization’s office will help in the implementation to help youth in agriculture in commercial agriculture and animal keeping hence elevating their individual economies.

“Through this project, we must unite our efforts from the government, development stakeholders, the private sector, innovators and WFP in order to reach the sustainable goal which is to alleviate hunger and ensure food security, improve balanced diet and enhance sustainable agriculture. Investment in youth is paramount, especially women empowerment through knowledge, skills and tools that will help them meet the needs of the market and contribute to Tanzania’s economy,” she said.

She added: "Investing in these groups is vital because they will become beneficial to the society as well as ensure food is available, balanced diet and food security which will improve the endurance of the family and the society.”

Gordon said it was important for stakeholders to empower and give voice to women and youth to influence lasting change in their lives so that Tanzania can attain sustainable inclusive development.