Kisumu, 21/2/08
   By Leo Odera Omolo
  
  The world largest humanitarian organization, World Food Programme (WFP), bought 2.1 million metric tones of food grains valued at over USD760 million from 60 developing countries in the year 2007 with Uganda being the largest supplier.
  
  The food purchased in Uganda was valued at USD 55 million, out of a total of more than USD 1 billion, which WFP spent on food in domestic markets in Africa between  2001 and 2007.
  
  WFP is currently planning to expand its food procurement activities by supporting sustainable crop production to address the root cause of hunger in the continent.
  
  The organization will purchase more food directly from low income farmers and farmers’ groups, and partner in agriculture and market development in the countries in which it operates.
  
  “We are now not only feeding hungry people, but helping to develop sustainable solutions to hunger,” said WFPexecutive director Josette Sheeran in a report just released.
  
  One way that the WFP is able to offset rising prices is by buying food in local markets in developing countries where prices are sometimes much lower and which are located closer to areas where the WFP distributes food. As food prices that help support local markets and keep food affordable to the most vulnerable become more important, much of the food that the WFP buys in developing countries is being distributed locally–in the same country where it was purchased– or regionally, thus keeping transport costs to minimum.
  
  “The policy is to buy locally when there is an abundance and avoid local market at times of scarcity so as not to distort the market,” the director said.
  
  This will help reduce the risks farmers face from uncertain markets, boost incomes and encourage investment in technologies and practices that increase and improve food production.
  
  “Buying local helps provide more income for small scale farmers, while saving money for  WFP,” the director stated, adding that rising fuel and commodity costs have impacted upon the WFP’s ability to supply food to the hungry.  However, transport costs are minimized through the agencies delivery of food purchased in developing countries either locally or regionally, concludes the report.
  
  Ends
  LEOODERAOMOLO2@yahoo.com