WFP to strengthen support to Ethiopia's natural resource sector

Source:  Relief web

Date: 18 Jan 2011

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2011 (Addis Ababa) - The World Food Program, (WFP) said it will further strengthen support to Ethiopia in its efforts to conserve natural resources.

WFP Ethiopia Acting Country Director, Felix B. F. Gomez said WFP will assist the country's efforts to protect natural resources and become self-sufficient in food production.

The Director made the statement here on Tuesday at a handover ceremony of WFP's donation of ten vehicles worth over 3.1 million Birr to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Gomez said Ethiopia has put in place a five-year Growth and Transformation Plan to bring about sustainable development.

WFP will provide the necessary support to the country in its ongoing efforts to achieve the plan and bring about sustainable development, he said.

Agriculture State Minister, Sileshi Getahun on his part said the assistance will help the country ensure rapid development.

Sileshi said the vehicles will help to build capacity to effectively follow up the ongoing activities to conserve natural resources.

Since 1999, WFP has donated to the Ministry office equipment, agricultural tools, motor cycles and vehicles valued about seven million USD.

In 2011 WFP plans to assist a total of 5.7 million beneficiaries in all its programs, according to documents made available at the occasion.