An agreement of cooperation has been made with the World Food Program to work together on social security.

The World Food Program, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Water and Energy have jointly reached an agreement to work in cooperation and coordination in the areas of social protection, water and irrigation, education, tele-agriculture, health, and other humanitarian support.

During the discussion, Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, stated that Ethiopia signs various agreements with international institutions, but there is a gap in the sustainability of the projects and meeting the needs of different sections of society.

The minister emphasized that the World Food Program should continue its efforts in a sustainable manner until the Rapid Rural Transformation (RRT) project achieves its desired goals.

Additionally, the minister expressed gratitude to the World Food Program for providing food and financial support to vulnerable sections of Ethiopian society, particularly areas hosting displaced people.

H.E. (Her Excellency) also appreciated the major focus given by the Rapid Rural Transformation (RRT) project to women, youth, displaced citizens, and vulnerable members of society seeking social protection services.

Dr. Engineer Habtamu Itefa, the Minister of Water and Energy, stated that despite the availability of rivers and other water bodies as water sources in the country, Ethiopia has not fully utilized this resource.

He mentioned that this project would provide additional support for the nation’s efforts in the development, management, and proper utilization of water and other natural resources.

H.E. Dr. Engineer also praised the World Food Program for developing essential services such as energy, water, and digital platforms for community members, achieved through the establishment of sustainable water sources and ICT in remote areas, irrigation farming, natural resource management, and small entrepreneurship skills to ensure food security.

According to Chris Nicoy, Director General of the World Food Program Ethiopia Country Office, with this pilot project, they aim to facilitate rural transformation even in geographically isolated areas by providing clean water for irrigation, operating healthcare facilities, expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, and developing agricultural value chains. He also pointed out that the project would contribute to making Ethiopia a comfortable country for its citizens.

The director added that the WFP provides food and cash transfers to the most vulnerable families across the country, specifically in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions, alongside federal and regional authorities and NGO partners, to support those affected by conflict and displacement.

It has been announced that the Rapid Rural Transformation (RRT) pilot project has already begun in Madagascar and will be launched in Ethiopia in regions such as Afar, Amhara, Tigray, SNNP, and Gambella.

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