The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has today announced the expansion of its programme to Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, some 25 to 50 kilometres off the coast of mainland Tanzania – as part of its new five-year Country Strategic Plan (2022-2027).

The plan, which runs from 2022 to 2027 aims at contributing to sustaining inclusive economic growth through market-based interventions, strengthening human capital, increase affordability of healthy diets, as well as promoting climate crisis adaptation and environmental restoration in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

“We are grateful that WFP is now in Zanzibar,” said Hon. Hamza Hassan Juma, Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, at an event to mark the official opening of the office “WFP’s physical presence in Zanzibar is an indication of the commitment to supporting Zanzibar’s long-term development plans.”

The event was also attended by officials from various organisations including, officials from the government, UN agencies, Civil Society Organisations, and the general public. The launch also served to strengthen WFP’s strategic partnership with the Government of Tanzania, which has been in place for almost six decades.

“I am delighted that we are expanding our programme to Zanzibar’s Islands of Unguja and Pemba. We are committed to supporting the Government and the people of Zanzibar in achieving the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Sarah Gordon-Gibson, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Tanzania. “I also wish to thank UNICEF for hosting WFP’s Office within its premises”.

At the same occasion, WFP handed over Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones to the Disaster Management Commission in the Second Vice President’s Office for the surveillance of hazards in areas prone to disasters, particularly floods and cyclones. WFP will also provide training to the Commission to impart knowledge and skills to become certified drone pilots.

In receiving the drones, Minister Juma noted that he is looking forward to WFP’s support in streamlining Disaster Risk Reduction in district development plans and budgets, to ensure sustainability of the activities through government financing.

WFP, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO),International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UN Women and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar recently launched the joint Rural Women Economic Empowerment Programme, which will provide livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience of women in rural and coastal areas involved in agriculture.

WFP has been present in Tanzania since 1963.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).