Global perspective Human stories

World Bank backs cash-for-work scheme to help hungry Sierra Leoneans

World Bank backs cash-for-work scheme to help hungry Sierra Leoneans

The World Bank has approved funds to support an emergency cash-for-work programme to help the poorest in Sierra Leone who are facing food insecurity due to the current global food crisis.

The World Bank has approved funds to support an emergency cash-for-work programme to help the poorest in Sierra Leone who are facing food insecurity due to the current global food crisis.

The $4 million grant approved yesterday follows a $3 million influx supported by the agency earlier this month to help boost incomes lost from the spike in food prices.

The project will help boost temporary employment to help people pay for their basic needs.

“The Bank is happy to be able to contribute to the Government of Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect the most vulnerable from the impact of the price increases,” said Mirey Ovadiya, Senior Operations Officer in Social Protection.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the West African nation is one of the eight most vulnerable countries in the midst of the food crisis.

Two-thirds of Sierra Leone’s population lives below the poverty line and over 20 per cent of people are unable to meet minimum daily caloric requirements.

The average household spends more than half of its income on food. Nearly one quarter of the population lives in or near the capital Freetown, away from the major production areas, and is thus dependent on imported food.