PAF, WFP join hands to alleviate poverty

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a strategic alliance to alleviate poverty and food insecurity in the Mid and Far-Western Hills and Mountain regions.
"WFP and PAF will collaborate to provide vital food and nutrition assistance whilst engaging beneficiaries in income generating and community infrastructure projects through food and cash-for work," the MoU said.
They are planning to work together for small scale irrigation, cash crop plantation, enhanced farming techniques and poultryfarming apart from WFP's plans to provide food for training activities that wouldbenefit members of community organisations of PAF.
"The alliance between PAF and WFP Nepal, together with the commitment of the government, demonstrates something can and is being done to empower the rural poor and end hunger and poverty that has plagued lives of people for too long,” said Dominique Hyde, Officer in Charge, WFP Nepal.
Leveraging the capacity and experience of both organisations joint projects look to effectively maximize the coverage and impact of humanitarian and development interventions. "This partnership is to effectively reach the most vulnerable and isolated communities in the country," said Vidyadhar Mallik, vice-chairman at the PAF.
The agreement follows a partnership agreement signed between WFP and the Ministry of Local Development and will see WFP receive $35.8 million to help the government provide a social safety net.
All three organisations are supported by the World Bank and the agreements mark a significant step forward in development partner and government collaboration to address poverty and food security in the remotest areas.
The first phase of collaboration will beginin in 16 VDCs of Mugu, Jumla and Bajura.