NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – In a significant development, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the resumption of food assistance across Ethiopia after a successful implementation of comprehensive reforms in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners.
The announcement was made by USAID Spokesperson, Jessica Jennings, who highlighted the importance of these reforms in ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable populations.
Over the past several months, the U.S. government has engaged in diplomatic efforts and negotiations aimed at restructuring Ethiopia’s food assistance system.
The result has been widespread and substantial reforms that promise enhanced oversight and beneficiary selection, instilling confidence that aid will reach its intended recipients.
“These reforms allow for enhanced oversight and beneficiary selection that provide the confidence we need that food assistance will reach the most vulnerable populations who are the intended recipients. As a result of this progress, beginning next month, USAID will resume food assistance across Ethiopia,” said Spokesperson Jessica Jennings.
The resumption of aid comes with a commitment to a one-year trial period during which USAID will continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the reforms. These changes, which include strengthened program monitoring, commodity tracking, and improved beneficiary registration processes, are expected to fundamentally transform Ethiopia’s food aid system.
USAID’s partners in Ethiopia will play a crucial role in implementing and maintaining these reforms. The Government of Ethiopia has agreed to operational changes that facilitate the work of humanitarian partners, enhancing their ability to identify and approve beneficiaries based on vulnerability criteria. Additionally, the government has committed to providing unimpeded access for USAID and third-party monitors to review sites throughout the country.
“USAID places the highest priority on taking every possible measure to make sure that U.S. humanitarian assistance is used for its intended purpose, reaches the most vulnerable, and ultimately saves lives. Given the significant number of people in need of food assistance in Ethiopia, we are pleased these important reforms will allow the delivery of food assistance to those who need it most,” concluded Spokesperson Jessica Jennings.
The resumption of food assistance marks a positive step toward addressing acute food insecurity in Ethiopia and underscores the United States’ commitment to providing vital humanitarian aid to those in need around the world.