WFP STEPS UP EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN PRE-HARVEST 'HUNGER PERIOD'

After more than 60 rapid assessment missions into Afghanistan's isolated rural areas, WFP is stepping up its efforts to help nine million Afghans.

According to preliminary findings, malnutrition persists, the sale of household assets continues and more children are being forced into the labour market to support their families.

As a result, WFP rations will need to reach more people in the so-called 'Hunger Period' which precedes July's harvest.

The Agency aims to provide some 280,000 metric tonnes of food aid to nine million people.

While millions of people still rely on emergency supplies, long-term economic recovery is the most sustainable way for Afghanistan's poor rural communities to escape poverty and malnutrition.

With a reasonably good July harvest, WFP hopes the number of people in need will decrease and the Agency will be able to focus on playing supportive roles in recovery, education and health.

FUNDING UPDATE

WFP has appealed for US$ 285 million to fund its Afghan operations until the end of the current year. To date, stocks and pledges cover only 40 percent of total needs.

However, pledges to WFP take time to materialise and many projects may have to slow down soon.

In particular, WFP, like UNHCR, is running out of funds to help returning refugees settle back into their old villages and lives.

WFP had planned to support the return of about 500,000 refugees by the end of 2002, but since repatriation programmes began two months ago, the Agency has already provided some 9,000 tonnes of food aid for 300,000 returnees.

If the flow of returnees maintains its current rate, WFP will clearly need more funds.

MASLAKH IDP CAMP

In west Afghanistan, more and more internally displaced persons (IDPs) are voluntarily returning to their villages.

Many are leaving the infamous Maslakh IDP camp near Hirat. As of mid-April, the Camp held 33,000 families compared with over 45,000 families just a few months ago.

WFP is providing a food package for the returnees; the Agency is also ready to offer food aid in support of rural projects based in the IDPs' home areas.

The final distribution of WFP wheat bags at Maslakh Camp took place last week with some 1,935 tonnes handed out. In future, the IDPs will receive daily bread supplied by WFP bakeries inside the Camp, as well as oil & pulses and porridge for the children.

FOCUS ON NURISTAN

More than 100,000 of the most vulnerable people in Central Nuristan in east Afghanistan will receive three months' food aid, following the completion of a WFP survey in the area.

The survey revealed that over 90 percent of the total population possess less than one jerib of land and lost half its livestock. This year's cereal production has also failed.

Some 40,000 people are scheduled to receive food aid next week through Food for Work projects.