(Ecofin Agency) - The World Food Program has approved the 2020-24 Country Strategic Plan in Niger, the institution’s Country Director, Sory Ouane, announced February 3, during the signing of a financial and technical deal in Niamey.

Valued at $1 billion (CFA626.6 billion), the Plan is the fruit of a collaboration between WFP, the government of Niger and development partners. It was designed to help the country achieve its zero hunger objective. The partnership will see Niger receive food aid for most affected populations, mainly displaced persons, refugees, host community members, and repatriates. More than 5.5 million people are expected to be beneficiaries of the project.

“In 2020, we estimate that our emergency operations will target approximately 1.6 million people affected by human or climate crisis and disasters. We hope that the resources that remain to be mobilized with the support of the government will be up to this challenge,” said Sory Ouane.