By Oluchi Omai
On this World Food Day, USAID Administrator Samantha Power has reaffirmed the agency's dedication to improving food security worldwide. Highlighting the success of Tanzanian farmer Prakseda Melkior, Power showcased the positive impact of innovative farming techniques and technology in addressing global hunger.
Prakseda Melkior, a Tanzanian entrepreneur, began her farming career early. After studying agriculture, she launched her farm, growing tomatoes, peppers, and bananas. However, high fuel costs for her diesel-powered water pump were cutting into her profits. Fortunately, a USAID program offered training on efficient irrigation techniques, allowing her to reduce costs and increase yields. Melkior not only implemented these methods but also trained other farmers in her community. Her efforts went further when she advocated for solar-powered irrigation systems, which, once installed, will reduce her irrigation costs by 70%. "We’ll be harnessing the power of the sun to irrigate our crops," Melkior said. "This is a game-changer, allowing us to grow more, serve more customers, and create more jobs."
This story reflects the importance of supporting farmers in the fight against hunger, especially during a time when over 175 million people globally are facing severe food insecurity. This crisis, exacerbated by conflicts and climate-related disasters like West Africa’s floods and droughts in southern Africa, has put millions at risk of starvation.
In 2023, USAID provided over $5 billion in food security assistance to 134 million people across 61 countries. This included emergency food deliveries to crisis-stricken regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gaza, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Power emphasized that USAID's mission extends beyond just responding to hunger. The agency is also focused on building resilient food systems to prevent future crises. She announced the launch of the "Feed the Future Accelerator," a new initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural sectors in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. These countries, with strong agricultural potential, will play a critical role in reducing poverty and hunger across the African continent.
As World Food Day is commemorated, USAID remains committed to addressing hunger and building a future where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.
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