WASHINGTON (ChatnewsTV) — The United States government has pledged over $80 million in new funds to enhance food security efforts in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia, officials announced Thursday. The funding, part of the Feed the Future initiative, aims to combat the effects of recent droughts and ongoing macroeconomic challenges linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and USAID Administrator Samantha Power unveiled the plan, highlighting the critical need for swift action in response to the growing food security crises. “This investment represents our commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term challenges in global food security,” said Power. “We are focusing on regions with high agricultural potential to maximize impact.”
The newly allocated funds will support the Feed the Future Accelerator, which seeks to strengthen food security partnerships in Southern and Eastern Africa. These nations, chosen for their agricultural promise, will benefit from increased U.S. resources aimed at bolstering local farming systems and improving regional food production.
The $80 million investment adds to a broader $577 million Feed the Future portfolio, including $497 million in existing U.S. investments in the three countries, as well as $150 million in private sector contributions. The initiative is designed to foster economic growth while enhancing resilience to environmental and economic shocks.
Research shows that boosting cereal yields by 25% in the region could lead to a $24 billion increase in agricultural production by 2030, potentially reducing hunger for 22 million people. The initiative will also leverage planned infrastructure projects, including developments in the Lobito Corridor, to connect producers to new markets and reduce food waste.
“The Feed the Future Accelerator is about unlocking the potential of these countries to become regional breadbaskets,” Sullivan stated. “This is not just about addressing hunger; it’s about creating lasting, sustainable change.”
The funding builds on the Biden administration’s broader global hunger relief efforts, which have totaled more than $20 billion since taking office.
