New food programme in Central Darfur camps by 2015

The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to start a food voucher programme in Central Darfur together with government institutions and local traders, for internally displaced people living in camps. Hamidiya is the first camp where the programme will roll out starting next year. An estimated 50,000 displaced people reside in Hamidiya camp, the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) reported in its latest weekly bulletin. Depending on the success of the programme here, similar food programmes will be implemented in other camps for displaced people. The system will cut down WFP costs of transporting and storing good. About 400,000 displaced people in Central Darfur are receiving food aid through the General Food Distribution project, according to WFP. ‘The food voucher programme allows displaced people to meet their dietary needs through preferred products and commodities. The vouchers also support local economy and strengthen local markets,’ OCHA stated. In August 2014, WFP announced its plans to phase-out the milling voucher programmes in South and East Darfur states. File photo: A displaced woman in Hassahissa camp, Central Darfur, 2007 (Paul Jeffry / Cafod)  Related: Food relief for Darfuris displaced or affected by tribal conflict (16 November 2014) South Darfur camp leader asks displaced to return for food rations (10 November 2014)