Democratic People's Republic of KOREA, South Pyongan Province.
£6,800.
Food Security and Livelihood Security Programme. Funding for vegetable seeds and agro-processing equipment.
Since the mid 1990's, North Korea (which is a small country) has relied
heavily on international food aid, to feed its population of 23 million.
There was a famine in 1997 and food shortage still severly affects
people, especially children. 42% of children under 7 years of age are
stunted and 70,000 are acutely malnourished (at mortal risk).
As a result of the nuclear deterrent strategy, the DPRK has a fragile
relationship with the world community. The civilian population is
essentially isolated from the wider global community - the people have
very limited contact and restricted access to information, from outside
the boundaries of the State.
Humanitarian aid has to be conducted carefully and with flexibility.
The mountainous topography of the area means that only approximately
20% of the land is available for agriculture. The land is very fertile
and heavily cultivated, however there is a need to assist farming
communities, in achieving adequate and sustainable access to
diversified food production; to increase livelihood security in South
Pyongan Province.
This longer term sustainable development programme, will directly
benefit 18,000 people in six farming communities (project farms). It
will increase the production of vegetables as a source of food and
income for the communities. Nutritional status will be improved.
Vegetables grown will include: aubergine, cabbage, cucumber, lettuce
and tomato. Soya bean cake, noodles and vegetable oils will be
produced. Basic agro-processing machinery will remove the physical
heavy burden that has been experienced by the women. Other people
living close to the farms will also indirectly benefit from the
project, by the increased production and diversification of foodstuffs
available in the locality.
Financed through CONCERN WORLDWIDE (London, UK).