WFP 2007 Food Aid Flows Report

World Food Programme 2007 Food Aid Flows

Food aid deliveries reached a record low in 2007. Global food aid deliveries declined by 15 percent in 2007 to 5.9 million tons, the lowest level since 1961 - the year when reasonably reliable food aid statistics start. A similar low - but slightly higher - level was reached in 1973, a year when the world was experiencing a food crisis as well.

Food aid deliveries have decreased almost continuously since 1999, when they amounted to 15 million tons. A number of trends with regard to food aid have emerged recently. These trends have changed the profile of food aid quite dramatically over the years.

In 1990, food aid was mostly provided from one Government to another; now, the multilateral channel is dominant. In 1990, most food aid was sold on the market - 'monetized'; now, the bulk of food aid is targeted and provided directly to beneficiaries.

In 1990, food aid commodities originated largely in donor countries; now, a significant amount of food aid comes from developing countries.

These trends were reinforced in 2007. Firstly, the share of food aid that was channelled multilaterally continued to increase in 2007 and reached 55 percent, the highest share ever. Secondly, programme food aid fell in importance. The quantity of programme food aid dropped by 17 percent in 2007 and fell below 1 million tons to 0.9 million tons, the lowest level ever.

Thirdly, the share of food aid that is distributed directly to beneficiaries increased further and reached 77 percent in 2007. As a corollary, the share of food aid sold on the market fell to 23 percent, amounting to 1.4 million tons. Finally, the share of food aid commodities procured in developing countries increased to 39 percent in 2007, from only 11 percent in 2002. Moreover, if direct transfers are included, 45 percent of all food aid originates from developing countries.

In terms of quantity, the amount of food aid provided through triangular transactions increased to 1.4 million tons, even though global food aid deliveries declined.

VIEW COMPLETE REPORT [PDF]

ENDS

Latest World News | Top World News | World Digest | Archives | RSS

© Scoop Media