Kenya is hosting 35 countries to address food security and ways to end poverty through social protection.
The Covid-19 pandemic, drought and the Russia-Ukraine war have presented a challenge to food security and ending poverty.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said this has brought to the fore the important role of social protection to end poverty and reduce social exclusion of vulnerable groups.
To address this, FAO has brought together Social Protection Focal Points and specialists from 35 countries in Africa.
The three-day workshop held from June 27-29 seeks to increase awareness on regional priorities and initiatives on social protection.
Also, to share country experiences and best practices as well as key knowledge products and tools of social protection.
FAO representative in Kenya Carla Mucavi said they have collaborated with the government on several programmes related to the extension of social protection.
This she said aims to increase economic inclusion for the poorest and vulnerable households in the rural economy.
Mucavi said populations in several African countries are facing vulnerabilities due to climate change, epidemics, food insecurity and conflicts.
“In Kenya it is estimated that 4.1 million people in the ASALs counties are currently facing food insecurity and in dire need for social protection,” she said.
The official however said coverage of the poor and vulnerable population by existing social protection systems especially in the rural areas remains low.
She said the low coverage exposes them to many shocks that threaten their existence.
“Available evidence shows that adequate social protection has the potential to promote inclusive growth and increases productivity and employability,” Mucavi said.
FAO Social Protection Programme lead for Africa Bintia Stephen-Tchicacya said they intend to equip the social protection focal persons in their respective countries to support FAO’s work with the member states.
She said this will increase their understanding of specific vulnerabilities of different categories of rural populations and the barriers they face in accessing social protection.
Jane Muyanga who represented the Principal Secretary of State Department for Social Protection, Senior Citizenship Affairs and Special Programmes in Kenya thanked FAO and partners for the continued support.
She said the training will help to optimise regional and national social protection systems and tools.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
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