USADF LAUNCHES TURKANA FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM:

WASHINGTON - March 25, 2011  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 25, 2011 – U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger and Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga together with The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) signed an agreement today in Nairobi, Kenya to officially launch the 5 year, $10 million Turkana Food Security Program. The ceremony marks the official start of USADF funding in Turkana, a region of Northern Kenya known for arid temperatures and high levels of food insecurity.

People living in the Lake Turkana Region of Kenya are some of the most marginalized people on the continent. Many are uneducated and few have access to jobs.  Sectors targeted for initial funding include irrigation, livestock, and fisheries. The investments will support the local need for food while providing goods that can be sold at local and other markets for income. USADF will be working with a local partner in Turkana to provide assistance to grantees to ensure sustainability of projects.

USADF, an independent foreign assistance arm of the United States Government, will invest US$2M annually for five years to support economic development and income generation projects in the arid regions around Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya.  These projects will be designed and led by the community members themselves, with support and funding from USADF.  The region has both high unemployment and food insecurity, but few sustainable job opportunities. Additionally, nearly 75% of the population in the region relies upon food aid for their livelihoods. 

Prime Minister Odinga addressed the audience at the launch, stating, “Food security for the Turkana and for all Kenyan communities is a major priority of my office.”  He added that the country’s newly promulgated constitution enjoins the government to work tirelessly in securing “the fundamental social and economic rights of its citizens, of which food security is a core component.”  The premier also applauded the U.S. government and the USADF Board for the timely intervention that should see the people of Turkana embark on the path towards sustainable development programs, especially targeting the alleviation of extreme hunger and poverty in the area, in line with the spirit of the Millennium Development Goals.

Following a short video about issues facing the Turkana, USADF Chairman Jack Leslie addressed the room of about 100 participants from USADF, representatives from the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the U.S. Embassy, private sector partners, and the media. He stated, “This program has long been in development, and I am excited to begin working with the people of Turkana to address the economic development issues facing their communities. I strongly believe that these projects will reach some of the most vulnerable populations in Northern Kenya.”

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger stated, “I am very excited about this new initiative led by the USADF. Funding from USADF will provide new development resources for the people of Turkana, and I look forward to watching how these projects will improve the lives of the people of Turkana. The United States is committed to working with Kenyans, and this program funded by USADF is further proof of that commitment. Turkana is a region that is very important, and I look forward to seeing the wonderful results that will come out of these projects.”

 At the conclusion of the launch, USADF President Lloyd Pierson remarked “USADF works with the most marginalized populations to create jobs and raise people out of poverty. I know that by working directly with these communities that USADF funding will be able to improve the livelihoods of people living in Turkana.”

USADF Chairman Jack Leslie and President Lloyd Pierson, accompanied by Ambassador Ranneberger, will travel to Lodwar to hold a second ceremony in Lodwar and meet with grantees.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent foreign assistance arm of the United States Government dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunities to marginalized populations in Africa. Currently, USADF operates in 21 Sub-Saharan African countries. Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded in excess of $200 million in African initiated and led development projects.  For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov.