World Bank has approved a grant of $40 million, which it is expected to release to Somalia to help the country wage a thorough and successful war against locust invasion.
Since February 2020, locusts have invaded Africa and the Middle East.
World Bank is concerned about the impact of the invasion in the economic wellbeing of the countries in the two regions.
Somalia is one of the worst affected countries in the Horn of Africa region with more than 2.6 million people exposed to hunger and possible famine.
In the last seven months, locusts have destroyed most farms and agricultural products in the East African nation.
That is bad news considering that agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy. Moreover, agriculture is also responsible for 75% of Somalia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
World Bank has opted to release the funds through the Shock Responsive Safety Net for Locust Response (SNLRP).
Through the program, World Bank says the bulk of the funds would support poor and vulnerable families around the country.
Furthermore, the $40 million would protect livelihoods, short-term food and consumption needs, and human capital assets.