Addressing the Food Crisis in Senegal

In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), Counterpart International (Counterpart) is implementing supplementary feeding programs. WFP-donated commodities are used to feed children ages 0-23 months and to provide supplementary feeding to moderately malnourished children ages 24-59 months. Complementing other Counterpart donor-supported projects in Senegal, this project reduces malnutrition rates among children 6-59 months.

These programs are implemented in Matam, a region in Northern Senegal, which has one of the highest acute malnutrition rates (19 percent) in the country (Human Development Index). Most of those who live in Matam are nomadic pastoralists, who, in the dry season, are constantly on the move in search of grazing lands. For the families who are not nomadic, access to food security is a major challenge during this period. Daily individual rations of locally produced fortified blended food are distributed to schools and communities by community health workers. 

Recent Highlights: 

• Nearly 4,000 malnourished children have achieved normal weight status; moderate acute malnutrition has fallen from 37 percent to 20 percent.
• More than 13,000 children, 6-23 months, receive daily meals at pre-schools and more than 1,900 malnourished children, 24-59 months, receive take home rations.

Photo: © Counterpart International.