The two prominent United Nations agencies, renowned for their extensive operations catering to millions of vulnerable individuals in Somalia, are set to join forces in leveraging crucial on-ground data to enhance coordination, streamline assistance delivery, and assess its real-time impact.

The data sharing agreement heralds a new era in humanitarian collaboration, fostering strategic and operational coordination between FAO and WFP. By pooling their wealth of information, these agencies intend to optimize resource allocation, ensuring that timely and accurate assistance reaches the individuals and communities most in need.

FAO Representative in Somalia, Etienne Peterschmitt, lauded the agreement, stating, "This agreement is a major milestone in our efforts to improve food security in Somalia and provide a pathway from humanitarian assistance towards economic resilience. By sharing data, we can also be more efficient with our resources and move faster to support communities in crisis.”

"As humanitarians we are committed to the principles of transparency and accountability to those that we serve,” said WFP Representative and Country Director for Somalia, El-Khidir Daloum. "The digitization of assistance, and the secure sharing of data, will allow WFP and FAO to more effectively deliver life-saving and life-changing programmes to communities across Somalia. ”

Crucially, both FAO and WFP are dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and personal data of the people they assist. The agreement underscores the necessity for both agencies to fully adhere to their established policies and procedures governing data collection, use, storage, and sharing with third parties.

With their widespread operations, FAO and WFP are key players in delivering humanitarian aid to millions of Somalis on a monthly basis. Collaborating closely, these agencies work toward shielding vulnerable populations from hunger, enhancing community resilience to crises, and facilitating the development of sustainable, climate-adaptive food systems in Somalia.

The data sharing agreement marks a significant stride in the ongoing battle against hunger and malnutrition in Somalia. Its implementation promises to positively impact the lives of the countless individuals served by both FAO and WFP, offering renewed hope for a more secure and food-sufficient future in the region.