In its annual report for 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) detailed its significant contributions to Libya’s humanitarian and development efforts.
The WFP said it took swift action in response to Storm Daniel, providing vital assistance to flood-affected communities in Libya. Within 48 hours of the crisis, WFP scaled up its emergency efforts, reaching 126,000 people with essential aid, including both in-kind and cash-based assistance for three months. The report emphasised that 77 percent of beneficiaries were internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The report said that throughout the year, WFP doubled the amount of cash-based transfers disbursed to beneficiaries, providing USD 2.9 million to 46,000 beneficiaries, compared to USD 1.4 million to 40,000 beneficiaries in 2022.
The report highlighted WFP’s technical expertise and capacity strengthening engagements, which successfully supported the Government of Libya in devising its first National Social Protection Strategy in 2023.
For more than a decade, Libya has grappled with political instability, economic decline, and institutional fragmentation. The report pointed out that the indefinite postponement of the December 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections exacerbated these issues, deepening the political deadlock and security concerns across the nation.
In mid-September, tropical Storm Daniel wreaked havoc in northeastern Libya, causing devastating floods and displacing thousands of people. The WFP highlighted the socio-economic impact of the disaster, which disrupted essential services and drove up food prices, particularly in areas heavily impacted by the crisis.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimated that 884,000 people in five provinces were directly affected by the storm, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Throughout 2023, the report continued, WFP remained committed to addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations across Libya. Despite funding constraints, the organization reached over 209,000 individuals, including women, men, girls, and boys, with vital food assistance.
To further enhance Libya’s long-term recovery and strengthen food systems, the report stated that WFP launched a new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) spanning from March 2023 to December 2025. This comprehensive strategy aims to provide essential food assistance, livelihood support, and capacity building initiatives, aligning with the United Nations’ broader development framework for Libya.
WFP also played a vital role in supporting Libya’s school feeding programme, facilitating access to nutritious meals for thousands of schoolchildren across the country.
