Six million vulnerable to starvation: UN

World Food Programme

In response to a request for food assistance from the DPRK, the United Nations agencies WFP, FAO, and UNICEF organized a Rapid Food Security Assessment Mission (RFSA). WFP Country Office staff assessed the situation in several counties where WFP operates, including  five counties where WFP does not currently have operations.

UN staff was joined by experts from the US NGOs and donors. Team members represented a wide variety of skills and perspectives on food and nutrition security.

The Public Distribution System (PDS) will run out of food by the start of May, substantially increasing the  risk of malnutrition and other diseases, particularly in food deficit counties.  More than six million vulnerable people are in urgent need of international food assistance.

Currently, the PDS covers about half of the daily nutritional requirements per person. Those with relatives in rural areas fare better.

The UN estimates that a total of USD 82.4 million will be required to respond to key humanitarian priorities, including USD 7 million for agriculture and food security projects.

Canadian Contribution

Worthy of note is the Canadian bilateral food aid contribution in 2010 of 260 MT of soybeans.

For the full UN report, click here. (For contributions by country see pg. 11)

Other information from Global Information Early Warning System (GIEWS) on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea :

As of Mar 2011, included in the list of “Countries Requiring External Assistance for Food”

Normalized Difference Dekadal Vegetation Index (SPOT-4)

Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) Reports: 2010, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2002, 2001, 2001, 2000,2000, 2000, 1999, 1999, 1998, 1998, 1998, 1997, 1997, 1997, 1996, 1996, 1996, 1995

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