Recognizing the gravity of the current situation in Niger, the Bank has responded to the food crisis by reallocating funds from existing operations. To this effect, it has done the following:
The World Bank has informed the Government of Niger that it can redirect US$11.7 million in grant funds under the new Public Expenditure Reform Financing (US$40 million) to meet emergency needs.
The Bank is financing the purchase of improved millet seeds, cereals and food supplements for about US$1.7 million, partly through the Africa Emergency Locust Project.
A Bank team is currently on the ground in Niger to assess what further funding could be available under the Locust Project to help combat the current crisis.
The Bank has also suggested that the Government consider the use of part of the funds that have been freed up through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (US$84 million annually) to address the crisis.
For more information on Niger, please refer to the Country Brief.
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