Nearly 2 000 rural families in the Republic of Moldova are receiving emergency cattle feed through a EUR 2 million project being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
Article continues below
“This assistance is crucial for the vulnerable families that rely on their livestock for their basic food needs,†said Tudor Robu, FAO Assistant Representative in the Republic of Moldova.
“FAO has prepared a Rapid Response Plan for addressing promptly the needs of the sector and mobilizing additional resources. Through our joint efforts, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis and create a sustainable future for the rural population.â€
Threatened by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the severe drought that occurred in 2022, this support will help the Republic of Moldova’s most vulnerable smallholder farmers and subsistence farming families feed their cattle and place milk on their tables.
Each of the selected households will receive up to 350 kg of fodder – enough to feed their animals until the new pasturing season starts in two months or more. FAO began distributing the fodder on 1 March in Basarabeasca, on 4 March in Causeni, and on 27 March in Cahul.
Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, said the Republic of Moldova is thankful for the support.
“We are grateful for the support of Austria and FAO in addressing the most urgent needs of vulnerable families,†Bolea said.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry is committed to working closely with FAO and other development partners in implementing concerted actions to mitigate the effects of the current challenges for the agriculture sector.â€
The ministry had requested support from international partners, including FAO, to provide emergency assistance. FAO responded with its Rapid Response Plan, which includes the procurement of seeds, fertilizers, and feed to be distributed to households and small farmers in the most-affected districts.
FAO utilized USD 280 000 from its Rapid Response Plan to procure the fodder and mobilized additional financial support from the Austrian Development Agency and the Government of Japan.
“During the past few days, smallholder farmers in the Republic of Moldova received urgently needed and tailor-made support to mitigate the impacts of the war in Ukraine and last year’s drought,†said Gunther Zimmer, head of the Austrian Development Agency’s office in Chisinau.
“I am grateful to our partners FAO and UNDP for making that happen. Together, we ensure that the most vulnerable people receive access to enhanced livelihood opportunities, decent work, and productive employment.†■