U.S. pledges $50 million to support Egypt’s food security

U.S. has pledged $50 million (947 million Egyptian pounds) in the Egyptian funding will to strengthen country’s food security caused as consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo announced on Sunday.

Subject to approval by the U.S. Congress the fund will support Egypt’s smallholder farmers, according to the statement.

In addition to that the Egyptian smallholder farmers are receiving a technical assistance from the U.S. government to improve their farm management techniques and access to financial services.

“Building on more than 40 years of partnership and over $1.4 billion in U.S. assistance to Egypt’s agricultural sector, the U.S. Government stands in solidarity with the people of Egypt at this crucial moment, as Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine threatens the prosperity and livelihoods of Egyptians.” U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nicole Shampaine, said.

The U.S. is funding about 47 counties and regional organisations to overcome the crisis and mitigate from poverty, hunger and malnutrition due to the rising price of food, fertilizer, and fuel.

The pledge came during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on July 16 with the U.S. President Joe Biden.

The Ukrainian war has disordered the agricultural supply lines, leading to increased food insecurity and higher food costs worldwide.