FDBusiness.com

Kerry Group has extended its partnership with Concern Worldwide through a 4-year project to improve food security and nutrition in Niger. The Realigning Agriculture to Improve Nutrition (RAIN) programme will make lasting improvements to food security, nutrition and the overall livelihoods in the Tahoua Region of Niger. This second phase of the RAIN programme will be implemented over a 4-year period and builds on the success of the previous Kerry funded RAIN project in Zambia.

The RAIN programme uses a multi-disciplinary approach to tackling hunger and malnutrition in some of the world’s poorest regions, with a core objective of increasing food production and encouraging a more diverse, nutrient-rich diet. The programme also works to promote key health practices for improved maternal and child nutrition, improve access to reliable and safe water sources and reduce inequalities experienced by the extreme poor and vulnerable, particularly women and girls.

By addressing these broader factors contributing to hunger and malnutrition, the objective of this second phase of the RAIN programme is to make a positive, long-term impact on the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

Speaking at the launch Edmond Scanlon (pictured left), Kerry Group Chief Executive, said this extension of the RAIN programme is in keeping with Kerry Group’s ambition to support better nutrition for all. “As the world’s leading Taste & Nutrition company, we recognise the positive impact Kerry can have on the millions of people who consume our products every day. However, many of the world’s poorest people are beyond our direct reach. The RAIN programme offers practical support to some of those most affected by hunger and malnutrition. This World Food Day, we are extremely proud to announce this second phase of the project, demonstrating Kerry’s further commitment to help make Zero Hunger a reality.”

Anne O’Mahony (pictured right), International Programme Director, Concern Worldwide, said: “With Kerry Group’s support, Concern has the opportunity to build on the learnings from RAIN in Zambia by extending development programming to a new country, with a continuing focus on integrating sustainable agricultural and nutritional practices. Our partnership with Kerry Group is an opportunity to secure lasting and meaningful change in some of the world’s poorest communities.”