Through the U.S. Feed the Future Initiative, USAID's regional activities are improving food security in East Africa.  USAID helps small-holder farmers to increase the productivity of key staple foods -- both crops and animal products -- that are produced by millions of smallholder farmers. The producers are then linked to viable markets.  Targeted assistance helps vulnerable farmers and pastoralists become increase their income and be better able to withstand droughts and other emergencies.

At the same time as working at the household and community levels, by working with local, national and regional stakeholders, USAID is helping to improve the agricultural policies, standards and practices that will ensure economic growth in the region. Our activities are coordinated and aligned with national priorities and programs of other donors within the framework of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).  

Key partners include the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) and the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern & Central Africa (ASARECA).

Emergency Food Assistance

The United States is the largest donor of food aid to the U.N. World Food Program.  WFP is our main partner in providing emergency food aid needs.  The food aid provided by the United States Government has helped save many lives, as well as addresses the effects of malnutrition.