Afghanistan: WFP's operational requirements, shortfalls and priorities for 2008

Part I: Operational Requirements and Shortfalls

Overview of the 2008 Programme of Work

As the second semester of 2008 begins, the World Food Programme continues to focus its attention on the more than 81 million beneficiaries requiring food assistance. The total cost of 2008 activities is just over US$4.78 billion. Considering carry-over stocks and resources mobilized so far in 2008, and considering US$1 billion for prepositioning of food stocks for 2009, the total shortfall at this time of the year is US$2.71 billion.

WFP works in crisis areas that are subject to rapid change; requirements fluctuate during the year. Rising food and transport prices and erratic weather patterns require WFP to constantly re-evaluate requirements.

WFP Funding in 2008

In March 2008 WFP appealed for US$755 million to cover the high costs of food and fuel. Donors have responded overwhelmingly, with 31 countries providing a collective US$1 billion to-date. A historic contribution was received from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, amounting to US$500 million in response to the appeal.

There has been generous donor support during the initial months of the year. As of 1 June, WFP has received US$2.2 billion from 66 donors. Our funding level is 117 percent above the funding level at the same time last year, largely due to the generous donor response to the High Food Prices Appeal, and to donor efforts to give earlier in the year and multi-year funding. However, only about 36 percent of total contributions received were multilateral contributions. WFP applauds donor efforts to provide flexible multilateral donations and contributions earlier in the year, which contributes to better planning and optimal use of the resources made available to the Programme. We encourage donors to continue their support fully to fund our Programme of Work currently valued at US$4.78 billion.