Tonga’s Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster Training ^Featured

Facilitator of the training, Food Security Cluster Coordinator from the World Food Programme Mr. Jone Vakalalabure said, “The purpose of this training is to work with the Tongan Food Security and Livelihood Sector to identify gaps and analysis within the cluster particularly during disaster preparedness and emergency response.”

“I know that Tonga Food Security and Livelihood Cluster have done some tremendous work in this area when they response to some recent natural disasters but there are some existing gaps and needs. The purpose of this workshop is to identify that gap so that in the next natural disaster these gaps and needs are appropriately addressed and the response will be much more efficient.

After identifying the gaps, participants will also identify a time frame to operationalize the gaps in so that the government and relevant stakeholders will be well prepared for the next disaster and respond to emergency appropriately.

A follow-up training will be conducted later to build capacities and train the cluster members according to the needs and priorities identified.

Mr. Vakalalabure said, “This is the first time that the World Food Program is coming to Tonga to organize this sort of training and workshop. This is a follow up from a Regional Meeting that was held in Nadi in April, where Tonga requested the World Food Program Assistance to come and do this exercise with them.”

The program is funded through World Food Program in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.

-MEIDECC