FAO to Deliver Animal Feed Aid to 2,450 Farms in Gaza

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated that since the beginning of April, it has been working towards delivering around 1,500 tons of animal feed to 2,450 farms.

This quantity is sufficient to provide milk for about 50 days for all children under the age of 10 in Gaza, meeting around 20% of the minimum daily calorie requirements recommended by the World Health Organization.

According to the UN Information Center, FAO succeeded in delivering animal feed to Gaza for the first time since the escalation of hostilities.

By April 11, more than 1,600 farmers and livestock breeders received 50-kilogram bags of animal feed. This aid comes after a long wait since the escalation in the region.

FAO highlighted that the scarcity of animal feed has led to the collapse of food value chains, contributing to the rapid deterioration of severe food insecurity in Gaza, with the specter of famine looming over Northern Gaza.

The organization pointed out that amid the ongoing conflict, approximately 55% of livestock, which produce meat and dairy, have been slaughtered, consumed, or lost in Gaza.

Only about 45% of small livestock, such as sheep and goats, remain, totaling around 30,000 heads, as of March 2024.

Before October 7, food producers in Gaza were almost self-sufficient in terms of eggs, milk, poultry, red meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits—essential elements for a healthy and nutritious diet, especially for children.

However, importing them as food aid is impractical now due to the shortage of veterinary medicines.