A large proportion of Assam's population depends on agriculture, making it acutely vulnerable to the impact of climate risks. The project will equip smallholder farmers in the state with innovative and climate-adaptive farming techniques and diversification and livelihood expansion strategies. These tools will help enhance sustainable agriculture practices and build community resilience against future climate change shocks.
"Supporting communities, especially women, to safeguard their livelihoods and food security against the mounting impact of climate change is a priority for the Government of Norway. The partnership with WFP in India will also create a model for wider scale-up and expand learning in climate change adaptation," said Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development, Government of Norway.
Elisabeth Faure, Representative and Country Director for WFP in India echoed saying, "The partnership with the Government of Norway is strategic and builds on the substantial technical expertise that WFP has in working with the national and state government and other stakeholders. The project will support vulnerable communities through nature-based solutions and a gender-transformative approach."
WFP will work closely with the Government of Assam in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and the Department of Meteorology and Environment. Moreover, local organisations will be approached for community mobilisation, including engaging with women's self-help groups and federations. WFP will also work with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research to access their expertise on climate-neutral and resilient farming systems relevant to the project worldwide.
The project agreement was signed at the UN House in Delhi by WFP and May-Elin Steiner, Norwegian Ambassador to India and Sri Lanka, in the presence of Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development, Government of Norway and Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary (NRM/RFS), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India.
