The training was meant to prepare the participants to effectively distribute food items about to be disbursed in five districts; namely Janjangbureh, Upper Fulladu West, Niamina East, Lower Saloum and Upper Saloum.

Speaking on behalf of the regional governor, Alhaji Malang Saibo Camara, the deputy governor of CRR underscored the importance of the training, saying it will contribute effectively towards the proper management of food stores and distribution of the food items.

He urged the participants to take the training seriously for effective management of the food stores.

Camara applauded WFP and NDMA for their humanitarian gesture. “The food items about to be distributed will go a long way towards mitigating the [constraints] of the affected communities,” Camara said.

Essa Khan, the executive director of the National Disaster Management Agency highlighted the purpose of the training which, he said is meant to enhance the skills of the participants on proper store management, food distribution and record keeping.

The aim of the training, he informed, is to ensure a successful food distribution within the affected communities in the region.

Khan called on the participants to be honest and transparent during the distribution process. He also cautioned them to treat the communities equally during the exercise.

The WFP country director, Victoria Ginja disclosed that CRR is the most affected region and that the World Food Programme is responding to the crop failure in order to mitigate the hardship faced by the affected communities. She explained that their roles and responsibilities as WFP staff are to ensure that the food reaches the right people, equal distribution, among others.

She commended the participants for honouring their invitations to such an important forum and urged them to put into practice what they have learned during the training for effective delivery.

Among other speakers included the chief of Janjangbureh, Alhaji Bakary Jam Jawo; the Regional Disaster Management coordinator, Bubacarr Fofana; Sering Modou Joof and Mbassy Sanneh.