In this episode of A Matter of Priorities, our host Alice Obrecht takes a deep dive into the ripple effects of unprecedented budget cuts to the World Food Program (WFP). With a shortfall of over 50% in its 2023 budget, WFP faced its largest financial crisis in its 60-year history, forcing it to make drastic reductions in food and cash assistance across the globe.

We explore how these cuts unfolded on the ground, particularly in Uganda, and the human toll they’ve taken.

The discussions highlight the structural challenges, the human impact of these cuts — including heartbreaking examples of coping mechanisms adopted by refugees — and the broader implications for the humanitarian sector.

Guests:
Valerie Guarnieri: Assistant Executive Director for Program and Policy Development at the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
Kristof Titeca: Professor of Development Studies at the Institute of Development Policy, University of Antwerp.
Roos Derrix: PhD student at the University of Antwerp.

Co-Host:
Alice Obrecht, Head of Research & Impact, ALNAP
Emmeline Kerkvliet, former Research Officer, ALNAP

ALNAP’s A Matter of Priorities: a podcast on tough choices in humanitarian funding

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