Weekly Brief: Lebanon–EU farm support, Ebola response in eastern DRC, and food-security initiatives across the Sahel

Humanitarian and development partners have stepped up efforts to address hunger risks and protect vulnerable livelihoods across multiple regions. In the Middle East and Africa, programmes are being launched or expanded to support farmers affected by conflict, strengthen public health actions, and help communities recover from climate shocks. At the global level, initiatives marking major humanitarian milestones are also underway, including activities connected to refugee protection and cooperation among international actors. Below is a summary of key announcements from late July and the start of August, focusing on food security, assistance delivery, and system-strengthening measures intended to reduce both immediate suffering and longer-term drivers of crisis.

Lebanon and the EU back conflict-affected farming households

The Government of Lebanon and the United Nations have introduced a new intervention, funded by the European Union, to assist farming families impacted by conflict. The initiative aims to sustain agricultural livelihoods while strengthening resilience for producers across the country. It is being delivered through cooperation among Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture, the World Food Programme, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

WFP accelerates operations as Ebola spreads in eastern DRC

In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the World Food Programme is rapidly increasing support as an Ebola outbreak grows. The response includes scaling up food assistance along with logistics, telecommunications, and air services to maintain and extend critical delivery capabilities. WFP said the outbreak has moved from a localized emergency to the fastest-spreading on record.

Malawi communities adapt as droughts and floods deepen insecurity

In Malawi, years of droughts, flooding, and unpredictable rainfall have pushed vulnerable households further into food insecurity. With backing from the European Union and humanitarian partners, local programmes are supporting adaptation and recovery to help communities manage climate-related risks.

Refugee protection and food-security diplomacy gain attention

Separate announcements also reflect broader humanitarian commitments. As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, UNHCR and partners launched a global statement of solidarity with refugees. In addition, Germany is backing the “Berlin Process” for food security in the Sahel, highlighting a political push to confront hunger in one of the world’s most fragile regions.