In Chase, Kansas, Doug Keesling stands worriedly in his wheat field, a vast expanse of young plants that stretch endlessly.
The initial green promise, however, is overshadowed by the looming threat of drought.
“We’ve had plenty of sun,” he notes, “we need rain now. We’ve been in a drought.”
On the other side of the world in Kakuma refugee camp, northwestern Kenya, a 27-year-old mother named Waad faces her own struggles with food insecurity.
Forced from her home in Sudan due to conflict, Waad has found refuge in a tent with her three children, relying on the rations provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) to survive.
“The food from WFP is the only thing most of us know,” Waad shares, highlighting the harsh realities faced by the camp’s 300,000 residents who depend almost solely on this aid.
The ties that connect Kansas and Kakuma are significant, stemming from both hunger and Kansas’s rich agricultural history.
Kansan farmers like Keesling play a vital role in producing nearly a quarter of America’s hard red winter wheat, a staple included in WFP’s assistance programs for those facing extreme hunger.
The narrative intertwines with a historical perspective, tracing back to 1953 when Peter O’Brien, a wheat farmer from Kansas, proposed using surplus crops to feed impoverished regions, laying groundwork for U.S. food assistance and leading to the founding of WFP less than a decade later.
Justin Gilpin, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Commission, emphasizes the pride among farmers, stating, “They’re proud of knowing they help to feed people and develop goodwill around the world.”
Wheat producers, alongside other American growers, have consistently contributed to the efforts of WFP, ensuring that food reaches those in dire need.
For instance, in western Nebraska, the New Alliance cooperative plays a crucial role by packaging and shipping dry beans to WFP and humanitarian entities.
Dave Weber, the manager for this cooperative representing over 250 bean growers, acknowledges the dual purpose of their production.
“For our Nebraska farmers, the main intent is to make a profit from their product,” Weber explains. “But they all really appreciate the fact (that) their beans may save people’s lives.”
The logistics network for transporting Kansas wheat begins with Keesling’s harvest being shipped by rail to ports in Texas, before embarking on a lengthy journey to Mombasa, the largest port in East Africa.
Emilie Dufour, head of WFP’s field office in Mombasa, underscores the importance of this operation, stating, “We’re covering all the region,” which includes nine countries facing food security issues.
Upon arrival in Mombasa, the wheat undergoes quality checks before making its way over 750 miles to the Kakuma camp.
“It doesn’t stay long once it gets there, because the food is programmed for monthly distributions,” notes WFP logistics officer Jairus Mutisya, emphasizing the urgency in food delivery.
However, the landscape of international aid has shifted; refugees at Kakuma have recently encountered a drastic 40% reduction in WFP’s food support.
Without additional funding, future rations may diminish to just 28% of the daily recommended intake by June.
During a recent visit to Kakuma, Gilpin and fellow farmers experienced firsthand the impact of such cuts on families reliant on humanitarian aid.
“It was really impactful to meet with refugees and hear their stories of what humanitarian assistance has meant to them,” Gilpin reflects.
The current shortcomings in aid have forced families like Waad’s to look for alternative ways to ensure sustenance.
“I started keeping chickens, just a few at first,” she recounts, explaining how they provide an occasional income through the sale of eggs or birds.
Waad emphasizes her belief in self-sufficiency, stating, “I believe hunger can end, but only through hard work,” reinforcing the necessity for proactive measures in the face of adversity.
During the visit from U.S. farmers, Waad was encouraged by their offer of support in agricultural development.
“They encouraged us to farm,” she says, considering the long-lasting benefits that farming could provide for her family.
This spirit of self-reliance and the importance of community have resonated deeply with Keesling as well.
Having been involved in food aid initiatives for 25 years, Keesling draws inspiration from his travels across Africa, recognizing both the struggles and successes of local farmers.
Reflecting on his family’s history, he recalls how his grandfather overcame poverty through hard work and determination.
“Farmers in the Midwest always have the heart of helping their neighbor out and we view ‘neighbor’ as someone who is not restricted by miles,” Keesling asserts.
He believes that providing food is about more than just sustenance—it’s about imparting hope.
“When you give food, you give hope. And when you have hope, you find ways to fix things,” he concludes.
image source from：https://www.wfpusa.org/articles/us-wheat-helps-power-humanitarian-aid/
