In a strategic move to strengthen food security and ensure effective humanitarian assistance, Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), recently carried out a comprehensive vendor assessment exercise for the General Food Assistance – Cash-Based Transfer (GFA-CBT) project across five local government areas in Katsina State.
The target areas—Batsari, Safana, Dutsinma, Kurfi, and Danmusa—have been significantly impacted by food insecurity and conflict-related displacement, prompting urgent need for well-coordinated and sustainable food interventions.
This assessment marks a critical preparatory phase in the implementation of the GFA-CBT initiative, aimed at providing cash-based food assistance to vulnerable populations. The AYGF-WFP joint team embarked on a detailed mapping and assessment of local vendor shops, identifying viable markets and suppliers who can reliably support the upcoming food assistance program.
The evaluation covered multiple criteria including:
- Availability and diversity of food items
- Vendor capacity to stock and replenish goods
- Pricing and affordability
- Proximity to beneficiary communities
- Storage facilities and hygiene conditions
The goal is to ensure that vendors not only meet minimum standards of quality and reliability but are also well-positioned to serve as partners in delivering life-saving assistance.
Beyond immediate humanitarian relief, the vendor assessment plays a crucial role in boosting local economies. By engaging community-based vendors, the GFA-CBT project encourages localized development and empowers small business owners, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and stability within these conflict-affected areas.
According to AYGF field coordinators, local engagement is essential:
“Working with local vendors allows us to tailor assistance to the needs of the people, while also stimulating economic activity within their communities. It’s a win-win approach.”
With the vendor assessment completed, AYGF and WFP are now poised to roll out the next phase of the GFA-CBT project, delivering cash-based transfers to enable households to access nutritious food through local markets. The project aligns with broader objectives of resilience building, sustainable food access, and community empowerment in Northern Nigeria.
As the partnership continues to deepen, the impact of this groundwork is expected to go far beyond emergency food relief—laying foundations for long-term food security and local development.