International collaboration in Cuba takes a significant step forward in its support for the nation’s food sovereignty. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have begun preparations. For an ambitious project that will benefit thousands of people in the provinces of Holguin and Mayabeque.
This initiative, focused on strengthening local food systems. Seeks to guarantee nutrition for the most vulnerable sectors of the population. In a context of growing climate and economic challenges.
The new phase of this joint effort, which will extend until 2029. Aims to reach more than 26,000 people in vulnerable situations. The initiative focuses on a population group that includes schoolchildren in rural areas (both boarding and day-care). Infants attending daycare centers, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and older adults. Also who benefit from community kitchens and nursing homes. In this way, the project encompasses a broad spectrum of the Cuban social protection network.
So this project represents a continuation and expansion of the successful results obtained in the first phase of the “Act Differently” program. Implemented between 2021 and 2024 in five municipalities in the eastern region. According to information from the World Food Programme (WFP). That initial experience allowed for an increase in the volume of food supplied by local producers to social protection networks. Rising from 22.8 to more than 310 metric tons in the last year of implementation.
The essence of this new phase lies in consolidating a development model that promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Increases and diversifies local production, and directly connects producers. Such as cooperatives and small farmers—with the centers of the social protection networks. “The project has enabled local producers to better adapt to climate challenges. Reduce losses, and ensure a stable food supply for communities. Thus promoting food security and nutrition in an increasingly challenging environment,” said Etienne Labande, WFP Representative in Cuba.
The commitment to food security extends beyond primary production. In line with these projects, the WFP has fostered an inclusive debate on the island. Regarding the role of all economic actors. At the end of January 2026, a national seminar dedicated to strengthening food security. Through collaboration with the non-state sector was held in Havana.
Also the event, which included the participation of 50 new management models. Among them small and medium-sized enterprises, local development projects, and cooperatives—was described by Labande. As a forum that “exceeded expectations,” establishing itself as a starting point for future actions in the country. These types of meetings, sponsored by the National Institute of Non-State Economic Actors and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. Aim to build strategic alliances that will make food systems more resilient to climate shocks and strengthen social protection programs.
The province of Holguin has become a key setting for showcasing the results of this cooperation. A tangible example is the “Gibara Verde x Ciento” project, recently supervised by WFP experts. At the Félix Rojas Lachera Credit and Services Cooperative, a significant increase in production was observed.
According to Robert M. Leyva Martínez, an agricultural extension and training specialist at the production unit. Thanks to the provided supplies, they were able to harvest ten tons of root vegetables and approximately four tons of other vegetables to supply the most vulnerable sectors of the municipality. “Despite the scarcity of resources in the country, there is greater support for these priority institutions. Such as the Family Care System (SAF) dining halls and semi-boarding schools—through price regulation and a wider variety of products,” he emphasized.
Orlando Chaveco, WFP monitor in Holguin, stressed that the main mission is to support food security in emergency situations for the most vulnerable. Strengthening local capacities to serve the social protection network. The focus, he noted, is on increasing yields, diversification, and risk management within the Municipal Food Self-Sufficiency Program.
Support for Cuba in this area is not limited to a single source of cooperation. Alongside the project with UNICEF, the WFP is implementing the second phase of the “Act Differently” project with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Which will extend until 2029 and double the number of municipalities assisted in the eastern region.
Furthermore, a joint initiative with the Government of Canada, also running until 2029 and with a budget of 12 million Canadian dollars. It will focus on municipalities in Holguin (Moa, Mayari, and the provincial capital) and Mayabeque (San José de las Lajas, Bejucal, and Santa Cruz del Norte) to improve the nutrition of children and pregnant women.
With more than six decades of uninterrupted collaboration in Cuba—since its first assistance to those affected by Hurricane Flora in 1963—the World Food Programme (WFP) reaffirms its commitment to the nation’s progress and resilience. These initiatives, aligned with Cuba’s Law on Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security, not only promote concrete solutions to improve nutrition in vulnerable communities but also weave a network of cooperation. That promotes more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems, where local producers and science join forces to guarantee the right to food for all.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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