DAKAR, March 7 (Reuters) – The United Nations World Food Programme said on Friday it would halt food and nutrition assistance to more than 2 million people in Nigeria and the Central Sahel region next month without urgent funding to bridge shortfalls. The U.N. food agency (WFP) said in a statement it required $620 million to continue supporting refugees in Chad and Mali and food-insecure people in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. The statement did not specify whether the lack of funding was linked to the U.S. Conflict, displacement, economic crises, and climate shocks such as devastating floods last year are driving a hunger crisis in West Africa. The funding squeeze comes as the lean season – the period in between harvests when hunger peaks – is expected to hit earlier than usual across West Africa’s Sahel region south of the Sahara. It said West and Central Africa remained “chronically underfunded”. The WFP receives half of its funding from the United States, which has been reviewing and cutting foreign aid programs. An estimated 52.7 million women, men, and children are projected to experience acute hunger between June and August 2025, the WFP said. These include refugees in Chad, Mali, and Mauritania, of which around 700,000 are Sudanese refugees. WFP Regional Director Margot van der Velden.

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings (click through the next webpage) are as practical as they are elegant. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift.

Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. So she decided to make her own. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature.