The 'Combatting food insecurity' program and how it is progressing

Here you can read about how the program funded by Norad is progressing across the 6 countries (Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda) it is implemented. There is constant progress on a daily basis, where vulnerable individuals are secured food security and where their livelihoods are improved. This was last updated January 2024.

Cash interventions i South Sudan

300 vulnerable households (1,753 individuals) have received unconditional cash in villages in Akobo East and Nyirol. The cash reduces food insecurities for the families for the 2 months the cash is distributed. Some of the recipients re-invested small amounts of the cash into income generating activities improving the dire economic situation of the households.

The below shows token distribution related to the 2nd distribution of the unconditional cash in Akobo East to 150 vulnerable households (900 individuals). In the discussion with beneficiaries on what they spent the 1st cash on, most spent the cash solely on food (giving 1-2 meals a day); but some invested in animals or small businesses (e.g. charcoal).

Infrastructure rehabilitation in Syria

The works on rehabilitating the Al-Mayadin Bakery in Syria – activating a new production line of bread to help improve the overall food security of the targeted area – is progressing well (selection process started in August 2023) and is expected to be finalized in February 2024. When finalized the bakery can meet the bread needs of Al-Mayadin sub-district, the surrounding villages, and the internally displaced people (IDPs) affected by the conflict on both sides of the river (expected benefit of 12,200 people daily).

Oxfam selected Al-Mayadin bakery as it can meet the bread needs of Al-Mayadin sub-district, the surrounding villages, and the IDPs affected by the conflict on both sides of the river. The rehabilitation will include civil works and the provision and installation of a new production line. This new line will have the capacity of 10 tons of bread per day.

Production and marketing capacities in Burkina Faso

300 women and youth have been trained on production, conservation, processing and marketing of agropastoral and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).

The trainings executed in the areas of Rambo, Kossouka, and Ouahigouya, ensures livelihood opportunities to these vulnerable individuals and focused on: shea butter soap processing, bissap and ginger juice production, processing tomato paste, yogurt and bread making. Participants are to receive financial support for their activities related to non-timber forest products in the upcoming period.

Climate Smart Agriculture in Uganda

1,350 individuals in West Nile – an area hardly hit by climate change (i.e. destruction of crops due to flooding, waterlogging, increased soil erosion, post-harvest losses) – have been trained on climate resilient agriculture, including organic fertilizer and pesticide production and setting up climate resilient agricultural gardens. The trainings are expected to provide increased food production and income of the food producers, reducing the scale of the food insecurity and malnutrition situation and minimize negative coping strategies in the area – which has been hardly hit by the WFP cut in food assistance.

Below photos from climate resilient agriculture interventions in Zombo, West Nile, Uganda, November 2023.

Agricultural input and animals for increased and diversified nutrition in Mali

100 economically vulnerable women pastoralists received 3 female and 1 male goats, cattle feed, and other necessary animal inputs. As well as training on feeding and management techniques for small ruminants. The initiative will increase children’s intake of nutritious and diversified food, thus, to combat malnutrition.

1,000 farmers benefited from market gardening inputs and tools, all of these (in addition to 26 more farmers) also received capacity-building support on market gardening techniques and distribution of small ruminants and support kits in Bourem, Gao, Mali.

Gender sensitive trainings in Kenya

483 individuals received gender sensitive agricultural training (on sustainable farming practices, crop management, and income-generating activities) which addressed gender-specific constraints and introduced tools and practices that improve efficiency and reduce the labor burden on women. Another 282 individuals (men and women) were trained on gender justice (women’s economic empowerment, workload, participation in decision making and resource control, participation in climate actions), this training in conjunction with the other activities of this program promotes gender-sensitive approaches that respect local customs while advancing gender equality.