Enhancing Food Security in Nakivale Refugee Settlement: The EFAN Project

In the southwestern region of Uganda, the Nakivale refugee settlement, located in the Isingiro district, stands as the oldest refugee settlement in the country. According to the UNHCR, as of March 2024, Nakivale is home to 185,990 refugees (93,856 females and 92,134 males), with 18% being children aged 0–4 years. The settlement faces significant pressure due to a refugee influx in 2022 and continued inflows from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, straining its already limited resources.

Despite Uganda’s progressive and favorable refugee policies, asylum seekers and refugees in Nakivale encounter numerous challenges. Limited livelihood opportunities contribute to socio-economic vulnerabilities, protection risks, psychosocial post-traumatic disorders, health outbreaks, malnutrition, and restricted access to essential services such as food, education, and healthcare. These issues are further exacerbated by persistent funding challenges for refugee response efforts. The World Food Program (WFP), a key food assistance partner, has had to reduce food rations per individual through a prioritization exercise. This reduction has significantly impacted the increasing number of new arrivals, particularly pregnant and lactating women (PLWs) and children aged 0-23 months, who need time to settle and start producing their own food.

To address these pressing challenges and enhance food security, Andre Foods International (AFI), in partnership with CARE and TUMAINI and in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Isingiro District Lower Government, is implementing the Emergency Food Assistance (EFAN) project in Nakivale Refugee settlement. Funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this one-year project aims to provide emergency food assistance to at least 4,250 of the most vulnerable persons from 850 households.

Project Goals

The EFAN project aims to:

Improve immediate household food security and nutritional uptake.
Promote behavior change regarding access and personal care for children, PLWs, people with disabilities, the elderly, and those living with chronic illnesses.

Expected Outcomes

Through these activities, the EFAN project aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Enhanced immediate household food security and improved nutritional uptake.
Positive behavior change in access to and personal care for vulnerable populations.
Strengthened local vendor capacity to support the food voucher system.
Increased community awareness and participation in food security initiatives.

At Andre Foods International, we are committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Nakivale by improving their access to adequate and nutritious food. The EFAN project is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable development in refugee settlements.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Stay tuned for updates on the progress and impact of the EFAN project.

For more information and ways to get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Andre Foods International
https://andrefoodsinternational.org/
@afiuganda

Join us in our mission to provide hope and sustenance to those in need.