Eritrea - Food and Nutrition Assistance - Development and Peace 2014

March 2014 - Eritrea is facing a serious and deteriorating humanitarian situation as a result of recurring drought and the exodus of an increasing number of able-bodied young men facing the prospect of a potential lifetime of mandatory military service. Based on reports from the few humanitarian agencies able to operate in the country the remaining population faces high levels of food insecurity and acute malnutrition. With DFATD’s support Development and Peace is helping to meet the needs of vulnerable food insecure households in Eritrea. Project activities include: (1) providing cash to 1 550 households; (2) distributing food to 850 remote rural households; (3) distributing seeds to grow vegetable gardens for 800 households; (4) distributing livestock and poultry to 820 households; (5) providing training in health and nutrition to 5 000 primary caregivers; and (6) identifying cases of acute malnutrition through monthly nutrition screenings and referring them to local hospitals or health centres.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased purchasing power and food security for nutritionally vulnerable households in Eritrea; (2) improved livelihoods opportunities for targeted households; (3) improved knowledge regarding proper nutrition for primary caregivers; and (4) reduced rates of malnutrition amongst targeted populations. The expected intermediate outcome for this project is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.