Algeria’s Commitment to Supporting Sahrawi Refugees: A Look at the 2023 WFP Annual Country Report

Since 1975, Algeria has been home to Sahrawi refugees from Western Sahara, who reside in five camps near Tindouf, a remote desert town. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been a crucial player in providing humanitarian assistance to these refugees, supporting their basic food and nutritional needs. The 2023 Annual Country Report offers a comprehensive look at the achievements, challenges, and future plans of WFP in its efforts to save and change lives in this harsh environment.

Operational Context

The Sahrawi refugees live in an unforgiving desert climate, marked by extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and frequent sandstorms. The political stalemate surrounding Western Sahara’s status has left the refugees in a protracted state of limbo, unable to secure work permits or relocate. As a result, they remain heavily dependent on humanitarian aid. Despite these challenges, Algeria has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting the refugees, ensuring they have access to essential services and a semblance of normalcy in their daily lives.

WFP’s Strategic Plan and Achievements

WFP’s Interim Country Strategic Plan (ICSP) for 2019-2024 aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). In 2023, WFP’s efforts included:

1. General Food Assistance: WFP provided in-kind food assistance, distributing over 2,000 metric tons of commodities monthly. This helped maintain an acceptable food consumption score for 82% of households, a significant improvement from previous years.
2. School Feeding Programs: More than 40,000 school children received nutritious mid-morning snacks, and 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women received cash-based transfers to diversify their diets and prevent anemia.
3. Resilience Building: WFP promoted agricultural training and the development of family and school gardens, aiming to enhance local food production and improve access to fresh produce.

Challenges Faced in 2023

Despite these achievements, 2023 presented significant challenges. Conflicts in the region and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased commodity prices and shipping costs. Funding shortfalls forced WFP to reduce food rations in the latter part of the year, affecting the nutritional intake of refugees. However, these challenges have spurred innovative solutions and stronger partnerships, reinforcing the resilience of both the refugees and the supporting organizations.

Nutrition and Health Interventions

WFP’s nutrition interventions focused on preventing acute malnutrition and anemia, especially among children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women. These included:

1. Micronutrient Supplementation: Distribution of micronutrient tablets and value vouchers helped increase diet diversity and improve health outcomes.
2. Acute Malnutrition Management: Specialized nutritious foods were provided to treat moderate acute malnutrition, with performance indicators showing positive recovery rates.
3. Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Promotion: SBC activities aimed to improve health and nutrition behaviors, with a significant portion of the population reporting positive changes due to these interventions.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

WFP is committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. In 2023, efforts included:

1. Gender Action Plan: Integrating gender considerations into all activities to address the unique needs of women, men, girls, boys, and persons with disabilities.
2. Educational Empowerment: Supporting the education of girls and boys, with women predominantly holding professional roles in the camps, challenging traditional gender norms.
3. Cash-Based Transfer Projects: Targeting pregnant and breastfeeding women with electronic vouchers, enhancing their choice and dignity in food purchasing.

Environmental Sustainability

WFP’s environmental initiatives focused on sustainable food production and resource management. Key activities included:

1. Soil Sustainability: Incorporating local compost and promoting crop rotation to improve soil health.
2. Water Management: Efficient water use in agricultural projects to combat the arid conditions of the camps.
3. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support: Planting trees and supporting livestock farming with locally adapted breeds to enhance the ecosystem.

Algeria’s Role and Contributions

Algeria’s role in supporting Sahrawi refugees extends beyond providing a safe haven. The Algerian government has been actively involved in ensuring the well-being of the refugees by supporting various initiatives. Algeria has provided infrastructure, including schools and health centers, and facilitated the distribution of essential supplies. The Algerian Red Crescent has been a vital partner, working alongside WFP to implement food and nutritional programs, demonstrating Algeria’s commitment to humanitarian principles.

Community Engagement and Development

WFP’s initiatives have fostered a sense of community and self-reliance among the refugees. The development of family and school gardens not only provides fresh produce but also empowers the community with agricultural skills. Training sessions and educational programs have been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices, improving both food security and environmental stewardship.

Positive Impact on Education

Education is a cornerstone of WFP’s programs, with a strong focus on ensuring that children in the camps have access to quality education. The school feeding programs have had a significant positive impact, encouraging school attendance and enhancing students’ ability to learn. The collaboration with local organizations to improve school infrastructure and provide nutritious meals has been a testament to the power of partnerships in driving positive change.

Financial Overview and Partnerships

In 2023, WFP Algeria faced financial constraints, receiving 96% of the required USD 38 million. Efforts to attract additional funding from traditional and new donors are ongoing. Partnerships with local and international organizations remain critical, with joint initiatives enhancing the effectiveness of WFP’s interventions. Algeria’s support, combined with contributions from international donors, has been pivotal in maintaining and expanding the reach of WFP’s programs.

Moving Forward

Looking ahead, WFP aims to diversify its partnership portfolio, explore new funding opportunities, and advocate for flexible, multi-year funding to ensure the continuity and predictability of its programs. The focus will remain on improving food security, nutrition, and resilience for the Sahrawi refugees, with a continued emphasis on gender equality and environmental sustainability. Algeria’s ongoing support and collaboration will be crucial in achieving these goals.

WFP’s efforts in 2023 have made significant strides in supporting the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria. Despite numerous challenges, the progress achieved underscores the importance of continued humanitarian assistance and the need for sustained international support to address the ongoing needs of this vulnerable population. The resilience and determination of the refugees, combined with the unwavering support from Algeria and international partners, paint a hopeful picture for the future.

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