Conflict Scan Report Emergency Food Security Program - EFSP Food for the Hungry DRC

The program, implemented by Food for the Hungry DRC, targets 19,727 households to rebuild food security and self-resiliency through provision of agricultural inputs, tools, and seeds for production. The overall objective is to support households in rebuilding their lives and transitioning to traditional livelihood activities. The program focuses on conflict mitigation and protection, particularly for households that have been affected by displacement, which have a high possibility of abuse. The specific interventions include providing monthly food assistance to at least 17,273 vulnerable households, including IDPs, returnees, and host communities, as well as cash transfers to 1,727 most vulnerable households. Additionally, the program aims to support 9,000 vulnerable households, including returnees, to re-engage in agricultural production through provision of agricultural inputs and training. The EFSP also promotes renovation of community assets through food assistance for productive assets or Food for Work/Asset (FFW/A) programming, targeting the most vulnerable households in the communities. Furthermore, all households targeted by the program receive Health and Nutrition training on improved household and community practices. The program operates in the territory of Kalemie, which has experienced an upsurge of insecurity from ethnic conflicts and activities of armed groups since October 2018. The displacement of populations has led to large population displacements, with the territory of Kalemie alone hosting about 166,603 internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of August 30, 2018. The IPC survey conducted in June 2018 revealed that over 85% of households in the areas surveyed, including Tanganyika province, are food insecure, with 39% experiencing severe food insecurity and 46% moderate food insecurity. The EFSP aims to address the root causes of food insecurity, including the sharp rise in armed conflicts in the country since 2017, particularly in Ituri and South Kivu, and clashes in Tanganyika and Kasai. The program also seeks to mitigate the impact of displacement on household food security, particularly for host communities that have to deal with the influx of households, putting pressure on limited resources. The program's methodology involves conducting assessments, data collection, and analysis to identify the needs of the target households. The program also engages with local communities, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews, to understand the context and challenges faced by the households. The program's approach is based on the principles of community-led development, where local communities are empowered to take ownership of their development and decision-making processes. The EFSP has several limitations, including the protracted insecurity in Tanganyika Province, which has hindered the program's implementation. Additionally, the program faces challenges in accessing basic services, including agriculture inputs, primary health services, and adequate drinking water, which exacerbates the risk of spread and communicable diseases. The program's results show that the EFSP has made significant progress in supporting households affected by protracted insecurity in Tanganyika province. The program has provided food assistance to over 17,273 households, including IDPs, returnees, and host communities, and has supported 9,000 vulnerable households to re-engage in agricultural production. The program has also promoted renovation of community assets through food assistance for productive assets or FFW/A programming, targeting the most vulnerable households in the communities. The program's conclusions highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including the sharp rise in armed conflicts in the country since 2017. The program also emphasizes the need to mitigate the impact of displacement on household food security, particularly for host communities that have to deal with the influx of households. The program's recommendations include scaling up the program to reach more households, strengthening the program's methodology to better address the needs of the target households, and engaging with local communities to ensure that the program is community-led and owned. The EFSP has several opportunities for peaceful coexistence, including promoting community-led development, engaging with local communities, and addressing the root causes of food insecurity. The program also has several risks to social cohesion, including the protracted insecurity in Tanganyika Province, which has hindered the program's implementation. The program's recommendations include addressing these risks through a more robust and sustainable approach to conflict mitigation and protection. In conclusion, the EFSP is a critical program that aims to support households affected by protracted insecurity in Tanganyika province. The program has made significant progress in addressing the root causes of food insecurity and mitigating the impact of displacement on household food security. However, the program faces several challenges, including the protracted insecurity in Tanganyika Province, which has hindered the program's implementation. The program's recommendations include scaling up the program to reach more households, strengthening the program's methodology to better address the needs of the target households, and engaging with local communities to ensure that the program is community-led and owned.