In 2023, Action Against Poverty (AAP), in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), continued its vital relief interventions in Caluula District, targeting 13,002 beneficiaries affected by severe food insecurity due to extreme weather conditions, including recurrent droughts and floods. The project focused on enhancing food security and resilience among vulnerable pastoralist communities whose livelihoods are heavily reliant on livestock and environmental conditions. In response to prolonged droughts that have led to significant livestock losses, AAP aimed to meet immediate food needs while building community capacity to withstand future climate shocks.
Throughout the year, AAP successfully assisted 2,123 households through a combination of vouchers and mobile money transfers, with 1,024 households receiving vouchers and 1,099 benefiting from mobile payments. Beneficiary sensitization efforts included educating recipients about top-up amounts, expiry dates, and the redemption process, which facilitated a largely successful distribution of essential food items like rice, sugar, and vegetable oil. Despite minor challenges such as missing vouchers and lost SCOPE cards, the majority of beneficiaries reported improvements in their food security and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided during these challenging times.
The project achieved significant milestones, effectively reaching nearly all planned households and distributing cash and vouchers to those in need. While the food security situation remains critical, there are positive signs of improvement, including a reduction in the reliance on negative coping mechanisms. Many beneficiaries began redistributing their entitlements to assist family members and neighbors, highlighting a strengthening of community ties. However, there is an urgent need to expand the caseload to accommodate the growing number of households still requiring assistance.
To enhance the efficiency of the program, AAP recommended addressing technical issues with malfunctioning MPOS machines that hindered the top-up process. Continued assistance through mobile money and vouchers was advised to ensure that vulnerable individuals have access to essential food items. Coordination with local authorities and community leaders remained essential for prioritizing the selection of the most affected beneficiaries, fostering transparency and accountability in the implementation of relief efforts. These collaborative strategies are vital to ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community receive the necessary support to improve their living conditions amidst ongoing challenges.
app top-up staff conducting top-up in one of the fdps
