Centre for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID) in partnership with Trócaire implemented a project supported by Development and Peace- Caritas Canada titled ‘Improving Food Security for Vulnerable IDP and Host Communities’ targeting 150 vulnerable women (and their households) from IDP and host communities in Luuq district, as well as 90 students of agriculture. The project was started with the goal of sustaining the gains made in the pilot phase of a food production project supported by Trocaire.

Generally, the project aims to strengthen the resilience of communities in Gedo so that they are able to cope with recurring humanitarian shocks and stresses.

Expected results

1. Improved nutrition outcomes for targeted children Under- 5 and pregnant and lactating women from IDP and host communities.
2. Improved food security for target households
3. Improved knowledge on food production by project participants, both targeted women, and students of the Luuq ATC.

The target beneficiaries are engaged in a range of activities to improve food production and access to nutritious food to curb malnutrition. These include provision of agricultural inputs including diverse crop seeds, trainings on environmentally sound food production techniques, cash for work initiative, livelihood support and informal financial services through formation of community- based savings and loan groups.  In addition, 90 young students from the Luuq Agricultural Training Centre benefit from the hands-on experience acquired from an attachment programme with the farming groups.