Cultivating Health: support for local food production to improve the quality of the diet of the Sahrawi refugee population in Algeria
North of Sahara, regional
Status
ImplementationAid type
Project-type interventionsNorth of Sahara, regional
Location
-
€ 1,187,592
Committed
Committed
€ 0
Used
Used
Description
Cultivating Health merges nutrition with health, aiming to improve the quality of diet and health of Sahrawi refugees. Since 1975, the Sahrawi population (173,600 people) has resided in Algerian tent cities, relying on external aid for sustenance. While designed for emergencies, prolonged dependence on such aid has led to malnutrition due to its lack of diversity and fresh products. Food and health are inextricably linked, and the proposed objective "To promote good practices of self-production of food by energizing the economic and social sector towards a common horizon that combines nutrition, health, and income production" addresses this interconnection in a context with limited job opportunities and significant constraints in food production due to a desert environment. The resumption of armed conflict with Morocco (November 2020) and rising prices have heightened the economic and nutritional vulnerabilities of the population. This new reality places women at the forefront of social life, presenting unique challenges for local authorities. Historically, Sahrawi women have played a critical role in their society, particularly during the initial years of exile when they managed the tent cities while the men were engaged in conflict until 1991. They gained independence, confidence, and a primary social role that endures. Our project is primarily focused on these women, supporting them through family-level arboriculture and income-generating activities. As the conflict resumes, women, now without male support, face renewed challenges. They will be empowered to reclaim their destinies through activities that enable them to produce quality food, generate income, and adopt healthier lifestyles, addressing the prevalent issues of obesity and diabetes. The intervention involves two key local authorities: Ministerio de Salud Publica (MSP) and Ministerio de Desarrollo Economico (MDE), in planning activities aimed at improving diet, health, and the economy. This partnership builds on the successful AID 10925 Food and Work project, which established a structured network integrating specific roles and skills towards a shared objective. UNIMI will continue its research on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, providing results to MSP for preventive planning. NEXUS ER, with its long-standing collaboration with the Sahrawi Workers' Union (UGTsario), will support women's income-generating activities. VSF Italia will offer technical assistance for animal production, while the Municipality of Sesto Fiorentino, a new partner already collaborating on a Tuscany Region-funded project, will play a key role in communicating results and engaging Tuscan solidarity groups for the Sahrawi people. MA70, with decades of experience in food safety and strong relationships with local authorities, will coordinate all activities and the project network
read more
close
| Year | Committed | Used |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | € 1,187,592 | € 0 |
Agency
| Type | Name | Channel code |
|---|---|---|
| Government | AICS - Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development | 11000 |
Channel reported
| Type | Name | Channel code |
|---|---|---|
| National NGO | MOVIMENTO AFRICA 70 ONG/ON | 22000 |
Project data
Sectors
Policy markers
SDGs
-
-
-