Eritrea - Free Distribution

Lead Member: Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Supporting Members: Mennonite Central Committee Canada; United Church of Canada
Country: Eritrea
Region: Anseba Zoba in north-western Eritrea
Implementing Partners: Lutheran World Federation
Vulnerability: High
Duration: 6 months
File Number: 1812/1813
Food/Inputs: 150 metric tonnes (mt) lentils, 315 mt fortified and precooked ration blend, 90 mt oil(Note: 1 mt = 1,000 kg or 2,204 lb)
Budget: $562,207
Time Period: Jul-03
Program Description:
This program will provide free distribution to those in need. One portion will compliment current government programs. Another aspect of the shipment will address the needs of all children under the age of five as well as pregnant/lactating mothers

Several factors have contributed to the current food crisis in Eritrea. In 2002, the region suffered its lowest rainfall in 15 years. Total cereal production, the smallest crop since 1993, was 70 below average and only 54,400 metric tonnes.

In addition, Eritrea suffers the adverse economic effects of the Ethiopian-Eritrean border conflict that lasted from 1998-2002. Chronic poverty and malnutrition are present. Grain prices are high and the livestock market has collapsed.

Beneficiaries, Vulnerability, and Targeting:
This program will benefit 25,045 people who will receive a general ration and 9,228 young children and pregnant mothers who will receive a fortified and precooked ration blend.

Program Impacts:
The objectives of the program include:
  • stabilizing and improving household food security by complimenting the local government's program until December 2003
  • stabilizing and improving the nutritional status of children under five
  • stabilizing and improving the nutritional status of pregnant and nursing mothers
  • applying focused hygiene and nutritional programs that will help sustain the improved nutritional status of the people




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