Increased access to self-reliance and livelihoods continues to be a priority by the operation and partnership is a strategic thinking. In view of this, the partnership with FAO, WFP, UNIDO and UNDP were maintained and strengthened to ensure sustainable implementation of interventions in agriculture, economic recovery and skills development. Similarly, partnership with relevant government line ministries of Labour, Agriculture and environment were maintained. New partnership to enhance refugee participation in the local economy was forged with agricultural cooperatives and financial services providers.
In 2017, more than 18,400 households/individuals were provided with agricultural livelihoods kit to facilitate diversified food production to enhance household food security and dietary needs in the refugee camps. The support was coupled with extension services, training in agronomic practices and post-harvest technologies. PSNs were targeted for restocking of small ruminants, poultry, backed by vaccination by the Ministry of Agriculture to increase resilience.
Economic recovery and development support were provided through training, coaching, mentoring and provision of in-kind and cash grants business start-up support for microenterprise development. ILO Start and Improve Your Business methodology was incorporated in entrepreneurship training for petty traders and enterprise owners. 44 per cent of persons of concern targeted with entrepreneurship support are self-employed.
Access to financial services has been sustained through establishment/creation of community-based Village Savings and lending Associations (VSLAs). Some 200 associations have been established, out of which 135 were established in 2017. Advocacy to link these associations with Microfinance Institutions for sustainability has commenced.
Diversification of livelihood opportunities was integrated into the programming design. Victims and survivors of SGBV were supported to rear indigenous poultry to generate income and improve their protein intake from eggs. SGBV survivors in Gorom weaving beads were linked to international market through MADE 51, which availed opportunity to showcase their handicrafts in an international trade fair.
504 refugees graduated in various vocational and technical skills and were certified by government through the Ministry of Labour and Public Services.
Comprehensive Market assessments were undertaken to map market opportunities; constraints in the labour market; identify viable agriculture sub-sectors for engaging refugees and host community; the assessment findings were used to inform market driven livelihoods programming.