A delegation led by @RRSEthiopia Director General Teyiba Hassen is in Gambella regional state to visit food distribution and livelihood activities in Jewi Camp, which is implemented with the support of the governments of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Luxemburg and Norway.
There has been a reduction in food commodities, which has created a pressing issue for both refugees and host communities. “While food aid is essential, we recognize that it is not a sustainable solution; that’s why we advocate for the implementation of sustainable livelihood programs to ensure long-term self-reliance,” DG Teyiba said.
The positive outcomes in Jewi, Nguenyyiel and Pinyudo refugee camps, as well as in host community areas such as Itang, Gog, Bonga and Karmi, demonstrate the potential of sustainable livelihood initiatives in changing lives.
Teyiba added thousands of residence permits, work permits and trade licenses issued to refugees engaged in joint projects, wage employment and self-employment opportunities need support and follow-up.
Endowed with abundant natural resources suitable for growing a variety of crops with a young and growing population in both refugee and host communities, supportive policy frameworks, such as the government’s food self-sufficiency initiatives and progressive refugee laws coupled with ongoing social cohesion and peace-building initiatives makes Gambella region offer significant opportunities to both refugees and host communities.
In spite of these opportunities, the high refugee population, high unemployment rate, poor infrastructure, high poverty levels, dependence on humanitarian aid, lack of alternative energy sources and conflict risks demand urgent intervention.
