At the Metche refugee camp in eastern Chad, the sun beats down on Faical as he waits for food assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP). “This support has greatly improved our lives,” he says. Yet, he dreams of contributing to his new home, Chad.
Just a bit farther, a group of 375 refugees and Chadian families is embracing this idea at the Loumba-Massalit market garden. Here, Mahassine, a member of the farming group, reflects on the change. “Before, I struggled to find work. Now, I earn a wage every month.”
Chad is home to over 1.5 million asylum seekers, including 900,000 from the ongoing civil war in Sudan. While many, like Faical, rely on emergency food assistance, others are finding a path to self-sufficiency through projects like those at Loumba-Massalit. WFP supports these initiatives, aiming to move from mere food relief to sustainable development.
“WFP is helping to shift the focus in Chad: from relief to building a strong future,” states Sarah Gordon-Gibson, WFP’s Country Director. This shift not only aims to provide immediate relief but also fosters long-term food security. With one in six people facing serious hunger in Chad, this effort is crucial.
Chad’s government promotes the Haguina approach, meaning “it is ours.” This strategy connects various projects to boost self-sufficiency through better market access and agricultural productivity. The goal is to empower one million people—including both refugees and locals.
WFP collaborates with other UN agencies to make land productive and develop essential infrastructure. “We’re committed to supporting the government and believe this is the right path for Chad,” says Gordon-Gibson.
Currently, the funding for humanitarian aid is dwindling. Many people, like Faical, now receive cash instead of direct food supplies. “We used to get millet, salt, and oil. Now, we need more cash to cope with rising living costs,” he explains. He hopes to engage in farming projects to secure his future in Chad, as returning to Sudan isn’t an option for him yet.
At Loumba-Massalit, the farming efforts have blossomed. Participants have developed 19 hectares of land, planted 13,000 seedlings, and created water catchments to optimize resources. Mahassine’s group now harvests a variety of crops, turning their work into a viable business that supports their families, including education for their children.
“I want to see this project grow,” she shares. “I dream of investing in livestock to further provide for my family.”
This effort is supported by donations from various countries and organizations, underscoring a collective commitment to building a more self-reliant future in Chad.
For more on WFP’s impact in Chad, check their official [website](https://www.wfp.org/countries/chad) for updates and detailed reports.
