The political crisis following the elections in Togo resulted in internal and cross-border population displacements to Benin (21,000) and Ghana (17,000). This situation has generated food insecurity not only for those that are displaced, but also for the host communities. All refugees that have crossed into Ghana have settled in with host communities.
This is also the case for the IDPs in Togo (10,000). Only one-third of the refugees in Benin are in camps, the remaining two-thirds have moved in with host communities.The joint needs assessments carried out with UNHCR, UNICEF, FAO, NGO partners and government counterparts in Togo, Benin and Ghana confirmed that the crisis has been generating food insecurity not only for refugees and IDPs, but also for host communities.
WFP programme interventions are therefore tailored along these lines: general distribution to refugees in camps and limited general distributions to refugees / IDPs living with host communities, followed by a shift towards targeted self-reliance interventions (such as foodfor- work and emergency school-feeding).
In addition, supplementary feeding for moderately malnourished children and MCH activities for pregnant and nursing mothers will be carried out in complement to the general ration. In Benin and Ghana, WFP food assistance will be handled by UNHCR through their implementing partners (Caritas and Red Cross in Benin and Catholic Relief Services in Ghana).
WFP, in partnership with UNICEF and UNHCR, is committed to take appropriate measures to create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse. Programme interventions will be carried in the spirit of the guidelines prepared by the IASC reference group on gender and humanitarian assistance and in line with WFP’s corporate Enhanced Commitments for Women.
