The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), has maintained an open-door policy and consistently granted asylum to populations seeking refuge. The current refugee population countrywide is estimated at 118,100, of which 64,500 reside in designated sites while the rest are spontaneously integrated into communities. In 2007, WFP provided food assistance to 48,000 refugees in Zambia assessed to depend on food aid.
The security situation in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes Region has improved in recent years, particularly in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Though the transition process is fragile, the election of constitutional governments and peace negotiations with warring factions are stimulating conditions for social and economic development.
The voluntary repatriation of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) commenced in mid 2007, but delays have been encountered. As of October, only 4,500 refugees have repatriated to the DRC, making it unlikely that the UNHCR planning figure of 20,000 for 2007 will be realised.
WFP has been able to phase down its assistance to Angolan refugees in Zambia as most of them are now either self-reliant or repatriated. Specifically, some 73,800 refugees were repatriated during 2003 – 2007 under the voluntary repatriation exercise for Angolan refugees.
The repatriation and the provision of land to refugees from the Meheba and Mayukwayukwa settlements has enabled WFP to reduce the number of refugees assisted under this operation by 36,500 in just two years.
Food assistance now only targets the most vulnerable caseloads in these settlements. In line with WFP Strategic Objectives 1, 2 and particularly 3 (save lives, protect livelihoods and support the improved nutritional status of children mothers and other vulnerable people), this operation will continue to assist approximately 45,500 mainly Congolese refugees in the Kala and Mwange camps and vulnerable groups in the Meheba and Mayukwayukwa settlements in 2008.
The number of people to be assisted is expected to gradually reduce in 2009 subject to the successful repatriation of Congolese refugees which commenced in 2007. With the successful repatriation and resettlement of Angolan refugees, this operation represents a marked decrease from the previous phase of 82,000 beneficiaries in 2006.
The project’s food requirements are estimated at 14,288 metric tons at a food cost of US$ 4.75 million and a total cost of US$ 11 million over the two year period.
WFP’s assistance will phase down as successful repatriation continues. WFP will continue to procure food commodities when possible through a Local Purchase Programme in order to encourage small-scale production and rural infrastructure improvements in and around settlements.
