Improving nutrition and reducing stunting in Eastern Sudan: EU Action Document

Published on 20 December 2016, this action document/action fiche Improving Nutrition and Reducing Stunting in Eastern Sudan through an Integrated Nutrition and Food Security Approach describes the action which will contribute to the objectives of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Stability and Addressing the Root Causes of Irregular Migration and Displaced Persons in Africa, namely (2) strengthening resilience of communities and in particular the most vulnerable, as well as refugees and displaced people, and (4) improved governance and conflict prevention, and reduction of forced displacement and irregular migration. The Action is aligned with the Valletta Action Plan priority domain (1) development benefits of migration and addressing root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement. The project is also based on the objectives and indicative intervention priorities of the Short Term Strategy 2016/17 for the implementation of a special support measure in favour of the people of the Republic of Sudan.

The total estimated cost will be EUR 12,000,000.00 of which the World Food Programme (WFP) will provide a financial contribution of EUR 4 000 000.00 with the total amount drawn from the Trust Fund: EUR 8,000,000.00. The method of implementation comprises indirect management with the WFP.

The geographical scope of the project comprises 10 localities of three States in Eastern Sudan namely, Red Sea, Kassala and Gedaref, where child malnutrition, particularly chronic malnutrition and stunting, are widespread. The intervention logic of this action is based on the assumption that stunting diminishes children’s potential and ability to lead economically productive lives and sets in motion a cycle of chronic poverty, negative coping mechanisms and malnutrition. To break this cycle, the proposed action will follow an integrated approach which will focus on four key interventions targeting nutrition, education, livelihood support and capacity strengthening. The successful implementation of the action will strengthen community resilience.

The estimated beneficiaries targeted under this project are 400,000 people; children in their first 1000 days of live, households with pregnant and lactating women and children under 5. The overall objective of the action is to enhance the ability of women and children in the States of Red Sea, Kassala and Gedaref to lead socially and economically productive lives, and in doing so strengthen their resilience and that of their communities. The specific objective is to improve the nutritional and food security status of women and children in vulnerable households of targeted localities in the States of Red Sea, Kassala and Gedaref through nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions. The exit strategy of the project builds on a long-term approach strengthening local authorities' capacities to continue implementing national food security and nutritional programmes and strengthening the resilience of communities.