Supporting people affected by (forced) displacement

Project description

Title: Improved living conditions and psychosocial support in the context of forced displacement in South Sudan
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: South Sudan
Overall term: 2021 to 2024

A woman with a baby works in a field. GIZ/Bebe Hillary Joel

Context

Following armed conflicts in 2013 and 2016, 2.2 million people have fled from South Sudan to neighbouring countries. A further 1.6 million people have been displaced within the country. Many South Sudanese people have also been forced to leave their homes as a result of climate-related crises such as floods and droughts. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in these circumstances, as child marriage, forced marriage and violence are on the rise. Often, young men can no longer fulfil their traditional role as breadwinners. In addition, the majority of the population has insufficient access to education and training, while the youth unemployment rate is around 50 per cent.

Objective

The nutrition, economic situation and psychosocial situation of returnees, internally displaced people and members of host communities have improved.

Okra on a market in Juba. GIZ/Bebe Hillary Joel

Approach

In cooperation with the Crop Training Center (CTC) in Yei, the Magwi College of Agribusiness and Management Science (MCAMS), Caritas Switzerland and selected small farmers’ cooperatives, the project implements measures in the following three areas:

  • Promoting agricultural production
    The project expands small farmers’ cooperatives, provides high-quality seeds, plants, and production inputs, and advises on nutrition. It thus strengthens the capabilities of smallholder households, increases their agricultural production and improves their nutrition.
  • Providing access to basic and vocational education and training
    Together with local educational institutions, the project expands training opportunities for members of the population affected by (forced) displacement.
  • Strengthening psychosocial support for vulnerable population groups
    The project assists governmental and non-governmental local stakeholders so that they can provide psychosocial support. Accompanying awareness-raising measures aim to reduce the stigmatisation of mental illness.

Last update: March 2022