ISLAMABAD: The European Union has concluded its 18-month-long rehabilitation project for the vulnerable population in districts most affected by the 2022 floods.

The ‘Enhanced Food and Nutrition Security for Vulnerable People in Flood Affected Areas of Pakistan’, worth five million euros, was funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments and implemented by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP).

The project provided direct assistance to more than 97,000 people and indirect support to 700,000 people across seven vulnerable districts in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, WFP said on Monday.

More than $3.6 million in cash assistance was distributed among the population, enabling their access to nutritious food in exchange for their involvement in community service.

The funds were used for the construction of 550 water structures and 650 flood protection walls; and protecting 76,000 acres of agricultural land and 40,000 houses, the programme said in a statement.

Additionally, the distribution of 1,700 fuel-efficient stoves and plantation of 10,000 trees will “contribute to reducing harmful climate activities and mitigate impacts of future weather events on these vulnerable communities”.

Under the programme, more than 400 training sessions were held to train the beneficiaries in marketable skills such as sewing, embroidery, dressmaking, beautician services, business management, and digital marketing.

Women constituted 80 per cent of the participants, whose income increased threefold from Rs5,000 to Rs15,000, the statement claimed.

Additionally, WFP, in collaboration with Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence experts, established and trained 114 Community Emergency Response Teams. They were also equipped with essential rescue tool kits to better prepare them for disaster response.

“This project used a community-based approach to reduce tensions and promote social cohesion by forming village committees, ensuring fair resource distribution, and improving infrastructure. It also strengthened livelihoods and resilience by restoring assets like water systems and promoting income-generating activities, leading to lasting stability.”

While hailing the programme, EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka said: “Community resilience is at the core of our efforts in Pakistan. The EU is proud to have contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities in the face of adversity by strengthening local capacities and fostering solidarity.”

In her statement, Coco Ushiyama, the WFP country director, said recovery and resilience support were critical after the 2022 floods.“With EU’s generous support, the project adopted a community-based approach working together towards a more food secure and resilient future.”

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2024