Algeria Transitional ICSP (January 2018 - June 2019)

T-ICSP approved in August 2017. Revision 01 approved by the EB in November 2018.

Algeria has hosted refugees from the Western Sahara for over four decades in camps near the Algerian town of Tindouf, some 2,000 km southwest of Algiers. While insufficient data is available regarding the exact numbers and vulnerabilities of affected refugees due to political sensitivities, the longstanding refugee context necessitates humanitarian support to ensure access to food, prevent malnutrition and improve livelihoods of vulnerable refugees. Malnutrition has been highlighted as a significant public health concern, and thus is the strategic focus of the transitional Interim Country Strategic Plan. Major nutritional challenges hinder progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2. The joint nutrition survey conducted by WFP and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in late 2016 highlighted the double burden of malnutrition in refugee camps, necessitating immediate attention.  

In line with WFP strategic objectives 1 and 2, the transitional Interim Country Strategic Plan aims to meet refugees’ basic food needs and improve their nutrition status. Four activities are planned as follows:

1. General food assistance to food insecure refugees
2. Complementary activities/livelihood to Sahrawi refugees
3. Nutrition sensitive school meals for Sahrawi refugee children
4. Provision of MAM treatment and prevention to Sahrawi refugees, pregnant and lactating women and girls and children aged 6 – 59 months

The transitional Interim Country Strategic Plan builds on the lessons learned from WFP’s operational experience in Algeria and on results from the 2013 and 2016 joint assessments, and the 2016 nutrition survey.

The transitional Interim Country Strategic Plan will facilitate the continuation of activities while allowing for the introduction of new activities and modalities, including piloting livelihoods interventions and cash based transfers. A Country Strategic Review is expected to be conducted in 2018, after which a Country Strategic Plan will be agreed upon with the Government to support the achievement of agenda 2030, particularly with regards to Sustainable Development Goal 2. Should it not be possible to carry out a Country Strategic Review, an extension to the transitional Interim Country Strategic Plan or an Interim Country Strategic Plan will be sought.