CGIAR Gender News

Why the energy and food nexus is critical in refugee context

Photo of farmers' hands Photo: C de Bode/CGIAR.

Refugee settlements in East Africa are usually located in dryland areas with poor soils and lack of irrigation water, creating more challenges in these vulnerable communities. Refugees rely on food rations from relief aid, mostly consisting of dry cereals that take a long time to cook, requiring a large amount of energy. Providing affordable and sustainable energy resources for refugees and their host communities poses a significant challenge.