This appeal seeks $2,500 to help Rohingya refugees address a looming food crisis in the crowded camps of Bangladesh. Over 1.2 million refugees depend on food aid, which is threatened by funding cuts. Our partner, the Rohingya Education and Advocacy League (REAL), has responded by growing vegetables in gardens made from recycled waste. The pilot phase produced 1.4 tons of food - a real success! REAL is now seeking to reach more families and grow the most nutritious varieties. We need your help!
Over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are almost completely dependent on international food aid to survive. At the same time, humanitarian aid is shrinking and on April 1 the UN slashed food rations for many Rohingya families in the camps. This has created a crisis of food security and is forcing refugees to risk their lives at sea to escape. Adding to the pressure, refugees cannot leave the camps to farm. If aid is not up to the task, refugees must find their own solutions - and urgently.
REAL has launched a high-stakes start-up in the Jamtoli camp to improve nutrition and reduce dependency on aid. 40 families grew 1.4 tons of vegetables in phase 1, and REAL is now seeking funds to provide another 40 families with training, tools and seeds. Many kitchen gardens are being made from recycled aid material. The goal is to grow specially nutritious varieties such as gourds (which are prized by nursing mothers), lentils and sorghum. We can't wait for harvest!
This program has been designed to expand over time. By the end of this year over 100 Rohingya families will have produced more than 4 tons of fresh vegetables for their own consumption or sale in the market. As well as improving their own nutrition this will set an example for other families and in other camps. REAL's team will track results and refine the model as needed. We will promote the model through social media and urge the UN to lend support. All of this will ensure sustainability.
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