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This session explores the distribution of food and materials in emergency situations. It discusses the attributes of a good distribution system, refugee involvement, and different types of distribution methods. It also covers monitoring food distribution and the memorandum of understanding between UNHCR and WFP.
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Session 10.9. Distribution of Food and Material in Emergencies UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
SOURCE • OCEAN TRANSPORT • PORT WAREHOUSE • TRUCK • CENTRAL WAREHOUSE • TRUCK • REGIONAL WAREHOUSE • TRUCK • CAMP STORAGE • DISTRIBUTION • REFUGEES • they hold the key Distribution: The last link in the chain UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Attributes of a Good Distribution System • fairness • outreach (e.g. to vulnerable groups..) • manageability • efficiency • orderliness • others? UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Questions to be Answered in Designing a Distribution System • What is to be distributed? • Fixed or variable distribution time? • Regularity of distribution? • Level of administrative control? • Level of refugee self-management? UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Refugee Involvement (especially women) • assessment • food committees & planning • distributors • information campaign • monitoring The intent is to support the family unit in self-management UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Basic Types of Distribution Systems 1. To groups through the group leadership 2. To groups of heads of families 3. To individual heads of families UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Distribution Type 1. To groups through the group leadership Commodities are given in bulk to the leader of a group who further divides them among the group UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Distribution type 2. To groups of heads of families Commodities for a group of families are distributed to group representatives, who immediately redistribute them to individual family heads UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Distribution type 3. To individual heads of families Commodities are distributed directly to each family head UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Selection of a Distribution System Distribution to individual heads of family - Type 3 resources needed to implement system Distribution to groups of heads of family - Type 2 level of control by the refugees Distribution to groups through the leadership- Type 1 UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Weighing the Advantages - Type 1. To groups through the group leadership Disadvantages Advantages UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Weighing the Advantages - Type 2. To groups of heads of family Disadvantages Advantages UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Weighing the Advantages - Type 3. To individual heads of families Disadvantages Advantages UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Monitoring Food Distribution - 1 Q. - What if there is not enough for everyone? A. - Postpone distribution? Reduce ration amount? Give to special groups only? Other options? UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Monitoring Food Distribution - 2 Q. - What if there is large-scale diversion of food? A. - Postpone distribution? Re-register? Change distribution system? Other options? UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Monitoring Food Distribution - 3 Q. - What if there are complaints that women and children are not receiving the food? A. - Conduct end-use surveys? Distribute to women only? Improve public information? Add guards or police? Other options? UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Monitoring Food Distribution - 4 Q. - What if there is a serious security threat from the crowd? A. - Postpone distribution? Relocate distribution point? Improve communications? Add guards or police? Other options? UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Memorandum of Understanding Between UNHCR & WFP The MOU covers the following areas: • Objectives of WFP/UNHCR cooperation • Intervention mandates in refugee, returnee and, selectively, internally displaced persons situations • Needs assessment UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
Memorandum of Understanding Between UNHCR & WFP The MOU also covers: • Resource mobilization guidelines and emergency response capacity • Logistics implementation • Distribution, monitoring and reporting • Food aid coordination mechanisms and procedures UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks
According to the MOU… “UNHCR will remain responsible for arranging final distribution of all food commodities to targeted refugee/ returnee beneficiaries at the camp / distribution site level, through...a designated government or NGO implementing partner...The designation of the distribution agent is jointly decided by the governmentand UNHCR in consultation with WFP.” UNHCR/eCentre/InterWorks