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Egypt: RRP6 Monthly Update - July 2014: Food Security

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US$3.2 million injected into the local economy through food vouchers in July

HIGHLIGHTS:

• In July, WFP’s food voucher distribution reached over 110,000 beneficiaries or 97 percent of the operational plan, including over 71,000 in Greater Cairo, 23,000 in Alexandria, 14,000 in Damietta, 700 in Marsa Matrouh and 500 in Tanta.

• Analysis of post distribution monitoring for April, May and June showed that WFP’s food assistance had a positive socio-economic impact. Negative coping strategies, such as buying food on credit or borrowing money, decreased from an average 16.1 percent between January - March to 12.5 percent from April - June 2014.

• WFP’s biggest supermarket partner, Carrefour, announced a three percent discount on all electronic vouchers (e-cards), equating to an estimated EGP 408,000 (equvilant to $60,000) contribution to WFP per month. Carrefour will also offer a discount for Syrian refugee e-cards holders on top products purchased such as olive oil, meat and dairy products.

• WFP has agreed with Carrefour to introduce a new pincode system for all e-cards. The pincode will increase security measures. The new codes will be distributed in September 2014. The pincode system will be duplicated in Carrefour branches across the region.

• Suggestion boxes have been produced and placed in all distribution sites to further engage beneficiary feedback, address concerns and subsequently improve operations. The boxes will allow beneficiaries to offer suggestions and direct queries and complaints to WFP and partner agencies during distribution. Feedback will be addressed by each respective agency and an SMS will be sent to all those who provided a phone number to acknowledge receipt of their comment. This mechanism will compliment an existing hotline, which is also advertised at distribution sites.

NEEDS ANALYSIS:

Whilst GDP growth recorded its highest rate since 2011, poverty and food insecurity remain a critical challenge. Investment remains low and the job market is stagnant, whilst food prices continue to rise. Food items increased in June by almost 1.8 percent compared to May. An increase in fuel and electricity prices is likely to push inflation rates upwards in July and August.

Prices are forecasted to increase further during 2014/5 with the Government introducing fiscal reforms, such as VAT tax. The EIU Global Food Security Index (GFSI) shows that Egypt scored 2.9 points lower than in 2013. WFP is currently developing targeted tools to monitor food prices in beneficiary supermarkets.
Reports also indicate an increased rate of transportation fares from 35 – 50 percent (Daily News Egypt, 2014). This will be monitored in relation to accessibility and affordability of distribution sites.

WFP and UNHCR, in partnership with Save the Children, are conducting a joint assessment to identify vulnerable refugees in Egypt. In a shift from geographical targeting and based on expected vulnerability profiling results, WFP plans to target all refugees based on their assessed vulnerability and needs.

A second round of three-day training for newly recruited enumerators took place from 20 -22 July in Cairo. WFP vulnerability analysis and mapping (VAM) experts conducted training modules on food consumption and copying strategy scoring.
Data collection will start on 24 August, pending clearance.