Glide No. DR-2009-000104-PRY
The International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation's disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.
Summary: CHF 237,515 (USD 218,944 or EUR 156,360) was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 26 May 2009 to support the Paraguayan Red Cross (PRC) in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,624 families (approximately 8,120 beneficiaries).
The Paraguayan Red Cross completed a plan of action and implemented it to meet the needs of those affected in five departments (Concepción, Ñeembucú, Presidente Hayes, Boquerón and Alto Paraguay) in Paraguay. Priority was given to five rural and fishing communities in the districts of Horqueta, Concepción (in the department of Concepción), and Tacuaras, Paso de Patria and Isla Umbu (in the department of Ñeembucú).
This operation initially was established to benefit 1,100 families in the areas referred to above. However, the National Society was able to increase its target to 1,624 families thanks to the support of the Paraguayan government as explained in the DREF Update n=B0 1. At the close of the operation, it was possible to reach a total of 1,743 rural families with food and seeds for revival of their crops damaged by drought. This significant achievement was due to the support from the government's National Emergency Secretariat which covered logistics costs (transport and fuel) that enabled the PRC to optimize resources to reach more people affected by the situation in those departments.
In terms of results set out for this intervention both objectives were accomplished. Particularly the second objective, which refers to the recovery of crops, has had a positive impact on the affected families who benefited from the distribution of seeds and tools. This objective incorporated technical assistance thanks agronomists as an added value to the operation. At the closing of this final report, the crops are in full growth stage. This DREF operation was completed in three months.
The major donors to the DREF are the Irish, Italian, Netherlands and Norwegian governments and ECHO. Details of all donors can be found on: http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/responding/drs/tools/dref/donors.asp
The situation
On 11 May 2009, the Paraguayan government declared a state of emergency due to the severe drought in the departments of Concepción, Ñeembucú, Presidente Hayes, Boquerón and Alto Paraguay. The state of emergency prompted the intervention of all Ministries and government institutions, including the National Emergency Secretariat (Secretaría Nacional de Emergencia - SEN). Emergency measures were implemented and the SEN assisted the affected communities, both indigenous, rural and other affected populations through actions including rehabilitation of livelihoods focused on agriculture, social assistance and health.
Damage assessments performed by the SEN and reports from the departmental authorities of Concepción described a lack of water and high risk of outbreaks of fires. Between 30,000 and 50,000 families were affected by the emergency.
In the department of Ñeembucú, there was a lack of water and food items. According to the report from the SEN there were approximately 25,000 people affected. The drastic climatic changes experienced during the past years in the region and especially the yearly droughts had affected the agricultural sector. This situation was critical since farmers have not been able to produce food and the access to food items was scarce. The Ministry of Agriculture reported a decrease in the production levels of crops, including maize, beans and yucca over recent years.
Thus, the operation financed by the DREF funds prioritized the distribution of food items to the most affected communities in Concepción and Ñeembucú. Additionally, the agricultural rehabilitation was included in the assistance in order to boost the families' livelihoods.
Initially, the plan of action intended to assist 1,110 families working in agricultural activities, with food items and seeds. As a result of the efficient joint coordination with the government, specifically with the logistical resources provided by governmental agencies, the assistance reached an additional 643 families than originally planned. This increase in families reached has reinforced the positive impact of the operation since it is foreseen that between November and December the rehabilitated crops will produce the first harvest.