Crisis in Gaza, agribusiness sector in Ukraine and EU humanitarian aid supports food insecure families in Afghanistan. Here is what you missed from last week’s headlines in the international development sector.
Crisis in Gaza reaches unprecedented levels
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows into an apocalyptic catastrophe, CARE West Bank and Gaza Country Director Hiba Tibi urges for more aid and desperately asks for the fighting to stop.
“The misery in Gaza is such, with overcrowded shelters and waterborne diseases spreading, that people who had followed evacuation orders and moved south 12 days ago are heading back to their homes in the north. My colleagues told me this morning that bakeries are out of bread, which is the staple food. People do not have enough clean water to drink, let alone to cook and keep minimal hygiene. And my colleagues themselves are now rationing their water intake to allow their children to drink”.
The humanitarian aid coming via the Rafah border crossing remains a drop in the ocean. By mid-day on October 25, one-third of all hospitals in Gaza have closed down because they’ve run out of medicines and fuel for their generators. Almost two-thirds of health clinics have shuttered. The lives of thousands of injured and sick people are on the line.
DFC, IFC, EBRD help bolster Ukraine agribusiness sector
To strengthen food security amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States’ International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are providing a US$ 480 million financing package to leading Ukrainian agribusiness group MHP. The funding will help the company maintain its operations and boost its sustainable power generation capacity, reducing its carbon footprint.
Ukraine’s agribusinesses have suffered damages of up to US$ 8.8 billion since February 2022, according to the Kyiv School of Economics, including destruction and damage to agricultural machinery, granaries, and manufactured goods. The sector is also facing increased production costs, energy shortages, a decline in the production of crops and livestock, and logistical problems. To remain operational and ensure stable production, access to financing is critical.
EU humanitarian aid supports food insecure families in Afghanistan and helps keep humanitarian air service in the sky
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan welcomes a humanitarian aid contribution of over US$21.6 million from the European Union. This contribution will help WFP reach a planned 21 million vulnerable, food-insecure people across the country. A portion of the contribution will further be allocated to the operation of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS).
“The European Union’s priority in Afghanistan is life-saving assistance at times when hunger haunts millions of people across the country”, said François Goemans, who oversees EU humanitarian aid operations in Afghanistan, “Severe drought conditions and the economic crisis push families both in rural areas and in cities to the brink. Food assistance is often the only lifeline for some of the most vulnerable and food-insecure families, including widows and women-led households.”
Over 15 million people across Afghanistan do not know where their next meal will come from and nearly 3 million of them are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In 2022, WFP supported 23 million people – 12 million of whom were women and girls. This past winter, the majority of the food needs of one in four Afghans were covered by WFP assistance.
DevelopmentAid Editorials
Hero Stories | Ravi Baghel: “Even if a situation seems very difficult, you can always make a positive change”
With an unwavering commitment to fostering intelligent strategies, the Managing Director of the Center for Evaluation and Development brings a wealth of experience in finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Driven by a desire to not just accumulate knowledge but actively effect change, Ravi Baghel leads impactful projects that shape the future.
Explore Ravi’s insights and his perspective on the world’s most pressing challenges in our “Hero Stories” interview. Discover the innovative approaches he and his team employ. The Germany-headquartered Center for Evaluation and Development Group (C4ED) promotes smart development solutions by incorporating existing evidence to improve the effectiveness of its programs and help people in need through development initiatives in over 50 countries around the world.
Gaza hospitals and relief organizations struggle to operate amid fuel blockade
The helplessness of doctors striving to save lives in the embattled Gaza Strip is adding to the storm of misery that has struck the region over the past weeks. Eighteen days into the war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas militants’ attacks against Israel, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and a ceasefire appears to be out of reach.
Tips for efficient lead management in the aid sector
If you’re an organization working in the field of international development, you already know just how important it is to have an efficient lead management process in place. After all, without a system of acquiring, nurturing, and following up on leads, it is extremely difficult to successfully implement sustainable development projects and/or find partners to help you implement these.
Here’s what else has happened
DR Congo: Armed conflict is causing a sharp increase in children with malnutrition in the Masisi territory of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said, after clashes between armed groups have forced many people to flee their homes and agricultural lands.
Slovenia: UNRWA welcomes the Government of Slovenia’s contribution of EUR 500,000 for the Agency’s recent Flash Appeal for the Gaza Strip and an additional EUR 150,000 for the UNRWA Programme Budget that supports core activities such as education, health, and social protection services. This brings Slovenia’s total support to UNRWA in 2023 to EUR 800,000.
Nigeria: Nigeria introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation system, aiming to reach 7.7 million girls. This is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region in a vaccination drive against the virus that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
EBRD: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is helping Morocco to rebuild its economy in the regions of the Atlas Mountains that were hit by the recent earthquake, with an initial response package of up to €250 million from 2023 to 2025.
State of the Energy Union 2023: In the State of the Energy Union Report 2023, the European Commission looks back on the EU response to the unprecedented energy crisis of the past two years, assesses the state of play with the green transition at national, European, and global levels, and sets out the challenges and opportunities ahead as Europe pursues its ambitious climate and energy goals for 2030 and 2050.
Reports
Report card gives update on the Global Ocean Observing System
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has just published its annual Report Card on the status of observing networks and how they meet urgent societal needs, including tracking marine heatwaves, advancing the safety of life at sea, and protecting seagrass ecosystems.
The World Bank Group’s new report looks to private sector potential for green and resilient reconstruction of Ukraine
Key reforms can help Ukraine generate up to $130 billion in private financing to help address reconstruction needs, according to a new IFC and IBRD report entitled Private Sector Opportunities for a Green and Resilient Reconstruction in Ukraine.
Events
How to Navigate a Successful Career Transition in the Development Sector | Webinar
DevelopmentAid, in collaboration with Markus Karbaum, invites you to attend the webinar on “How to Navigate a Successful Career Transition in the Development Sector” which will take place on 02 November 2023 at 4 pm (Brussels)/10 am (Washington DC).
Key takeaways
- Understanding Development Cooperation: Delve into what it means to work in development cooperation, explore various job profiles, and identify the sought-after skills and applicant profiles.
- Motivation in Development Cooperation: Examine what motivates you to work in development cooperation, identify your strengths, and understand your central motives.
- Gaining Practical Experience: Learn how to acquire your first practical experience within the development sector.
- Getting Started: Discover how to kick-start your career, find suitable positions, and master the art of successful applications.
- Developing Your Career: Explore strategies for advancing your career, including the role of networking and personal branding in your journey.
Speakers
Dr. Markus Karbaum Consultant and Career Coach from Berlin, Germany, studied political science and gained a PhD in Southeast Asian Studies. As a freelance consultant and coach since 2010, he has combined his passion for career coaching international executives and specialists with working in development cooperation. Inter alia, he is a trainer at GIZ’s Academy for International Cooperation, the country expert Cambodia for Bertelsmann Transformation Index and an evaluator of international development programs and projects.
Irina Bondarenco has been the Director of the Career Center at DevelopmentAid for more than 10 years. Together with her team, Irina helps individual consultants to create winning CVs, connect with potential employers, and identify short- and long-term projects in the development sector. She is an expert on the DevelopmentAid platform and all the career aid tools that can help experts to secure international projects.
Host
Elizaveta Gładun, External Relations & Events Coordinator at DevelopmentAid
📅 14-16 November 2023
Cape Town, South Africa
Empower your market systems development practice with inspiration, innovation, and connection.
Get ready to be inspired, equipped, and connected like never before at Market Systems Symposium 2023! Engage with industry-leading experts in Market Systems Development from around the world as we explore cutting-edge research, innovative strategies, and real-world application in this dynamic and engaging forum.
Key Themes:
Given the significant impact of climate change, conflict and food insecurity on our world today, the core themes which we will be discussing, debating, collaborating, and innovating around at MSS2023 are:
- Climate Change & Adaptation
- Conflict-Affected Contexts
- Food Security and Food Systems