10/06/2003

Food, like water and firewood, is perpetually in short supply in Kakuma camp.  The World Food Program (WFP) and UNHCR have determined that the minimum ration for Kakuma camp should be 2168 calories per day, slightly higher than the 2100 calorie standard.  In 2002, the average ration was 1746 calories, and for the first six months of 2003, the average was 1988.  WFP Refugees rarely receive enough food to meet 2168 calorie/day standard.  Furthermore, because so few refugees have access to jobs and money, food is their only asset.  With food, they buy firewood and water and whatever else they may need.  Kakuma camp has been in existence for 12 years, and many people working with the refugees believe that donor fatigue has set in.  When food aid is inadequate, refugees go hungry and are unable to trade food for other necessities.