Emergency Assistance to the Dzud affected herder families - Sign of solidarity with people in Mongolia during 60 years of diplomatic relation between two countries


It is a humanitarian aid initiative with strong sign of solidarity from Switzerland to support the most needed people in Mongolia during 60 years of diplomatic relation between two countries.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Mongolia
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Emergency food assistance
Material relief assistance
15.03.2024 - 31.05.2024
CHF  190’000
Background

Around a third of Mongolia's household’s livelihood is dependent on herding and about 70 percent of rural household's assets are livestock. However, Mongolia is increasingly grappling with the impacts of climate change, manifested in discernible shifts in weather patterns that underscore the escalation of this global phenomenon. The cyclical nature of the country's four distinct seasons has been significantly disrupted, particularly since 2015, leading to a rise in recurrent summer droughts and subsequent harsh winters. This poses an escalating threat to livestock-based livelihoods. the cornerstone of rural Mongolian life, creating a pressing need for humanitarian assistance to protect vulnerable herder households with limited coping strategies.

As of February 27, 2024, the Government of Mongolia is reporting that 80-90% of the country's territory, specifically 321 out of 339 soums (townships), are grappling with a high or extreme dzud situation. Within just one week, the reported loss of livestock has surged by one million, reaching over 2.3 million and this figure is likely to increase dramatically. In the eastern provinces, grappling with the most severe dzud conditions, herders have suffered the loss of at least half, if not the majority, of their livestock – the sole source of their income. Further livestock losses are anticipated.

Objectives Herder families (in particular children and elderly people) and their animals draped by snow, are able to survive the harsh winter time without being forced to migrate to the city.
Target groups 1,000 households (4000 – 4500 people) in eastern Khentii and Dornod aimags by the request of the Government. The aimags and the soums have been selected after analyzing the distribution of aid from the government and international organizations in the affected areas. All the province is one out of several aimags, which are at a high risk of dzud or near white dzud situation.
Medium-term outcomes To assist 1000 herder households in iron-dzud-affected provinces in minimizing the dzud impacts through the provision of support for food and non-food items. In the context of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Mongolia, it would be a very positive sign of solidarity from Switzerland to support the most needed people in this difficult time.
Results

Expected results:  

1. The herder households are provided hay and fodder for animals

  • Data collection of the targeted households
  • Procurement of the hay and fodder for animals
  • Distribution of the items
  • Monitoring

2. The herder households are provided with their basic need items including food parcels and hygiene kits

  • Data collection of the targeted households
  • Procurement of the food items and hygiene kits
  • Distribution of the items
  • Monitoring


Results from previous phases:   In 2023, through SDC support, the Mongolian Red Cross Society provided to 600 herder households and 1,977 people with food parcels and hygiene kits in four provinces, and through the Save the Children supported 1,030 children residing in 15 school dormitories of three western provInces.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • World Vision Mongolia INGO


Coordination with other projects and actors
  • Local NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency)
  • Khentii Province Governor’s Office
  • Dornod Province Governor’s Office
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    190’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    187’197 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   190’000
Project phases

Phase 1 15.03.2024 - 31.05.2024   (Active)