National Initiative
Livelihood & Food Security
In Malaysia, livelihood and food
security are important issues, especially for rural and low-income communities.
Many rely on agriculture, fishing, and small businesses, but challenges like
climate change and urbanization threaten these traditional livelihoods,
increasing vulnerability and poverty.
Food security is also a concern,
particularly among low-income households and refugees. While Malaysia has high
agricultural productivity, rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and
natural disasters can leave many struggling to access nutritious food. The
government and NGOs address this through food assistance and promoting local
food production.
Efforts to improve livelihood and
food security focus on enhancing economic resilience through skill development,
financial support, and sustainable farming. Programs aim to help farmers adapt
to climate change, support small businesses, and strengthen community-based
food systems for long-term stability.
Livelihood Support in Disaster Recovery
Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) is
actively involved in supporting and improving livelihoods, particularly for
communities affected by natural disasters, poverty, and economic hardship in
Malaysia. MRA's efforts are focused on creating sustainable solutions that help
individuals and families regain stability and long-term economic well-being.
Here's an overview of how MRA contributes to improving livelihoods in Malaysia.
After natural disasters like
floods or landslides, MRA works to support affected communities by providing
immediate relief and long-term recovery solutions. This includes rebuilding
infrastructure, offering cash assistance, and providing tools or resources for
people to restart their livelihoods. MRA helps small farmers, fishermen, and
artisans restore their businesses and access markets, ensuring they have the
means to support themselves and their families once the immediate emergency is
over.
Food Security and Access to Nutrition
Food security is a critical issue
in Malaysia, particularly during times of crisis or economic instability. Malaysian
Relief Agency (MRA) recognizes that access to sufficient, nutritious food is a
fundamental need for individuals and families, especially in communities
impacted by natural disasters like floods, typhoons, or landslides. MRA
responds swiftly by distributing emergency food aid to disaster-affected areas,
ensuring that people have access to essential food supplies when local
resources are depleted or disrupted. This assistance includes the provision of nutritious
food packages to vulnerable households, helping to meet the immediate needs of
affected families.
In addition to emergency relief,
MRA focuses on long-term food security by promoting sustainable farming
practices within communities. By working with small-scale farmers, MRA
encourages the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural techniques such as
drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems. These methods not
only enhance crop yields but also help mitigate the negative impact of climate
change on local food production. By building farmers' capacity and knowledge in
sustainable agriculture, MRA enables communities to better withstand
environmental challenges and improve their overall food security.
Furthermore, MRA’s efforts extend
to improving nutrition education and empowering communities with the tools and
resources they need to grow and preserve their own food. Through training
programs, MRA teaches local farmers and households how to diversify their food
sources, practice organic farming, and ensure the production of nutrient-rich
crops. These initiatives contribute to a more self-sufficient food system,
helping communities achieve lasting food security while improving overall
health and well-being. By fostering a comprehensive approach to food security,
MRA aims to reduce dependency on external aid and strengthen the resilience of
vulnerable populations.
International Food Security Initiative
Food security during wars is severely threatened by conflict, which disrupts food production, destroys infrastructure, displaces populations, and cuts off supply chains, leading to malnutrition and starvation. Starvation is sometimes used as a deliberate weapon of war through blockades, crop destruction, and the deliberate disruption of food distribution systems. To safeguard food security in the region, various countermeasures must be taken into account including providing platforms for the locals to produce instead of buying or becoming dependent on foreign aids.
Goat rearing was introduced to the Yemeni locals as a way to improve their food security. Knowledge and skills about livestock were taught to them before they were given the opportunity to start their own livestock farming. Goats were chosen as they can be raised to produce meats, milk etc. Appropriate land was selected with an abundance of grass for the goats to graze. Breeding was also done to multiply the number of goats as possible while maintaining their health.