Problem / Project Background
Gaps in short- and long-term food security in northern Albania, the poorest region of the poorest country in Europe, were made even more apparent owing to the substantial losses in terms of agriculture and livestock.

Despite nearly a decade of democratic rule following the overthrow of Communist rule, the Albanian government's struggles to address the chronic problems and poverty of the country have had little success.

What was further highlighted by the devastating floods that were occurring in late September and October 2002 was that the government was also ill-prepared for handling or responding to natural disasters.

Based on the evident struggles of northern Albanians for survival before the devastating floods, Islamic Relief decided to intervene and implement an emergency relief operation (of predominantly food distribution and some blanket distribution) in areas where household food security were at the highest risk.

Beneficiary families are being selected based those most harmed by the floodwaters who already suffered from low-levels of real household income. Local government authorities select and verify project beneficiaries.

Islamic Relief has been one of the first to react to these floods. Upon conclusion, Islamic Relief's response is projected to have assisted more than 2,250 beneficiaries in the rural villages of Postribe, Ana E Malit, and Bushtat, As envisioned, more than 9,450 kilograms of emergency aid, mostly in the form of food commodities, will be provided by Islamic Relief.

While the overall response amongst UN agencies and the international donor community to a disaster of this magnitude for Albania has so far been disappointing; the Albanian government and beneficiaries have been extremely grateful to Islamic Relief for their timely and relevant assistance.

Islamic Relief efforts have been hampered by flooded roadways, which are hazardous-enough in optimum conditions, as well as the government's gradual opening of dams and levees to release built-up water further affecting the flooded areas where Islamic Relief emergency operations are taking place.

Islamic Relief's rapid response efforts wouldn’t be possible without committed staff and a network of volunteers which are always so vital to Islamic Relief's work in Albania as well as the backing of both the Prefecture and Mufti of Shkodra.

Project Objectives

• To provide a minimum of 9,450 kilograms of emergency flood relief food aid in flooded areas of northern Albania

• To improve local food security amongst the needy affected by the floods

Project Activities

• Contacts with local government bodies and communities to know their needs

• Identification and evaluation of the specific village

• Negotiating, purchasing, packing, storing, transporting, scheduling and conducting the distribution of food commodities to project participants

• Reporting of activities and progress to Islamic Relief Emergency Response Department

Beneficiaries
2250 rural Albanians will directly benefit from flood relief aid provided

Other Activities In Country

• Quick Impact Projects -Tirana, Shkodra, Kukes and Korçe Prefectures

• Food for Work -Shkodra, Kukes and Dibra Prefectures

• Food for Assets (Food Distribution) -Shkodra and Kukes Prefectures

• Hajj Shamia Madrassah -Shkodra City

• Ebu Bekr Community-Training Centre (CTC) – Pogradec City

• Daut Borici Community-Training Centre (CTC) – Shkodra City

• Orphans’ Sponsorship - Shkodra, Kukes and Korçe Prefectures

• Improving Widows' Welfare - Tirana Prefecture