Call for EOIs: Nutrition Action for Vulnerable Communities (Somalia)

Deadline: 08-Sep-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting proposals to support SO1 nutrition activities for vulnerable and food-insecure populations in Somalia, with implementation focused on Sanaag and Woqooyi Galbeed. The programme combines lifesaving nutrition assistance with resilience-building, self-reliance and diversified livelihood support, with particular attention to women, children and other vulnerable groups.

About the WFP SO1 Nutrition Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking partners to implement nutrition activities under its SO1 programme in Somalia. The initiative responds to Somalia’s prolonged nutrition and food-security crisis, which is driven by multiple and overlapping factors, including: - Recurring droughts and other climate-related shocks. - Conflict and insecurity. - Population displacement. - Disease outbreaks and health risks. - Limited access to essential health, nutrition and WASH services. - Declining humanitarian assistance and funding. The programme uses an integrated, people-centred approach that connects immediate lifesaving nutrition assistance with longer-term resilience and self-reliance. Geographic Focus The proposed activities will be implemented in two regions of Somalia: - Sanaag - Woqooyi Galbeed Projects should demonstrate an understanding of the local humanitarian, food-security and nutrition context in the targeted areas. Why the Programme Matters Somalia continues to face a severe and prolonged nutrition crisis. According to the Somalia Country Strategic Plan 2026–2030, acute malnutrition affects approximately 1.9 million children aged 6–59 months, including around 500,000 children experiencing severe acute malnutrition. Reduced humanitarian funding has also affected the availability of health, nutrition and WASH services. This increases risks for children and for pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. The WFP programme is therefore designed to address both immediate and longer-term needs. It seeks to ensure that vulnerable populations can access lifesaving assistance while developing stronger capacity to anticipate, cope with and recover from recurring shocks. Key Focus Areas Proposals should address relevant areas of nutrition, food security and resilience, including: - Nutrition and nutrition-sensitive programming. - Infant and young child feeding. - Prevention and treatment of malnutrition. - Micronutrient interventions. - Lifesaving food and nutrition assistance. - Crisis response. - Early action and shock preparedness. - Resilience building. - Self-reliance. - Adequate nutrition. - Diversified livelihoods. - Protection. - Accountability to affected populations. - Equality and inclusion. - Environmental sustainability. Crisis Response and Nutrition Assistance One of the central objectives is to improve access to timely lifesaving food and nutrition assistance for crisis-affected populations. Supported interventions should help vulnerable people maintain adequate nutrition during emergencies and strengthen their ability to cope with shocks. The crisis-response approach links immediate humanitarian assistance with measures that support recovery. Expected Crisis Response Results

Activities should contribute to:

- Improved access to timely food and nutrition assistance. - Better support for acutely food-insecure populations. - Improved capacity to anticipate and cope with shocks. - Stronger recovery mechanisms following crises. - Better integration of nutrition with complementary humanitarian services. Resilience Building and Self-Reliance The programme also focuses on reducing long-term vulnerability. Food-insecure and at-risk populations, particularly women, should be supported to improve their: - Self-reliance. - Access to adequate nutrition. - Livelihood opportunities. - Ability to diversify income and food sources. - Capacity to withstand recurring climate and humanitarian shocks. The objective is to create a transition from repeated emergency assistance toward greater household and community resilience. Priority Vulnerable Groups The programme is expected to prioritize people facing the greatest food-security and nutrition risks.

These may include:

- Malnourished children. - Children aged 6–59 months. - Pregnant women. - Breastfeeding women and girls. - Women in food-insecure households. - Crisis-affected households. - Displaced populations. - Communities affected by climate shocks. - Other underserved and nutritionally vulnerable groups. Projects should apply an inclusive approach and ensure that vulnerable groups can safely access assistance. Integrated Programme Approach WFP expects nutrition activities to be implemented as part of a broader humanitarian and resilience framework. Protection Protection considerations should be integrated throughout programme delivery to ensure that beneficiaries can access assistance safely and without discrimination. Accountability Partners should maintain appropriate mechanisms that allow affected populations to provide feedback, raise concerns and report issues related to programme delivery. Equality and Inclusion Programme activities should consider the different needs of women, children and other vulnerable or underserved groups. Environmental Sustainability Environmental considerations should be incorporated into implementation where relevant, particularly when activities involve food systems, livelihoods, community resources or local infrastructure. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is intended for organizations capable of implementing WFP-supported nutrition activities in the targeted regions of Somalia.

Potential applicants should demonstrate:

- Relevant experience in nutrition and humanitarian programming. - Understanding of food insecurity and malnutrition in Somalia. - Capacity to operate in Sanaag and/or Woqooyi Galbeed. - Experience working with vulnerable and crisis-affected populations. - Ability to deliver timely assistance. - Appropriate protection and account