In the remote desert of southwestern Algeria, near the town of Tindouf, life is shaped by hardship and resilience. For more than 5 decades, Sahrawi refugees have lived in camps across this arid landscape, where their daily life is defined by:
- extreme heat
- scarce resources
- limited opportunities
Among them is Messaouda, a 45-year-old mother whose daily life reflects both the challenges of displacement and the importance of sustained humanitarian assistance.
Inside her modest shelter, carefully arranged mats, cooking utensils and food supplies reveal a household organised around survival and dignity. Every meal is carefully planned and every resource is used wisely.
Access to food in the camps remains heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance, as the harsh desert environment offers few opportunities to grow food or make a living.
The European Union and the World Food Programme (WFP) provide monthly food rations that help families meet basic nutritional needs. The food baskets include:
- cereals
- pulses
- vegetable oil
- fortified products
These baskets help prevent malnutrition, particularly among women and children in the camps.
Women, such as Messaouda, play a central role in helping their families cope. They manage food supplies, prepare meals, ration limited resources and ensure that everyone in the household is cared for, even in difficult circumstances.
Despite these hardships, solidarity remains a defining feature of life in the camps. Families support each other, and simple social gatherings offer moments of connection and resilience.
‘Even in the hardest times, we rely on each other as a community. Sharing what little we have brings us strength and dignity’, Messaouda says. ‘When one family struggles, we stand together, because supporting each other is the only way we can move forward and give our children hope.’
Even in the hardest times, we rely on each other as a community. Sharing what little we have brings us strength and dignity.
For Messaouda, ensuring that her children grow up healthy is her top priority. Ongoing food insecurity makes access to nutritious food vital for children's development and the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the camps. The European Union therefore supports WFP in providing cash to expectant and new mothers. This allows them to purchase extra vegetables, eggs, poultry and other nutritious foods to complement their food rations.
‘My family is my top priority. I want my children to have proper nutrition so they can grow up healthy, do well in school and build a brighter future.’
Beyond meeting immediate needs, Messaouda hopes to secure a better future for the next generation, where her children and grandchildren can thrive beyond the constraints of the camps.
Since 1993, the European Union has supported WFP’s efforts to assist Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf, helping ensure families can access essential food assistance.
While humanitarian assistance has helped stabilise living conditions, needs remain.
