Call for Expression of Interest: Strengthening Food Security and Reactivation (Colombia)

Deadline: 05-Mar-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a cooperating partner to deliver food security and livelihood recovery interventions for the Wiwa Indigenous communities in La Guajira, Colombia. The program includes food distribution, poultry production, artisanal support for women, technical assistance, and community resilience-building, targeting populations affected by armed conflict and limited access to resources.

Overview of the Initiative

The WFP intervention aims to strengthen food and nutritional security while supporting the reactivation of livelihoods for vulnerable Wiwa populations in:

• Naranjal

• Limón Carrizal

• Kunshamake

• Bunkuamake

Key Focus Areas

• Livelihood recovery: Support early subsistence activities and income-generating initiatives

• Food and nutritional security: Ensure access to diverse, culturally appropriate, and nutritious diets

• Community-based production: Establish poultry units and distribute hand tool kits for small-scale farming

• Women’s economic empowerment: Support 120 Wiwa Indigenous women engaged in artisanal activities

• Technical assistance and training: Delivered through a Learning by Doing methodology

• Sustainable practices: Promote agroecological production, solid waste management, and water conservation

• Income generation: Strengthen community resilience and local economic opportunities

Context and Humanitarian Need

• Wiwa communities face a severe humanitarian crisis due to armed conflict and restricted access to markets, water, and subsistence crops

• Approximately 700 children and adolescents have had ethno-educational activities suspended since June 2025

• Internal displacement, disrupted spiritual practices, and limited medical access have heightened vulnerability and food insecurity

• Emergency food assistance was provided by WFP between October 2025 and January 2026, and this project seeks early recovery and long-term resilience

Project Activities and Implementation

1. Food Assistance:

   • Monthly delivery of food baskets with seven basic products for three consecutive months

   • Storage of at least 5.45 metric tons per month in compliance with WFP and Colombian regulations

   • Repackaging, distribution, and monitoring to ensure quality and safety

2. Livelihood Interventions:

   • Establish 178 pasture-based poultry units

   • Distribute 178 hand tool kits for small-scale agricultural production

   • Support 120 women artisans with materials to enhance production and income

3. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance:

   • Learning by Doing methodology for poultry management, agroecology, waste, and water management

   • Field assessments and beneficiary validation

   • Monitoring of stocks, expiration dates, and food distribution

4. Community Engagement:

   • Strengthen social cohesion and resilience

   • Promote surplus generation for sale or exchange

   • Ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive interventions

Responsibilities of Cooperating Partner

• Validate beneficiary lists provided by WFP

• Conduct field assessments and implement interventions

• Manage warehouse operations and monthly distributions

• Report monthly through the CP Management Stock platform

• Coordinate with WFP Riohacha Office and central office for technical guidance

Expected Outcomes

• Improved food and nutritional security for vulnerable households

• Restoration of subsistence livelihoods and small-scale production

• Strengthened technical capacity of local communities

• Enhanced economic resilience and social cohesion within Wiwa populations

Who Should Apply?

• Non-profit organizations, NGOs, or community-based partners registered in Colombia

• Organizations with experience in food security, livelihoods, and community-based development

• Entities able to manage storage, transport, and distribution of food and supplies in remote areas

• Partners committed to culturally sensitive and participatory approaches

How to Apply / Expression of Interest Process

1. Confirm eligibility and operational capacity in the target communes

2. Prepare technical and logistical proposal, including prior experience, staffing, and warehouse capacity

3. Submit expression of interest per WFP guidelines and deadlines

4. Participate in evaluation and selection process with WFP

5. Upon selection, implement activities in coordination with WFP technical and monitoring teams

FAQs

1. Who are the beneficiaries? Wiwa Indigenous communities in Naranjal, Limón Carrizal, Kunshamake, and Bunkuamake.
2. What activities are included? Food assistance, poultry and artisan support, technical assistance, and agroecological practices.
3. How is food distributed? Monthly food baskets delivered for three months, managed according to WFP standards.
4. Are women included in the program? Yes, 120 Wiwa women artisans will receive support to enhance production and income.
5. What technical approach is used? Learning by Doing methodology for training and capacity building.
6. Who manages the project? WFP coordinates oversight, while the cooperating partner manages implementation.
7. What are storage requirements? Minimum of 5.45 metric tons per month in compliant storage facilities.

Conclusion

The WFP Call for Expression of Interest in La Guajira is a strategic intervention to restore livelihoods, strengthen food security, and enhance resilience in Wiwa Indigenous communities. By partnering with capable local organizations, WFP ensures culturally sensitive, sustainable, and impactful support for vulnerable populations affected by conflict and limited access to essential resources.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.