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This note focuses on the topic of access to fuel and energy in protracted crises, and the possible solutions using the SAFE approach, illustrated by case studies from FAO's interventions in protracted crisis situations. Access to fuel and energy – vital for food security – is often highly constrained in protracted crises. The risks posed by limited access to fuel and energy are multiple and diverse depending on the context, including malnutrition, environmental degradation, a high work burden for women, gender-based violence (GBV) and unsustainable livelihood activities.

The inter-agency Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) initiative and FAO’s work on SAFE address the multi-sectoral challenges associated with energy and contribute to resilience-building in protracted crises. They also make a contribution to a number of principles in the Committee on Food Security Framework for Action (CFS-FFA).

This guidance note draws on FAO experience and lessons learned to support FAO staff and strategic partners in addressing energy access as part of food and nutrition security interventions in situations of protracted crisis. Its purpose is to contribute to the implementation of the CFS-FFA principles and demonstrate that understanding and responding to fuel and energy needs and related risks are critical for effective and sustainable food and nutrition security interventions in protracted crises.