In 2007 the World Food Programme (WFP agreed to co-chair the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Task Force on Safe Access to Firewood and Alternative Energy in Humanitarian Settings (SAFE) together with UNHCR and the Women’s Refugee Commission (which worked under the authority of InterAction). Participation in Task Force SAFE triggered a global analysis of the protection challenges associated with the collection, provision and use of fuel for cooking — activities closely related to WFP’s core mandate.

Following the launch of the SAFE guidance material in April 2009, WFP decided to undertake two feasibility studies in North Darfur and Uganda, where fuel scarcity is negatively affecting WFP beneficiaries. The purpose of these studies is to better understand how beneficiaries are coping with fuel scarcity and the related consequences, to take stock of existing responses by both WFP and partners, and to propose a comprehensive approach that addresses human and environmental protection, livelihoods, food and nutrition.