Dr Adrino Mazenda, lecturer in the School of Public Management and Administration, visited the University of Applied Sciences in West Germany from 14 to 26 January 2018. The visit was a research staff exchange on the topic of migration and food security, funded by the University of Pretoria’s Department of Research and Innovation Support.
Dr Mazenda reported that the research centred on the theme ‘Are migrants’ food secure?’. “It emanates from continuous debates on Germany and South Africa’s ability to meet food security challenges stemming from international immigrants and refugees, who are faced with dire economic and political difficulties from their respective regions,” he explained.
He conducted interviews with a number of executives responsible for refugee centres regarding food security and nutrition in various transition stages of refugee integration. The refugee centres were situated in Karlsruhe, Heidelberg; Ortenaukreis, Offenburg; Caritasverband, Kehl and Diakonie, Offenburg.
His findings showed a high influx of migrants in Germany especially from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, surprisingly Russia, Gambia and Nigeria. Political tensions were the main causes of such influxes with the exception of Gambia, which were mostly economical. The porous borders of the Schengen region allowed easy refugee passage to Germany, rather than through the Baltic seas.
The study also showed that highly coordinated and organised systems administered by the European Union made the whole integration process a success. A stipend of at least €200 after 6 months in camp to a maximum of 2 years was sufficient for food security. For the refugees staying in shelter (first 6 months), the nutritional component was in line with United Nations’ Food Agriculture Organisation food security nutritional requirements.
Dr Adrino Mazenda (far right) with Aisling Mullahy, Manfred Beucher and Claudia Trippel: Executive team of the Karlsruhe refugee centre, Heidelberg
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