Decades of conflict have hindered development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), marked by rebel-government clashes, communal tensions (rido), and disputes involving criminal gangs and political elites. Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur within BARMM face recurrent displacements due to conflict and natural disasters. In this volatile setting, women and girls, facing food insecurity and large family sizes, bear a disproportionate burden, experiencing heightened vulnerabilities to sexual and gender-based violence. The challenges include human rights abuses, economic distress, marginalization, health issues, political powerlessness, and social uncertainties. Cultural and religious practices further restrict women's mobility, opportunities, and reproductive rights, perpetuating stigma and silence. Economic opportunities for women in agriculture are limited, exacerbated during conflicts when displaced women take on income-generating responsibilities, increasing the risk of exploitation.

Recognizing these challenges, United Nations Population Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) collaborated on the "Resilient Livelihoods Development for Women and Youth Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maguindanao" project, supported by the Government of Australia. The initiative aims to empower women and youth IDPs through sustainable agricultural livelihoods in five project sites: Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talitay, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao.

The project focuses on health, protection, wellness, and support for meaningful community participation through:

1. PREPAREDNESS: Improved equitable access to agriculture-based livelihoods and interventions to enhance food security and nutritional status among women and youth

2. PARTICIPATION: Reduced SRH and protection barriers of returned IDP women and youth to meaningfully participate in agricultural livelihood activities
 

3. PROTECTION: Local agricultural policies and programs are gender- and age-responsive and youth-sensitive and promote resilient communities.