The Issue
More than two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country is dealing with the long-term effects of war. About 25 percent of Ukraine’s land may be contaminated with explosive hazards, according to the Ukraine National Mine Action Centre. This includes agricultural areas, which impacts food production and the income of families who rely on farming.
In Mykolaiv and Kherson, near the frontline and in areas previously occupied, civilians face daily risks from explosive ordnance. These hazards not only threaten lives but also block access to vital farmland and infrastructure. Since July 2023, DCA has been surveying villages in Mykolaiv to identify and mark dangerous areas.
To move forward and release land, technical surveys and clearance is necessary. Without it, these lands cannot be safely used, affecting food supplies and livelihoods. DCA/NCA is working to clear these areas, allowing families to safely return, rebuild, and use the land for farming again. This effort is critical for improving food security, restoring livelihoods, and helping communities recover from the devastating impacts of the conflict.
The Project
This project aims to make communities safer by clearing explosive ordnance (EO) from farmland so it can be used again. The focus is on areas in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, near the front lines, where contamination has made farming dangerous and disrupted livelihoods.
DCA/NCA will clear mines, remove explosive hazards, and make land safe for farming and daily life. Priority will go to elderly and disabled people near farmland that was vital for their income before the war.
This will be done with teams of deminers tasked to clear the land of explosive ordnance, while introducing mine clearance machines to help detect and remove explosives efficiently. Alongside clearance, families in these communities will receive emergency cash support to restart farming. This could include buying tools, seeds, or repairing equipment. By following strict international safety standards, DCA/NCA ensures the process protects both people and the environment. Clearing this land will improve food security, restore livelihoods, and help families rebuild their lives.
The Change
This project will bring life back to communities in Ukraine by making dangerous land safe again. Explosive ordnance left behind from the war has made farming impossible and everyday life risky for people living near contaminated areas in Eastern and Southern Ukraine. By clearing these explosives, this project will open up farmland and other important spaces for safe use, helping families rebuild their lives and communities.
The project focuses on rural and agricultural areas, where farming is the main source of income. Once the land is safe, farmers can plant crops, feed their families, and earn money again. Families will also receive emergency cash support to restart farming, whether it’s repairing tools, buying seeds, or recovering lost resources.
Clearing these hazards will also make roads, homes, and even cemeteries safe again, giving people access to basic needs and key infrastructure. By focusing on those most affected, including elderly and disabled people, this project will help entire communities recover. This work doesn’t just make land safe—it also restores hope and a chance for a better future. Families can return to their homes, rebuild their lives, and improve food security, helping their communities grow stronger together.
Our Work
DCA/NCA works in Ukraine to empower individuals and communities to enhance their resilience in the face of the diverse and devastating impacts of war. Our focus is on assisting communities in mitigating risks, adapting to challenges, and connecting long-term development efforts with emergency responses. We foster self-confidence, trust, and community cohesion.
About the project
Full title: Safeguarding communities through mine action and emergency cash for livelihoods
Period: June 2024 to June 2025
Funding: DKK 15,000,000
Main Donor: Danida
