About

To meet the food aid needs of all of its beneficiaries, WFP must seek to increase the volume of resources and ensure maximum efficiency in the way they are used. From the perspective of WFP's beneficiaries, the most crucial measure of donor effectiveness lies in the actual amount of food provided in a timely fashion. Whether this food assistance was the result of a cash or in-kind donation, where it was purchased or whether it was the result of a commodity swap or loan is all of secondary importance for the intended recipients.

Multilateral contributions give WFP more predictability and flexibility, and can be more effective in meeting our beneficiary needs on time. Such donations could be provided in cash or in-kind, though cash generally provides more flexibility.

More predictable contributions and early provision of contributions enable WFP to plan and assist beneficiaries in a more timely and effective way. Ideally, donors are requested to consider providing overall multi-year funding levels or an ongoing commitment to a particular project or programme over time. With additional and more flexible resources, WFP can have greater capacity to purchase food at the right time, avert pipeline breaks, reimburse advanced financing and provide regular food rations more efficiently to its beneficiaries.

In 2008, 18 percent of contributions received by WFP were fully multilateral, in cash and without requirements as to their use.