World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

This is a synthesis of the findings and conclusions across the full series of 4 impact evaluations of the contribution of food assistance to refugees in protracted situations. The evaluations were conducted jointly by WFP and UNHCR in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Bangladesh and Chad. The synthesis aims to provide evidence and inspiration for future corporate strategies to deal more effectively with these challenging situations.

 The Annual Evaluation Report for 2011 focuses on lessons arising from implementation to date of WFP’s Strategic Plan 2008-2013. It covers 16 evaluations on: strategic themes in the transition from ‘food aid to food assistance’, such as partnerships and how Country Offices adapt to change; school feeding and WFP support to agricultural small holders and markets; and WFP’s strategic positioning and performance in Haiti, Kenya, Rwanda and Yemen; and others.

 The first in a series of four, this evaluation found positive short-term impacts - lives were saved; hunger was mediated; malnutrition rates  improved; and immediate security and protection were realized - but the longer-term objectives of food security, improved livelihood opportunities and asset building were not. 

Significant changes to policy and programme are needed to meet the challenges of protracted situations and to avoid chronic food insecurity.

A Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) 2010 was conducted in Ethiopia between 24 October and 04 November 2010 led by UNHCR, WFP and ARRA with the participation of implementing partners and donor representatives. The mission visited Eritrean refugee camps and settlements in the north, as well as Somali refugee camps in the south and east of the country. The main purpose of the joint mission was to assess the food security situation of refugees in Ethiopia, taking into account a wide range of factors that directly and indirectly affect food security as well as to assess the level of non-food assistance provided to refugees in relation to the actual needs.

Between 7th and 18th April 2008, WFP (Word Food Programme), ARRA (Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs) and UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) with the participation of NGOs (Non Governmental Organization), undertook this Joint Assesment to determine the food security situation