World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life – from the womb to two years of age – can lead to irreversible damage to children’s minds and bodies. The World Food Programme in Asia is targeting its food assistance to make sure that children and adults get the right food, at the right time, in the right place.

 This evaluation of WFP’s partnerships is one of four strategic evaluations undertaken in the 2010–2011 biennium that relate to the shift from food aid to food assistance as called for in WFP’s 2008–2013 Strategic Plan.

 This evaluation of WFP’s partnerships is one of four strategic evaluations undertaken in the 2010–2011 biennium that relate to the shift from food aid to food assistance as called for in WFP’s 2008–2013 Strategic Plan.

The WFP School Meals Programme supports the Government of Lao PDR in assisting primary school children in communities in Phongsaly, Luangnamtha, Oudomxay, Saravane, Sekong and Attapeu. School meals aim to increase enrolment, reduce the gender gap, improve learning capacity and encourage school attendance.

The WFP-supported Mother and Child Health and Nutrition project aims to prevent stunting in children under two years and to support pregnant and lactating women so they use health facilities more frequently.

This evaluation of WFP’s partnerships is one of four strategic evaluations undertaken in the 2010–2011 biennium that relate to the shift from food aid to food assistance as called for in WFP’s 2008–2013 Strategic Plan.

The evaluation analysed how WFP’s partnerships and its role within them are affected by this strategic shift. Recognizing that the shift is an ongoing process and that the evaluation took place at the mid-point of the strategic planning cycle, the evaluation aimed to support organizational learning.   Partnership is a key element in WFP's Strategic Plan and is essential for effective international humanitarian and development assistance.  

The evaluation found that WFP is seen as a valued and respected partner and that working in partnership contributes to increased impact.  However the evaluation found areas of weakness that need to be addressed in order for WFP to be an even more effective partner, for example to develop a comprehensive partnership strategy, clarify its roles in relations to the shift to a food-assistance model and refine its internal systems and capacities.