In drawing up its policy papers, WFP does not just rely on its own in-house expertise. It consults academic institutions and government departments. Case studies or background papers are often commissioned to clarify key issues.

Before the publication of WFP's policy on the role of food aid in development , some 16 different studies were commissioned covering such such issues as the risk of beneficiaries depending on WFP food, the benefits of food aid as opposed to cash, the drawing up of assessments and how to target the poorest of the poor.

Key issues in emergency needs assessment - 2003

Over 50 representatives from governments, multilateral agencies, NGOs, regional bodies, research institutes and consultancy firms gathered at WFP's Rome headquarters in October 2003 for the third technical consultation on strengthening emergency needs assessments.

A series of technical workshops focused on key areas of contention in this crucial facet of humanitarian relief work: volume I reports the findings of the year-long consultation process; volume II collects five technical papers.

Reducing poverty and hunger: the critical role of financing for food, agriculture and rural development (2002)

At the 2002 International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, FAO, IFAD and WFP developed a common approach to highlight the critical role of financing rural development, food and agriculture in reducing poverty and hunger.

A paper was prepared, which called for a twin-track approach combining long term development with direct interventions to broaden access to food.

Emerging Issues Relevant to WFP (2000) (1998)

Review of WFP's role in working with the military, disease and food insecurity, communications.

pdf 101 k

Follow-up to the World Food Summit (2000)

Progress report on Implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action.

pdf 77 k

Looking Forward: Humanitarian policy concerns for WFP (1999)

Taking stock of the rising number of emergency operations and its implications for policy-making.

Emergency Issues Relevant to WFP (1998)

WFP development activities revitalised, the multilateral character of WFP's development activities, UN Reform and field level collaboration in the provision of development assistance.

Time for Change: Food Aid and Development (1998)

May 1998 consultation in Rome to launch a policy review of WFP food aid for development. The review will seek greater clarity about the situations when food aid is a particularly effective form of assistance and assess what this understanding should mean for WFP's development priorities.

Ending the Inheritance of Hunger: WFP/UNU Seminar (1997)

This seminar was held in Rome on 31 May 1997 and brought together eminent scholars, WFP Executive Board members, other invited guests from UN member states, UN agencies and NGOs as well as WFP staff members.