Djibouti, Evaluation of the Sustainable social solutions for the most vulnerable host populations, refugees and migrants project 2018-2023

The project aimed to support the government social safety net system, designed to ensure universal health coverage and livelihoods for refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable host populations. WFP Djibouti distributed cash transfers, organized nutrition awareness activities, promoted youth empowerment and strengthened the capacities of various partners. The evaluation highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to social protection that includes not only cash transfers but also empowerment and support measures to foster resilience among the most vulnerable populations in Djibouti. 

The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, including document reviews, interviews with key stakeholders, focus group discussions, and a telephone survey with beneficiaries.  

Key Findings 

• The project addressed important needs in food security and social protection. It targeted and reached vulnerable households, though the involvement of refugees was limited to certain activities.
• Significant results were achieved, especially in terms of cash transfers. However, the results of empowerment activities were less evident.  
• Implementation delays affected efficiency. Most of the budget went to cash transfers, highlighting its importance.
• The project improved food security and livelihoods, while empowering beneficiaries, especially refugees, remained challenging.
• Achievements contributed to the sustainability of the national social protection system, but weaknesses include limited coordination among partners and uncertainty around the continued registration and access to assistance for refugees.  

Recommendations include to strengthen the capacities of MASS and WFP in social protection (system capacities plus technical capacities); support the Government in strengthening comparative advantages in partnerships around social protection; strengthen joint work and advocacy for the inclusion of refugees in the national social protection system and programs ; make gender mainstreaming a systematic part of any social protection programme supported by WFP ; and support the Government in strengthening the monitoring and evaluation system for social protection activities in order to better assess the elements of empowerment. 

The full report is available in French, while a brief will be made available in English.