斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-The-World-Food-Programme-s-Contribution-to-Improving-the-Prospects-for-Peace_44页_1000kb

Summary of the World Food Programme's Contribution to Improving the Prospects for Peace

Core Content

This report, authored by SIPRI and WFP researchers, explores how the World Food Programme (WFP) contributes to improving the prospects for peace in conflict-affected and fragile contexts. It outlines key findings from four case studies: El Salvador, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Mali, and identifies areas where WFP's programming can be enhanced to better support peacebuilding.

Main Findings

• Rising Hunger and Conflict: Since 2014, the number of undernourished people has increased globally, with violent conflict and climate change being the primary drivers.
• WFP's Dual Mandate: WFP is tasked with both addressing immediate humanitarian needs and supporting long-term development and peacebuilding.
• Peace Promise Commitment: In 2016, WFP signed the Peace Promise, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors.
• Case Studies: Four case studies reveal that WFP programming in these countries contributes to peace in some instances, though the extent and nature of these contributions vary.
• Lack of Conflict Sensitivity: WFP's programming often lacks explicit conflict sensitivity, as it does not systematically integrate conflict analysis into its planning and implementation.
• Theories of Change (TOC): TOCs are crucial for understanding how WFP's interventions can lead to peace outcomes. However, they are underutilized in WFP's planning documents.
• Need for Improvement: The report suggests that WFP must enhance its approach by improving conflict analysis, targeting, partnerships, and measurement of its contributions to peace.

Key Viewpoints

• Peace as a Spectrum: Peace is not merely the absence of violence but includes both 'negative peace' (absence of direct violence) and 'positive peace' (collaborative solutions and institutional resilience).
• Conflict Sensitivity: WFP needs to be more aware of the conflict context in its programming to avoid unintended negative consequences and ensure that its interventions support peacebuilding.
• Holistic and Inclusive Approaches: WFP's efforts should be more holistic, involving multiple stakeholders and addressing root causes of conflict.
• Measuring Impact: There is a need for more robust methods to measure the impact of WFP's programming on peace, given the complexity and long-term nature of peacebuilding.

Cross-Cutting Themes

• Conflict Sensitivity: The report highlights the importance of integrating conflict analysis into WFP's programming to ensure it does not inadvertently exacerbate tensions.
• Targeting: Effective targeting of beneficiaries is essential to ensure that food assistance reaches those most in need and contributes to peace.
• Holistic Approach: WFP should adopt a more integrated approach that considers the broader social, economic, and political context.
• Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships with local and international actors is critical for enhancing the impact of WFP's peacebuilding efforts.
• Climate Change: Climate change is a growing concern that affects the prospects for peace, especially in vulnerable regions.
• Measuring Peace: The challenge of measuring the contribution of food assistance to peace remains significant due to the complexity and multifaceted nature of peacebuilding.

Recommendations

The report proposes five key areas for change to enhance WFP's contribution to peace:

1. Conflict Analysis: WFP should integrate conflict analysis into its programming to ensure conflict sensitivity.
2. Targeting: Improve the targeting of food assistance to ensure it supports peacebuilding objectives.
3. Holistic Approach: Adopt a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and supports long-term stability.
4. Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with local and international actors to enhance the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts.
5. Measurement: Develop better methods for measuring the impact of WFP's programming on peace.

Key Projects and Examples

• Gastromotiva 10 Project (El Salvador): Focuses on enhancing socio-economic status and empowerment through food assistance.
• Optimising School Meals Programme (Kyrgyzstan): Aims to build government capacity and improve the well-being of children.
• Water Loss Reduction (Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan): Addresses resource management in disputed territories to reduce conflict risks.
• Brokerings Agreements (El Salvador): Supports land usage rights to promote reconciliation and stability.
• Peers for Peace (Mali): Builds social cohesion in conflict-affected regions through community engagement.

Conclusion

This preliminary report underscores the importance of WFP's role in peacebuilding and highlights the need for more systematic and context-sensitive approaches to food assistance. By improving its theories of change, conflict sensitivity, and partnerships, WFP can better contribute to sustainable peace and resilience in fragile and conflict-affected areas.