RNSF - Management Information Tool

Indicators: a) GP and LL on improving food security in IE identified.

b) Challenges on improving food security in IE identified and possible means to overcome challenges identified and analysed.

Data Analysis Methods: Identification of GP and LL on improving food security through enhancing the livelihoods of those dependent on the informal economy. Analysis of GP and LL to determine adaptability and scalability. Identification of challenges identified during promotion and implementation of methods to improve the food security of people dependent on the informal economy and determine if/how these were overcome.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Include livelihoods promotion activities with people dependent on the IE in food security programming as it helps ensure more sustainable nutritional well-being.

Reference: Tango International, 2015, SHOUHARDO II Final Quantitative Performance Evaluation SHOUHARDO II Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) in Bangladesh, Impact Evaluation, CARE Bangaldesh, Dhaka.

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2. Include nutrition training in projects for people dependent on the IE wherever this may be relevant.

References:

• Schwensen, Carl & Laurense, Alida, 2011, Evaluation of the Farmer Field School Approach in the Agriculture Sector Programme Support Phase II, Bangladesh, Final evaluation, Danida, Copenaghen, Project: Agriculture Sector Programme Support Phase II (ASPS II), Bangladesh.
• Sorensen Pernille, Nagel, 2014, Supporting Food Security, Nutrition and Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa - GCP /RAF/454/GER, Final evaluation, FAO, Rome.

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3. Design detailed and statistically valid surveys in order to assess food security, food consumption and dietary diversity of project participants. Only in this way it would be possible to compare new life-styles with those of the rest of population (not involved into the project).

Reference: Bishop, David, 2013, Evaluation of food security and strengthening livelihood options (Zimbabwe), Final evaluation, OXFAM, Oxford.

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4. Note that work to sustainably improve the food security of project participants requires long-term engagement, linking with Government strategies, and strategically complementing other local development initiatives in the target area in a holistic manner.

Reference: Tessema, Ato Tsegahun; Tadess, Beyen; Getahun, Zewditu; Buta, Ato Mengistu, 2008, Meket Livelihood Development Project MLDP (Ethiopia) phase II Evaluation Report, Final evaluation, Save the Children UK, Addis Ababa.

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5. Take into consideration when assessing the productivity of informal economy operators that all factors that enter into assessing it are taken into account. This would include factors such as food production area, labour, transport, and other logistics.

Reference: Rodríguez, Abelardor; Engels, Jeffrey; Mucha, Noreen; Malunga, Chiku, 2015, The Feed the Future Integrating Nutrition in Value Chains Project (Malawi) Performance Evaluation Final Report, Final evaluation, USAID, Washington, DC.

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6. In projects with a food security component, ensure that there is not so much focus on the implementation of project activities (e.g. to improve product marketing) that the actual goal of increasing participants’ own household food security is ignored. Ensure the project includes guidelines for a food security agenda across all its components.

References: 

• Khot, Seemantinee, 2014, Mid-term evaluation of food security through enhanced agricultural production, diversified sources of income, value addition and marketing in Bangladesh (Mymensingh/Sherpur), Midterm or interim evaluation, FAO, Rome.
• Denecke, Harry W., 2013, Support to household food security and livelihood of vulnerable and food insecure farming families - GCP /AFG/061/LUX (Afghanistan), Final evaluation, FAO, Rome.

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7. Note that Cash for Work can have a significant impact on stimulating the local market and thus contribute to improving the food security situation of the target communities.

Reference: Tessema, Ato Tsegahun; Tadess, Beyen; Getahun, Zewditu; Buta, Ato Mengistu, 2008, Meket Livelihood Development Project MLDP (Ethiopia) phase II Evaluation Report, Final evaluation, Save the Children UK, Addis Ababa.

SOURCE: RNSF research - Volume 4.2