Food aid and food assistance in emergency and transitional contexts - Synthesis paper

This document is a report's synthesis presenting the findings of a review of changes that have taken place in food aid and food assistance policies in recent years. It also provides an overview of the current state of debates around key issues relating to food assistance. It was commissioned by the German government to inform the revision of its food assistance policy in emergency and transitional contexts. It was based on review of recent literature on food aid and interviews with a representative selection of donor governments, UN agencies, major NGOs and the Red Cross Movement. The study highlights the shift from food aid to food assistance by key donors, changes in the context in which food assistance is provided, and changes in the international architecture and the delivery of food assistance. In the light of recent developments, the authors identify five key areas for action:

• developing a new food security architecture which incorporates food assistance- working towards greater clarity of terms and definitions

• where appropriate, continuing to expand beyond food aid to the use of cash and a broader food assistance toolbox

• linking food assistance more clearly to social protection within national strategies

• focusing on the nutritional outcomes of food assistance and linking food assistance more clearly to overall nutrition strategies.

Full report - ODI. Humanitarian Policy Group - June 2010