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Food Aid and Food Security
February 1995
>> This Is USAID >> USAID Policy Papers >> Food Aid and Food Security
Preface Measures to Improve Food Security
Food Aid Management Objectives
Program and Management Policy Conclusions
36
VI. Food Aid Management Objectives
A. A New Approach to Emergencies
Emergency food relief needs are growing as crises become more complex and longer-lasting. To enhance long-term planning and to meet recurrent emergency needs without draining food aid for development, a mechanism is needed to provide a budgetary "cushion" to meet unforeseen emergency needs. Development of such a mechanism will require collaboration within the Executive Branch and with Congress. New legislation will likely also be necessary. USAID will initiate a dialogue which can lead to this objective.B. Managing for Results with Title II
The partnership between USAID and the PVOs will focus on improved food security in the neediest developing countries. This partnership can be strengthened through increased sharing of information, including greater access by PVOs to USAID data sources. Better communication and coordination between PVOs and field missions in the development of strategic plans is also needed. USAID and the PVOs must move toward a real "shared responsibility" concept in planning and managing food programs.Especially in key food-insecure countries, Title II development food aid should be integrated with USAID strategic objectives, while respecting the independence of PVOs. It is essential that USAID and PVO programs work together to achieve maximum effectiveness where the need is greatest.
USAID and PVOs should develop and implement a shared framework for measuring results--as well as inputs--in food aid programs.
USAID must support PVO capacity building to help ensure results are achieved.
USAID must also provide technical expertise and field support to mission and PVO food security programs in the neediest countries.
C. Reshaping Agricultural Research
In chronic food insecure areas, USAID will support a comprehensive approach which offers economically attractive agricultural alternatives for farm families. Specifically, USAID will encourage development of highly adapted "food security" crops. Examples of promising technologies include:
- new, highly productive, drought-resistant maize by the CGIAR wheat/maize center;
- "super cassava" developed by IITA (CGIAR center in humid/subhumid Africa) offering African farmers not only 200% yield increases but also new business opportunities for processing/marketing their products.
- Systems integrating trees (for fuelwood, forage and fruit), livestock, and crops for environmental sustainability and enhancement of nutrition, as well as economic savings and capital accumulation.
As part of its renewed commitment to participatory development, USAID will adopt a broader and more inclusive vision in approaching food security and agricultural research. USAID will work with national systems (public and private) U.S. centers of excellence (universities, USDA, private sector) and the IARCs. USAID is uniquely positioned to help national systems access and adapt both technologies and policies. Local currencies generated by P.L. 480 Title III could support country-level programs in this effort.
D. Donor Coordination
USAID should play a more active role in donor coordination to improve food security in the neediest developing countries. The U.S. role as a major provider of humanitarian aid, combined with USAID's major field presence, places USAID in a strong position to facilitate donor coordination. An integrated food aid and development strategy--possibly with a regional focus, as in the Horn of Africa--demands significant coordination among donors, host governments, U.S. and local NGOs and PVOs, and the multilateral institutions, including WFP.
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Last Updated on: July 11, 2001 |
