The evaluation recognized the complex context of CAR and concluded that the “reactive” response of the country office during the evaluation period was relevant and appropriate. The country office increased its level of assistance because of the emergencies, in line with needs, government priorities and the UN Framework. It capitalized on its comparative advantages of transport and distribution and was recognized as a key player of the humanitarian response. It also benefited from a strong government support.
Funding shortfalls led the country office to prioritize general food assistance over other forms of assistance and, within that activity, to prioritize number of beneficiaries reached, over size, frequency and duration of interventions.
Despite the challenges, WFP’s overall output was high, especially for General Food Distribution, reaching over one third of the total population at the peak of the emergency in 2014. However, outcomes were difficult to measure, given data limitations. The evaluation made 8 recommendations for WFP, all of which have been agreed to by management:
- support the conditions for the re-establishment of peace, by working more closely in partnership on the triple nexus in the UNDAF;
- strengthen donor base and appetite for funding of recovery activities;
- strengthen WFP’s strategic role in food security information and its monitoring systems;
- develop an evidence-based strategy to integrate gender in programming, including protection aspects;
- strengthen the nutrition strategy and partnerships;
- strengthen capacities for roll-out of cash and vouchers;
- further improve staffing profile, and
- improve efficiency and effectiveness of transport into and within CAR
