Learning Support for a Sub-Saharan Africa Multi-country Climate Resilience Programme for Food Security
The project titled Learning Support for a Sub-Saharan Africa Multi-country Climate Resilience Programme for Food Security introduces a new, innovative approach to fostering climate resilience in the region. In collaboration, the World Food Programme (WFP) and CGIAR have identified key areas of partnership. These include strategic support for WFP’s programme design, the complementary development of knowledge products and analytical tools, and providing evidence on the impact of WFP initiatives through rigorous impact evaluations. Additionally, both organizations aim to enhance technical and scientific capacities through knowledge exchange and shared expertise.
Mauritania
Mali
Niger
Chad
Burkina Faso
Nigeria
Ethiopia
Somalia
Uganda
Kenya
Tanzania
Countries of focus
Click on a country to explore relevant activities
Malawi
Mozambique
Pillars
ACTIVITIES
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Mali
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study aims to understand the challenges local leaders face in managing shocks and crises, particularly climate-related and conflict-induced ones. By surveying 2,919 local leaders across seven regions, the research explored three critical areas: (1) the prevalence and recovery difficulty of various shocks, including droughts, floods, and conflicts; (2) the inclusiveness of local governance in aid distribution; and (3) leaders’ preferences for aid programming, balancing resilience-building and humanitarian response. Activities included surveying diverse leaders, such as mayors, village chiefs, and youth and women's group leaders, to capture a comprehensive view of community needs and aid dynamics. The research incorporated budget allocation exercises and experimental games to assess attitudes towards anticipatory action (AA) programming—preemptive aid triggered by early warning signals. These methods helped evaluate priorities for resilience investments and aid modalities, informing strategies to strengthen local governance and adaptive capacity.
Main findings
The study concluded that droughts are the most severe shocks in Mali, posing significant recovery challenges, followed by floods and conflicts. Despite widespread vulnerability, 45% of localities did not receive aid after their most severe shock. Aid distribution governance varies; while mayors are almost universally involved, the inclusion of women’s and youth leaders remains limited. Village-level leaders prioritize household-targeted aid, like food or cash, while commune leaders emphasize preventive training. The findings highlight a strong demand for anticipatory action programming, provided early warning systems are accurate and well-communicated. Leaders expressed a preference for balancing resilience-building programs with immediate humanitarian needs, emphasizing the importance of drought and water security investments. Policy implications suggest the need for inclusive governance structures that engage diverse local actors, investments in accurate early warning systems, and a strategic allocation of resources to enhance both short-term recovery and long-term resilience in Mali’s fragile context.
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Malawi
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The project aimed to assess the feasibility of improving school meals and children’s diets through the provision of nutritious and climate smart foods in Malawi. The AI-assisted PlantVillage Food Recognition and Nudging Insights (FRANI) application was also adapted for use in Malawi and used to provide real-time data on meals and diets and program feedback loops, filling a critical evidence gap on home-grown school meal programe operations.
Main findings
This innovative project examined the feasibility of improving school meals and children’s diets through the provision of nutritious, climate smart foods and the real-time data collection on the quality of school meals using AI-assisted technology. Detailed data analysis is underway and preliminary results are encouraging. Further work is also being planned, including a validation study of the new FRANI technology in Malawi. Similar work is underway in Ghana and Vietnam, highlighting the potential for this that could provide a breakthrough for improving the quality of school meal programs in Malawi and across the region.
Links
CGIAR Contact
Project Lead
Aulo Gelli
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Low- and middle-income countries
Start/End: September 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The project aims to assess the effectiveness of cash transfer programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on enhancing livelihoods and food security. Conditional cash transfers (CCTs) and unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) are analyzed for their ability to help households meet basic needs and escape poverty. The project also evaluates "cash plus" interventions, which couple cash assistance with complementary activities like training or asset provision to foster long-term economic resilience. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted across 104 studies, covering 43 countries, to assess the impact of these programs on household consumption, income, and labor force participation. The research aims to provide comprehensive insights into how different transfer types perform in varied contexts, such as fragile or conflict-affected regions, and to support informed decision-making for policymakers by providing evidence-based results on cash transfer effectiveness.
Main findings
The findings highlight that cash transfers generally increase monthly household consumption and income by $1.50 to $2 for every $100 transferred. "Cash plus" interventions, combining cash with livelihood support, demonstrated even greater effectiveness, yielding an additional $4 per $100. However, the impact of cash transfers on labor force participation was negligible. Programs in sub-Saharan Africa typically showed smaller effects, and those in fragile or conflict-affected settings were underrepresented in the research, revealing an evidence gap. The analysis also revealed no significant difference in outcomes between conditional and unconditional transfers. Overall, the study underscores the importance of designing cash transfer programs with complementary support to ensure long-term benefits, particularly in regions with economic and social vulnerabilities.
Links
CGIAR Contacts
Project Lead
Jessica Leight
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Somalia
Start/End: January 2024 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study evaluated the Baxnaano program’s design, implementation, and perceived impact on vulnerable households, with the goal of informing future programming. The study aimed to assess program fidelity, beneficiary experiences, and perceived outcomes, particularly in resilience and nutrition. Key activities included a literature review of Baxnaano’s targeting and delivery mechanisms, secondary data analysis from the Somalia Integrated Household and Budget Survey to compare food security outcomes, and a qualitative evaluation through stakeholder interviews to identify challenges and successes. Additionally, a quantitative phone survey of 302 beneficiaries provided insights into the perceived program’s effects on financial security, access to services, and women’s empowerment. This comprehensive approach enabled an in-depth understanding of Baxnaano’s effectiveness and areas for improvement, supporting its evolution into a more impactful safety net program.
Main findings
The study found that the Baxnaano program successfully delivered unconditional cash transfers to 200,000 households, enhancing financial security, food access, and women’s empowerment. Beneficiaries noted reduced stress and increased ability to participate in health and education services. However, the program faced challenges, including delays in registration, suboptimal targeting, insufficient transfer amounts, and gaps in addressing inflation. Recommendations for the next phase include improving targeting mechanisms through quantitative and community-based approaches, adjusting transfer amounts to account for inflation, and integrating complementary services such as nutrition, education, and vocational training. Expanding geographic coverage to underserved populations, including the elderly and disabled, and strengthening the Unified Social Registry and implementing agency capacity are also suggested. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive strategies to maximize Baxnaano’s impact and sustainability in Somalia’s fragile context.
Links
CGIAR Contacts
Project Lead
Aulo Gelli
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
World Food Programme (WFP) - Regional Bureau Nairobi
Delta Consulting Ltd
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Global
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study aims to explore the potential of social assistance (SA) programs to enhance climate resilience specifically for women and girls (WGs) in low- and middle-income countries. Given their significant role in agrifood systems and their unique vulnerabilities, the study examines how SA can address constraints faced by WGs at household, individual, and community levels. Activities include investigating how various SA mechanisms (like cash transfers, public works, and in-kind support) can promote livelihood diversification, build resilience infrastructure, encourage climate-smart practices, and reduce harmful coping strategies during climate shocks. The study also identifies promising program designs that intentionally incorporate women’s voices, needs, and roles. These activities help to provide practical recommendations for SA design, particularly in areas impacted by climate risks, and support WGs’ adaptive and mitigation capacities.
Main findings
The study concludes that well-designed social assistance (SA) programs can significantly enhance the climate resilience of women and girls (WGs) by strengthening their coping capacities, promoting income diversification, and reducing the need for maladaptive strategies. For SA programs to be effective, they must account for gender-specific constraints and actively include WGs in the planning and execution of climate resilience initiatives. Targeting WGs with predictable, sufficient, and well-timed transfers can help stabilize food security and support investment in adaptive practices. SA also has potential in climate mitigation by promoting cleaner energy sources, though more research is needed to understand its long-term impact on resource use. Additionally, linking SA to services, such as vocational training or climate information, further supports WGs' adaptive capacity. These findings underscore the critical role of SA in achieving gender-sensitive climate resilience in vulnerable regions.
Links
CGIAR Contacts
Project Lead
Melissa Hidrobo
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Impact Evaluation: Lessons for Policy
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Nigeria
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The Nigeria Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) is a comprehensive initiative connecting education, agriculture, and local economic development. By providing daily nutritious meals to 9.9 million students across 56,000 schools, it aims to increase primary school enrollment, improve child nutrition, and boost local agricultural development. The program’s local sourcing model creates economic and social benefits by linking school meals to smallholder farmers. This study evaluates how integrating local value chains into school feeding programs can benefit smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial, we assess the cost-efficiency and impact of adding training activities to the existing program to boost farmers’ sales and revenue.
The evaluation focuses on three key questions:
Can menu training improve school meal quality, hygiene standards, and cooks’ welfare?
Can linking programs to farmers enhance meal quality and access?
Can it increase smallholder farmers’ sales and revenue?
Main findings
The home-grown school feeding program (HGSFP) has successfully expanded its impact beyond students to benefit farmers and local businesses by providing stable market access and increased income. The baseline survey information collected provides a critical foundation for understanding the program’s initial conditions and potential impact. Our preliminary data analysis of the baseline survey of the study provides an overview of school enrollment and feeding program details; cooks and farmers’ background characteristics; school infrastructures and facilities; crop, plot, and farm information; meal planning and procurement; cooks’ nutritional knowledge; access to market and related disruptions; challenges; aspirations and wellbeing; gender attitudes; and decision-making autonomy. This will enable a robust comparative analysis with the upcoming endline assessment. As we prepare for the endline survey, our research will focus on tracking key changes, measuring project outcomes and generating actionable insights for future implementation strategies.
Links
CGIAR Contacts
Project Lead
Kwaw Andam
Country Program Leader/Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study examines the effectiveness of anticipatory cash transfers compared to post-emergency interventions in mitigating the impact of climate shocks. The primary objective is to provide a conceptual framework supported by simulations to assess when anticipatory transfers are most beneficial for vulnerable households. By focusing on scenarios like droughts and floods, the study aims to identify conditions under which anticipatory transfers can better preserve household assets, stabilize income, and reduce food insecurity.
Key activities include reviewing existing literature on cash transfer programs, developing a theoretical model of household behavior under risk, and conducting simulations using household-level data. These simulations explore the impacts of transfer timing on household resilience, asset preservation, and labor allocation. The report also analyzes trade-offs faced by governments and donors, considering factors like targeting efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for reducing long-term humanitarian needs.
Main findings
The study concludes that anticipatory transfers can outperform post-emergency interventions in preserving household assets and reducing long-term vulnerability, particularly during slow-onset shocks like droughts. Anticipatory transfers enable households to adjust labor allocation, invest in protective measures, and maintain productive assets, which leads to higher income stability over time. However, their effectiveness depends on accurate shock forecasting and efficient beneficiary targeting.
Simulations reveal that anticipatory transfers are most beneficial when shocks significantly deplete household assets. For smaller shocks or when asset loss is minimal, the advantage of anticipatory transfers diminishes. The study also highlights the challenge of ""leakage"" in anticipatory programs, where aid may reach households unaffected by the shock, underscoring the need for robust targeting mechanisms.
The report recommends combining anticipatory transfers with information campaigns to maximize impact, investing in weather prediction technologies, and scaling programs gradually to improve targeting accuracy and reduce costs. This approach ensures greater resilience and food security for vulnerable populations.
Links
CGIAR Contact
Project Lead
Alan de Brauw
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The objective of this project was to understand household coping behavior in Mauritania, Mali, Chad (2018-2023) – all three countries characterized by unique combinations of increasing and overlapping shocks. To achieve this, the following activities were conducted. First, we integrated an extensive set of data on household food security and coping strategies – covering a maximum of twelve waves per country. Second, we enhanced the integrated datasets with shock information using external sources, covering indicators on political violence, food price anomalies and climate- and weather-related data, and we developed spatially disaggregated profiles of political violence for the G5 Sahel region, as well as shock and coping profiles for Mali and Chad. Third, based on the integrated and enhanced datasets, we analyzed the relationship between covariate shocks and household coping strategies in Mali and Chad by relying on association rule algorithms (Note: the Mauritania data could not be made available by our partners).
Main findings
One of the main conclusions pertains to the huge diversity in living conditions and shaped livelihoods in the Sahel region. This diversity not only stems from the multifaceted nature of political violence, as reflected by the components underneath the ACLED Conflict Index, but also from several food price hikes (in terms of average price anomalies, frequency, maximum spell) as well as volatile weather conditions, involving the performance of the rainy season and various extreme weather events. Unsurprisingly, household coping strategies were equally diverse: that is, different combinations of shocks were responsible for the biggest changes in coping behavior across time and place. Despite this overall diversity, political violence has clearly intensified over the period considered; most conflict events took place in the concentrated in the tristate border area of Liptako-Gourma; and food insecurity (especially hunger) appeared to be a strong predictor of the number of coping strategies adopted by households.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Uganda
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
In Uganda, the research team partnered with WFP and local organizations to integrate orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) into refugee settlement camps in South-Western Uganda, home to 32% of the country’s refugee population. This initiative aims to improve nutrition, enhance self-reliance, and strengthen livelihoods through sustainable agriculture. CIP collaborated with WFP and partners included Ripple Effect, Lutheran World Federation, and Medical Teams International to provide technical training on OFSP cultivation, post-harvest handling, and value-added processing. Training methods such as Farmers' Field Schools (FFS) and Training of Trainers (ToT) equipped refugees with skills to grow, process, and consume OFSP. Nutrition education focused on child feeding practices using health baby toolkits. Seed producers received quality planting materials and training on good agricultural practices (GAPs). Despite climate challenges like prolonged droughts and limited irrigation, PoCs established demonstration plots and adopted silage production techniques for livestock feed. These efforts align with Uganda’s Refugee Response Plan, promoting sustainable food security and resilience.
Main findings
Integrating orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) into refugee settlements in South-Western Uganda offers a promising solution for improving nutrition and livelihoods among People of Concern. OFSP’s fast-growing, nutrient-rich qualities help combat malnutrition while enhancing food security. Despite challenges such as drought and limited access to quality seed, significant progress has been made. Demonstration plots and training on agricultural practices have empowered refugees to adopt sustainable farming and food processing techniques. Livestock productivity has also improved through sweetpotato silage production. However, continued efforts are needed to strengthen the local seed system, ensure timely planting, and provide context-specific information, education, and communication materials. Collaborative efforts between CIP, WFP, and local partners remain essential for scaling up these interventions. Building local capacity for seed production and linking agriculture with nutritional education will further support long-term resilience and food security within Uganda’s refugee settlements.
NaCRRI – National Crops Resources Research Institute, Uganda
Activity type: Impact Evaluation: Lessons for Policy
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Ethiopia
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study aims to evaluate the performance of various community-based targeting (CBT) designs in fragile settings in Ethiopia. Its primary objectives are to assess how community leaders allocate limited resources under different constraints, the role of discretion in decision-making, and the impact of conflict on targeting outcomes. The study explores whether CBT minimizes exclusion errors and how budget size and discretion influence inclusion rates and transfer sizes.
Activities include implementing a randomized controlled trial across 180 Ethiopian villages, testing four CBT approaches: rule-based with hypothetical funds, rule-based with real funds under relaxed and constrained budgets, and discretionary with real funds. Community leaders ranked households based on need and allocated funds, providing insights into decision-making. Surveys before and after the cash transfers assessed outcomes, while conflict data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project explored how conflict influenced targeting.
Main findings
The study concludes that under resource constraints, community leaders prefer to maximize the number of beneficiaries even at the expense of thinly spreading budgets (reducing average transfers to beneficiaries). Community leaders are keen to minimize exclusion errors even at the expense of increased inclusion errors, suggesting that community leaders may be sensitive to potential communal repercussions and hence prefer to accommodate beneficiaries who would otherwise be excluded based on survey-based measures and indicators of poverty. Consistent with this, the study finds that offering community leaders some level of discretion helps them reduce exclusion errors and include those most deprived or those affected by armed conflicts. Finally, the study documents that community leaders are more vulnerable to favoritism when real stakes (rather than hypothetical) are involved, budgets are relatively larger, and they lack discretion. These findings offer nuanced evidence on the implications of implementing CBT designs in the absence of incentives for community leaders to reveal how they use local information.
Links
CGIAR Contacts
Project Lead
Guush Berhane
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Impact Evaluation: Lessons for Policy
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Nigeria
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study aims to assess smallholder farmers’ demand for a bundle of biofortified seeds and agricultural inputs in northeastern Nigeria, addressing interconnected challenges of food insecurity, climate volatility, and conflict. The project uses a randomized control trial (RCT) across 230 communities in Gombe state, focusing on promoting a bundled package of seeds, fertilizers, crop protection products, and insurance to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. Activities include marketing information distribution, discount vouchers (50% and 75%) to improve affordability, and ongoing data collection from agro-dealers to monitor adoption. By analyzing adoption rates, especially among internally displaced persons and resident farmers, the study aims to identify the effectiveness of the bundle in supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving household welfare.
Main findings
The study’s preliminary results indicate that financial incentives significantly drive adoption of the agricultural input bundle. While no farmers in the control or information-only groups purchased the bundle, over 90% of farmers with a 50% discount and nearly all with a 75% discount adopted it. The findings show that price sensitivity is a key barrier to agricultural input adoption. Additionally, the study observed a higher initial uptake rate among farmers with a greater discount, suggesting that substantial discounts encourage faster adoption. Analysis by demographic subgroup reveals that both internally displaced persons and resident farmers exhibited similar responses to discounts, highlighting broad applicability. Future analyses will assess the impact on agricultural productivity and household resilience, with initial data showing that targeted financial interventions can meaningfully improve smallholder farmers' ability to adopt resilience-enhancing agricultural practices.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Malawi
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
In Malawi, the research team collaborated with WFP to promote orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) production through irrigation schemes and farmer-led demonstration gardens across Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Zomba, and Balaka districts. The project engaged 158 women and 110 men farmers, establishing learning sites in farmers’ fields, schools, and care groups to encourage community participation. OFSP, rich in Vitamin A and drought-tolerant, supports improved nutrition, especially for children and pregnant women in food-insecure areas. Farmers were trained to evaluate OFSP varieties based on yield, drought resistance, and market potential. Eight OFSP varieties, including Royal Choice and Kadyaubwelere, were piloted, and 160 farmers received training as vine multipliers for commercial production. OFSP was integrated into Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programs, ensuring school-aged children have access to nutritious meals. This initiative fosters agricultural productivity, income diversification, and food security while promoting climate-resilient farming practices and enhancing household livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
Main findings
The OFSP initiative in Malawi has successfully enhanced food security, nutrition, and economic resilience through farmer-led production and commercialization. Key achievements include improved dietary diversity for school children through HGSF programs and increased Vitamin A consumption among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Farmers reported higher incomes through OFSP root and vine sales, boosting household livelihoods. Training on seed multiplication and climate-smart agricultural practices helped mitigate climate shocks such as drought. However, challenges remain in scaling vine distribution and improving farmers' access to irrigation and markets. The project demonstrated that OFSP’s drought tolerance, high yield, and nutritional value make it a critical crop for addressing malnutrition and enhancing resilience. Expanding partnerships, strengthening market linkages, and providing targeted training will further ensure sustainable agricultural production and household income generation, supporting WFP’s broader goals of self-reliance, resilience, and food security in Malawi’s most vulnerable communities.
Department of Agriculture Research services (DARS), Malawi
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Mozambique
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study seeks to improve climate resilience through integrated socio-ecological strategies. It focuses on Mozambique’s Urema river sub-basin and Sofala province, areas significantly affected by climate-induced hazards like droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The primary objectives are to identify vulnerability hotspots, understand the interplay of climate risks and socio-economic challenges, and propose ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
To achieve these goals, the study conducted climate hazard mapping using historical data and future projections to pinpoint high-risk regions. It also analyzed socio-economic vulnerabilities, including gender disparities and limited market access, which hinder adaptive capacity. By integrating data on environmental risks and resource usage, the report provided recommendations for nature-based solutions to enhance resilience. Stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies, were actively engaged to ensure interventions align with on-the-ground realities and community needs.
Main findings
The study concludes that Mozambique faces heightened vulnerability to climate hazards, particularly in regions like Sofala, which experience compounded risks from droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Socio-economic challenges, such as low gender equity and limited market access, exacerbate these vulnerabilities, making targeted interventions critical. Sofala province, with its low adaptive capacity, is identified as a priority area for resilience programs.
Key recommendations include implementing ecosystem-based solutions such as integrated water resource management and regenerative agriculture to mitigate climate impacts. Nature-based approaches are emphasized as effective in fostering social cohesion by involving diverse stakeholders in sustainable resource management. Addressing gender disparities is also critical, with strategies such as enhancing education, improving resource access, and integrating marginalized groups into markets and decision-making processes.
The report underscores the importance of tailored strategies that combine socio-economic and ecological perspectives to strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote sustainable development in Mozambique’s fragile socio-political and environmental landscape.
Activity type: Impact Evaluation: Lessons for Policy
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Kenya
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study aims to evaluate the impact of Kenya’s Economic Inclusion Programme (EIP), which seeks to improve the economic well-being and resilience of extremely poor households through a range of support services. The program integrates four primary components: consumption support, asset transfers, skills training and mentorship, and the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and World Food Programme conducted a cluster randomized control trial (cRCT) to evaluate EIP’s impact on household income, assets, food security, and psychosocial well-being across selected counties. This study tracks approximately 3,251 households and over 3,500 enterprises across both treatment and control groups to examine the effects of EIP interventions on economic and social outcomes. Baseline data includes demographic, financial, and psychological metrics to assess EIP’s effectiveness in enhancing economic stability, resilience, and community support among participating households.
Main findings
Preliminary findings indicate that the research design (cRCT) led to a well-balanced sample between treatment and control groups across various indicators, which facilitates rigorous evaluation of the program's potential to enhance economic resilience among Kenya’s poorest households. Households in the study sample face significant economic hardship, as reflected by low consumption levels and limited financial inclusion, but they demonstrate eagerness for EIP support. Additional findings suggest that social and environmental shocks, such as flooding, significantly influence household conditions, emphasizing the need for flexible, responsive program designs and interventions. The upcoming endline survey will provide further insight into the overall effect of the EIP interventions on household welfare, including food security, income stability, and psychosocial well-being. These findings will help to identify the potential of the EIP and similar programs to enhance resilience among Kenya’s most vulnerable communities.
Links
CGIAR Contact
Project Lead
Kibrom Abay
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Tanzania
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The Kilimo Tija Kigoma (KITIKI) school feeding program in Tanzania’s Kigoma region, implemented by World Vision Tanzania and funded by WFP, aims to combat malnutrition and food insecurity by integrating biofortified crops into school gardens. In collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP), the program promotes the cultivation of Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP), Pro-Vitamin A maize, and iron-rich beans. CIP facilitated hands-on Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, equipping teachers and education officers with skills in OFSP cultivation, seed production, and nutrition education. The program also introduced Rapid Multiplication Techniques to ensure access to quality planting materials. School gardens function as learning hubs where students gain agricultural skills and nutritional knowledge. Despite challenges like limited access to seeds and fertilizers, the program fosters resilience through agricultural innovation, improved food security, and enhanced community involvement in school-based nutrition programs.
Main findings
The integration of biofortified crops like Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) into Tanzania’s school feeding programs demonstrates significant potential to combat food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies. The KITIKI program, supported by WFP, World Vision Tanzania, and CIP, has successfully strengthened nutrition and agricultural education through school gardens. OFSP varieties such as Ejumula (Mlezi) and Kabode, rich in Vitamin A, were introduced, addressing serious health concerns like blindness and stunted growth. The program’s emphasis on teacher and student training boosted agricultural skills and increased nutritional awareness. However, challenges such as limited access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and pest management resources persist. Promoting certified seed suppliers like TARI and fostering partnerships with agricultural institutions are essential next steps. Expanding the program’s reach and enhancing monitoring systems will further strengthen school feeding initiatives, creating sustainable, resilient food systems while building a knowledgeable, self-reliant student community.
Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute (TARI) - Ukiriguru
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Sahel region
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study investigates the integration of social protection and climate change adaptation strategies to enhance resilience in the Sahel. Objectives include examining how social protection systems can address chronic poverty while building adaptive capacities and long-term climate resilience for vulnerable populations. It also seeks to identify effective mechanisms for aligning adaptation and social inclusion goals.
Key activities include a review of social protection programs across the Sahel, focusing on their design and implementation in the context of climate risks. The study assesses regional initiatives like the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Programme (SASPP) and national systems such as Mauritania’s Tekavoul program. Additional analyses include the use of climate data for targeting, the effectiveness of cash transfers, and the integration of social inclusion objectives. Stakeholder interviews and literature reviews provide the foundation for actionable recommendations.
Main findings
The study concludes that social protection systems in the Sahel play a critical role in addressing poverty and responding to shocks but often lack explicit integration with climate adaptation measures. Initiatives like SASPP have made progress by incorporating shock-responsive cash transfers and improving coordination across agencies. However, limitations include insufficient use of climate data, fragmented program delivery, and heavy reliance on external funding, which undermines long-term sustainability.
Key findings highlight the need for dynamic social registries to integrate climate-relevant data and support better targeting of interventions. Additionally, combining cash transfers with complementary measures like training and resource management is essential for building resilience. Challenges include limited national ownership of programs, weak institutional capacities, and inadequate resources to address both immediate and long-term needs.
The study emphasizes that aligning social protection with climate resilience objectives is vital for fostering adaptive capacities, enhancing food security, and reducing vulnerability in the Sahel’s fragile socio-economic landscape.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Mali
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study aims to analyze climate security hotspots in Mali to enhance the effectiveness of WFP’s resilience and emergency interventions. By mapping areas where climate risks, food insecurity, and conflict intersect, the study supports targeted, context-specific programming in Mali’s most vulnerable regions. The research involves integrating climate, conflict, and food security data from WFP’s Integrated Context Analysis (ICA) and the Cadre Harmonisé. This process identifies regions facing severe drought and high conflict exposure, including Tombouctou, Gao, and Menaka. Key activities include visualizing data on climate and conflict hotspots, assessing food security levels, and identifying additional high-need areas not currently prioritized in WFP’s programming. The study emphasizes the need for a cohesive response strategy, recommending a reevaluation of WFP’s targeting methods to better align with areas facing overlapping vulnerabilities and improve the resilience and stability of local communities.
Main findings
The analysis reveals that Mali’s most critical climate security hotspots align with WFP’s current intervention areas, such as Tombouctou and Gao. However, the study identifies additional regions with moderate hotspots, like Mopti and Niono, that could benefit from resilience interventions even though they currently show lower levels of food insecurity. This highlights an opportunity for preventive action in regions not prioritized for emergency response, aiming to mitigate future risks. The findings underscore the importance of integrating climate-sensitive and conflict-aware approaches into WFP’s resilience strategy, especially in conflict-affected areas where traditional interventions may face challenges. The study concludes that an integrated approach—bridging emergency and resilience work—would enhance program impact and reduce duplication, thereby providing more sustainable support to communities facing intertwined challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and conflict.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Ethiopia
Start/End: June 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study explores how violent conflict and climate-induced shocks, such as drought, disrupt agricultural input use among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Drawing from a unique dataset with two survey rounds—conducted pre-conflict (October–November 2019) and post-conflict (December 2023–January 2024)—the research examines the adoption of fertilizers, improved seeds, manure, and compost. It incorporates geo-referenced conflict data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) and satellite-based rainfall variability data to assess the compound effects of conflict and drought. The study employs econometric analysis of household- and plot-level data to evaluate how conflict intensity and precipitation variability influence input use. By focusing on regions affected by both shocks, it identifies patterns of agricultural disruption and resilience. Additionally, it investigates variations in impact across socio-economic groups, gender, and geographic areas, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying agricultural vulnerability in fragile settings.
Main findings
The study reveals that conflict significantly reduces the adoption of critical agricultural inputs, with households in conflict zones 9% less likely to use inorganic fertilizers and improved seeds. Organic inputs like manure and compost show even larger declines, exacerbating the risk of long-term productivity loss. Rainfall variability compounds these effects, further decreasing fertilizer use by 3% among drought-exposed households. Vulnerable groups, such as those in drought-prone districts or dependent on safety net programs, face disproportionately severe impacts, with fertilizer use dropping by 20% in these areas. Male-headed households are particularly affected, possibly due to direct involvement in conflicts. The findings highlight the interplay between conflict and climate shocks, emphasizing the need for anticipatory and resilience-building interventions. Policy recommendations include emergency input support, enhanced access to credit, and strengthened safety nets. These measures aim to mitigate disruptions, protect agricultural livelihoods, and foster recovery in Ethiopia's conflict-affected regions.
CGIAR Contact
Project Lead
Guush Berhane
Senior Research Fellow
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: India, Jordan and the Sahel region
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study explores the integration of social protection and climate change adaptation, examining how adaptive social protection (ASP) can enhance resilience among vulnerable populations while promoting equality and social inclusion. The objectives include identifying ASP mechanisms that address climate risks, analyzing their potential for social and environmental resilience, and recommending pathways for scaling. Key activities involved a comprehensive literature review, expert interviews, and case studies in India, Jordan, and the Sahel region. The study also assessed the impact of integrating climate risk information into social protection design, such as cash transfers and public works, and evaluated their role in fostering resilience for individuals, households, and environmental systems. Special attention was given to the inclusion of women and marginalized groups in these programs. By synthesizing existing research and practice, the study aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers to enhance the synergies between climate resilience and social protection initiatives globally.
Main findings
The study concludes that while ASP holds promise, significant gaps persist in achieving its potential for climate resilience and social inclusion. Most programs focus on short-term shock responses rather than long-term climate adaptation, limiting their transformative impact. In regions like the Sahel, resource constraints hinder the scalability and effectiveness of ASP initiatives. Key challenges include inadequate use of climate risk information, fragmented policy frameworks, and a lack of systematic evaluation of outcomes. However, examples from India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Programme highlight opportunities for aligning ASP with climate-smart agriculture, land restoration, and community resilience-building. The study emphasizes the need for stronger governance, cross-sector collaboration, and increased investment in ASP. Recommendations include leveraging climate data, expanding coverage to marginalized groups, and adopting innovative financing mechanisms, such as climate funds, to support sustainable ASP systems that address both social and environmental vulnerabilities.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Somalia
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study identifies research gaps and priorities in climate resilience and food security for Somalia. It aims to support evidence-based programming by mapping existing research and highlighting areas that require further study to address Somalia’s unique challenges in these fields. Activities included reviewing current research across themes such as agricultural resilience, water management, food security, climate adaptation, and livelihoods. The study also involved consultations with key stakeholders in the region to gather insights into the practical needs and on-the-ground realities in Somalia. By identifying gaps in the evidence, the study provides a framework to guide future research investments, aiming to address critical areas where data and analysis are lacking. This approach helps ensure that research efforts are aligned with Somalia’s priorities for climate resilience and sustainable food systems.
Main findings
The study concludes that significant research gaps remain in Somalia regarding climate resilience and food security, particularly in areas like adaptive agricultural practices, sustainable water management, and community-led adaptation initiatives. These gaps hinder effective policy formulation and the design of interventions tailored to Somalia’s unique climate and socio-political context. The findings underscore a need for increased investment in locally-focused research to develop context-specific solutions for improving food security and resilience against climate shocks. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to enhance community resilience. Addressing these gaps could support more robust, evidence-based decision-making, ultimately helping Somalia develop more resilient and sustainable food systems in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Activity type: (1) Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement; (2)Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Pillar: Transforming the Food System through Sustainable School Meals and Clean Cooking
Country/Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Start/End: April 2024 – July 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study examines how public procurement, particularly in school feeding programs, can advance environmental sustainability, support local smallholder farmers, and address planetary health challenges. Focusing on Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programs, the research evaluates current food procurement systems and supply chains, identifying best practices and tools to enhance their environmental impact. It prioritizes three key foods—maize, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables—and proposes a set of indicators to assess the “planet friendliness” of school meal programs.
The study involved a comprehensive review of literature and case studies on agronomic practices and sustainable procurement. Stakeholder interviews with WFP officers, school officials, and nutrition experts provided insights into procurement challenges and opportunities. Researchers developed a qualitative evaluation tool with 21 indicators to assess the environmental impacts of food procurement and supply chains. This tool needs to be tested and refined through participatory approaches to support decision-making at various levels, including schools, local communities, and national policy frameworks.
Main findings
The study reveals that HGSF programs have significant potential to enhance sustainability by shortening supply chains, supporting local economies, and promoting nutrient-rich diets. Locally sourced foods may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste, while directly benefiting smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities if produced in a planet friendly manner. Key recommendations include integrating climate-smart agricultural practices, adopting clean energy for food preparation, and establishing systems to monitor sustainability in procurement. By aligning food procurement with planetary health objectives, the study demonstrates that school meal programs can drive long-term food security, environmental conservation, and economic resilience, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite these benefits, challenges such as fragmented procurement policies and a lack of comprehensive evaluation tools persist. The study’s proposed tool fills this gap, offering practical metrics to assess and improve the sustainability of school feeding initiatives and may be used for co-creating policies for any school feeding program at the school, local, or national level.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Sahel region
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study assesses the interplay of climate stress, conflict, and food insecurity in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The primary objective is to identify climate security hotspots to inform WFP’s interventions, targeting areas with the highest vulnerabilities to climate and conflict-related crises. This analysis focuses on transboundary provinces affected by droughts, erratic rainfall, and violent conflicts, which undermine food systems and livelihoods.
Key activities include spatial-temporal mapping of climate and conflict data (2019–2023), overlaid with food insecurity metrics from the Cadre Harmonisé. The study used satellite data and conflict event records to identify areas where climatic stress and conflict converge. These findings were integrated with food security data to develop thematic maps illustrating hotspots. The report also assessed resource-related grievances fueling conflict, enabling recommendations for conflict-sensitive, climate-resilient interventions that improve food security and support peacebuilding.
Main findings
The study concludes that the Liptako-Gourma region faces acute food insecurity due to the compounded impacts of climate stress and conflict, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s transboundary areas. While the number of climate security hotspots has declined since 2019, their severity has intensified in regions like northern Burkina Faso and central Mali. Conflict-driven displacement and climate shocks, such as droughts, exacerbate food insecurity, with some areas reporting food insecurity rates exceeding 80%.
Key recommendations emphasize the need for integrated interventions addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and systemic drivers of food crises. These include implementing conflict-sensitive food security programs, strengthening local governance, and promoting resource-sharing agreements to reduce tensions. Early action in moderate hotspots, combined with advanced monitoring systems for conflict and climate data, is critical. The study highlights that aligning humanitarian aid with climate adaptation and peacebuilding efforts is essential to breaking the cycle of food insecurity and instability.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Kenya
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study identifies climate security hotspots in Kenya, focusing on the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). It examines the intersection of climate change, food insecurity, and conflict to guide the World Food Programme’s (WFP) targeted interventions. Using data on conflict, climate, and food security—including WFP metrics such as the Food Consumption Score (FCS), Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), and Livelihood Coping Strategies (LCS)—the study maps hotspots across Kenya. By integrating climate and conflict data with food security indicators, it identifies high-risk areas and suggests new potential targets for WFP interventions. This approach helps optimize WFP programming, ensuring more effective monitoring and response in regions where climate vulnerability, conflict, and food insecurity overlap, thereby strengthening emergency responses and informed decision-making.
Main findings
The study identifies Turkana as the most vulnerable county in Kenya, where climate shocks, borderline Food Consumption Scores (FCS), emergency Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), alarming food insecurity levels, and conflict converge. Tana River and Lamu also face high risks from the co-occurrence of conflict, drought, and poor-to-borderline food security. These areas are particularly susceptible to climate-related security risks that exacerbate food insecurity among households and communities. The study recommends prioritizing WFP interventions in these regions, focusing on food assistance and resilience building. Moderate-risk areas like Kajiado and Meru also show vulnerabilities that could benefit from preemptive resilience efforts. To address these challenges, WFP should adopt an integrated approach, enhancing data collection and adaptive programming to respond to the evolving dynamics of climate, conflict, and food insecurity. By refining targeting through hotspot mapping, WFP can improve its impact, fostering climate resilience and promoting peace in Kenya's most vulnerable regions.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Kenya
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study identifies climate security hotspots in Kenya, focusing on the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). It examines the intersection of climate change, food insecurity, and conflict to guide the World Food Programme’s (WFP) targeted interventions. Using data on conflict, climate, and food security—including WFP metrics such as the Food Consumption Score (FCS), Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), and Livelihood Coping Strategies (LCS)—the study maps hotspots across Kenya. By integrating climate and conflict data with food security indicators, it identifies high-risk areas and suggests new potential targets for WFP interventions. This approach helps optimize WFP programming, ensuring more effective monitoring and response in regions where climate vulnerability, conflict, and food insecurity overlap, thereby strengthening emergency responses and informed decision-making.
Main findings
The study identifies Turkana as the most vulnerable county in Kenya, where climate shocks, borderline Food Consumption Scores (FCS), emergency Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), alarming food insecurity levels, and conflict converge. Tana River and Lamu also face high risks from the co-occurrence of conflict, drought, and poor-to-borderline food security. These areas are particularly susceptible to climate-related security risks that exacerbate food insecurity among households and communities. The study recommends prioritizing WFP interventions in these regions, focusing on food assistance and resilience building. Moderate-risk areas like Kajiado and Meru also show vulnerabilities that could benefit from preemptive resilience efforts. To address these challenges, WFP should adopt an integrated approach, enhancing data collection and adaptive programming to respond to the evolving dynamics of climate, conflict, and food insecurity. By refining targeting through hotspot mapping, WFP can improve its impact, fostering climate resilience and promoting peace in Kenya's most vulnerable regions.
WFP Regional Bureau Nairobi WFP Kenya Country Office
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Nigeria
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
In Northern Nigeria, climate change is causing severe socioeconomic impacts, including migration, conflict and displacement, as well as experiences of risks related to water system. To address the challenges, IWMI in partnership with WFP sought to enhance understanding on the climate risks related to water system of fragile and conflict affected communities (FCACs) in Adamawa State of northern Nigeria. The study assessed the water system-related risks and vulnerabilities in FCACs, as evidence for developing and implementing robust anticipatory action, water system-related risks and disasters reduction interventions towards contributing to resilience and peace building in FCACs.
Key activities involved leveraging robust quantitative and qualitative (including photovoice and essays) research methods to investigate how the risks to water system of FCACs transform existing socioeconomic dynamics, and the pathways towards transformative solutions. The study used lived experiences of internally displaced persons residing in FCACs to get a context-specific understanding of their climate risks and vulnerabilities. It conducted exploratory situational analysis, investigated the drivers of water system risks and vulnerabilities, for positive socioeconomic transformations in FCACs. The insights from the study will inform WFP’s agenda to link preparedness, early warning, anticipatory action and response activities, through the levels of vulnerabilities and impacts on food security, livelihoods, peace and health.
Main findings
The study found that Girei and Yola South local government areas, possess higher adaptive capacities, while Song and Hong are more vulnerable due to lower adaptive capacities and higher sensitivity and exposure to environmental and conflict-related risks. Socio-economic characteristics of the IDP households indicated substantial variability in education, income, and healthcare access, further influencing vulnerability levels. This analysis underscores the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance community resilience, focusing on improving adaptive capacities, reducing sensitivities, and effectively managing exposure to water-related conflicts. It was also evident that, effective water governance is key to addressing the compounding challenges of climate change, migration and displacement in Adamawa State, Nigeria. These challenges, as they have been described above, require a multi-level system approach. Recommendations included: facilitating stakeholder collaboration, piloting governance and capacity-building programs, through effective partnerships, implement inclusive community engagement initiatives, and timely Mediation and Arbitration (M&A) through panels that involve local chiefs, religious leaders, and internally displaced persons camp leaders. The evidence provides background information for situational analysis and environmental impact studies to understand anticipatory action priorities in northern Nigeria, while supporting the co-design and implementation of sustainable/resilient floodings and drought solutions.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Burkina Faso
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study assesses the Climate Security Sensitivity Tool (CSST) application for the World Food Programme's (WFP) Community-Based Participatory Planning (CBPP) approach in Burkina Faso's Centre Nord and Plateau Central regions. The main objective is to evaluate how effectively the CBPP addresses local climate and conflict risks while enhancing food security and community resilience. CSST is applied to identify potential drivers of conflict and determine the program’s impact on six climate-peace mechanisms: economic development, building institutions, trust and cooperation, resource sustainability, knowledge enhancement, and resilience. Activities include scoring these mechanisms across both regions and using spider charts to visualize program alignment with ideal conflict-sensitive programming. The study also recommends context-specific improvements for Centre Nord, where CBPP scores were lower, advising enhancements in public services, environmental conservation, and traditional knowledge integration to foster sustainable peace and resilience.
Main findings
The CSST application reveals that WFP's CBPP approach generally aligns well with peace-building objectives in Burkina Faso's Plateau Central but requires adjustments in Centre Nord to address specific vulnerabilities and enhance program impact. In Centre Nord, recommendations include increasing the availability of public services, strengthening forest protection measures to prevent exploitation by non-state armed groups, and incorporating traditional knowledge to improve local climate adaptation strategies. These measures are expected to strengthen community resilience, reduce resource-based conflicts, and promote social cohesion. The study underscores the value of climate-sensitive, peace-oriented programming in fragile regions, noting that when climate adaptation strategies incorporate local needs and conflict drivers, they offer transformative resilience and contribute significantly to food security and regional stability.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Burkina Faso
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study assesses the Climate Security Sensitivity Tool (CSST) application for the World Food Programme's (WFP) Community-Based Participatory Planning (CBPP) approach in Burkina Faso's Centre Nord and Plateau Central regions. The main objective is to evaluate how effectively the CBPP addresses local climate and conflict risks while enhancing food security and community resilience. CSST is applied to identify potential drivers of conflict and determine the program’s impact on six climate-peace mechanisms: economic development, building institutions, trust and cooperation, resource sustainability, knowledge enhancement, and resilience. Activities include scoring these mechanisms across both regions and using spider charts to visualize program alignment with ideal conflict-sensitive programming. The study also recommends context-specific improvements for Centre Nord, where CBPP scores were lower, advising enhancements in public services, environmental conservation, and traditional knowledge integration to foster sustainable peace and resilience.
Main findings
The CSST application reveals that WFP's CBPP approach generally aligns well with peace-building objectives in Burkina Faso's Plateau Central but requires adjustments in Centre Nord to address specific vulnerabilities and enhance program impact. In Centre Nord, recommendations include increasing the availability of public services, strengthening forest protection measures to prevent exploitation by non-state armed groups, and incorporating traditional knowledge to improve local climate adaptation strategies. These measures are expected to strengthen community resilience, reduce resource-based conflicts, and promote social cohesion. The study underscores the value of climate-sensitive, peace-oriented programming in fragile regions, noting that when climate adaptation strategies incorporate local needs and conflict drivers, they offer transformative resilience and contribute significantly to food security and regional stability.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Financing
Country/Region: Ethiopia
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
The Somali Region of Ethiopia faces displacement and vulnerable livelihoods due to climate change, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. There is an urgent need for improved food and water security, and secure livelihoods in refugee-hosting communities, highlighting the need for scalable solutions in sustainability, resilience, and disaster risk management. To address this, IWMI, WFP, and partners co-designed research-for-development (R4D) activities to assess societal challenges and develop nature-based solutions for resilience. These activities include stakeholder analysis and mapping, identifying skill and knowledge gaps in water resources management, analyzing community practices, assessing nature-based solutions and designing context-specific interventions, participatory flood mapping, and capacity building. The co-designed activities support WFP’s resilience programs by identifying data gaps in water resources management, designing nature-based solutions, and leveraging local ecological knowledge for disaster risk management.
Main findings
Our analysis shows that the vulnerability of refugees, IDPs, and host communities results from complex factors, including the degradation of natural resources, limited livelihood assets, poor land use practices, lack of knowledge of and experience in agriculture, and pressures induced by drought, floods, deforestation, and climate change. These drivers and pressures lead to food and water insecurity, poverty, and weakened disaster resilience. The study identified several context-specific nature-based solutions, including water harvesting, ecological restoration, agroforestry, and buffer zone management. These findings have informed the integration of nature-based solutions in flood and drought management, resilience, and food security programs, underscoring the value of local ecological knowledge, the impact of livelihood changes on program design, and identifying gaps in water resource management skills. In addition, the research strengthened local capacities in irrigation and water user association management. The findings are being used by WFP, partner organizations, and government offices to guide intervention design, proposal development, and update training materials, reinforcing evidence-based programming for future efforts.
WFP - Country office (Ethiopia) and sub-national office at Dolo Ado
Ethiopian government sector offices (Water, Agriculture, Livestock, Natural Resource Management, and Disaster Risk Management)
UNHCR Bokolmayo office
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Niger
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study evaluates the application of the Climate Security Sensitivity Tool (CSST) in WFP's Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI) Nexus Project in Tillaberi, Niger, to improve conflict-sensitive climate adaptation. The project, spanning 2022-2024, aims to strengthen social cohesion, resilience, and resource sustainability among vulnerable groups, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. The CSST assessment focuses on six climate-peace mechanisms: economic development, building institutions, cooperation, resource sustainability, enhancing knowledge, and resilience. Project activities include food assistance, land restoration, vocational training, nutritional support, and capacity building for social cohesion. Each mechanism is scored, providing a conflict-sensitive lens to address the specific risks of Tillaberi's context, such as resource-based conflicts and the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Recommendations address identified gaps, particularly in enhancing knowledge and institutional capacity, with the goal of supporting peace-building alongside climate adaptation.
Main findings
The CSST analysis reveals that the FPI Nexus Project contributes positively to social cohesion, resource sustainability, and resilience in Tillaberi, with high scores in economic development and community trust. However, the study identifies areas for improvement, especially in integrating local knowledge and strengthening institutional capacities. The project’s focus on land restoration and resource management effectively reduces conflict risks and supports intergroup cooperation, but gaps remain in adequately incorporating indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation. The findings suggest that a stronger emphasis on inclusive governance, particularly in land and resource management, would improve conflict sensitivity. Enhancing partnerships with local institutions and recognizing traditional resource use practices could foster greater cohesion and reduce vulnerabilities. Overall, the study underscores that well-designed, climate-sensitive interventions are crucial in fragile regions to promote stability and resilience amidst climate and security challenges.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Niger
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study evaluates the application of the Climate Security Sensitivity Tool (CSST) in WFP's Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI) Nexus Project in Tillaberi, Niger, to improve conflict-sensitive climate adaptation. The project, spanning 2022-2024, aims to strengthen social cohesion, resilience, and resource sustainability among vulnerable groups, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. The CSST assessment focuses on six climate-peace mechanisms: economic development, building institutions, cooperation, resource sustainability, enhancing knowledge, and resilience. Project activities include food assistance, land restoration, vocational training, nutritional support, and capacity building for social cohesion. Each mechanism is scored, providing a conflict-sensitive lens to address the specific risks of Tillaberi's context, such as resource-based conflicts and the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Recommendations address identified gaps, particularly in enhancing knowledge and institutional capacity, with the goal of supporting peace-building alongside climate adaptation.
Main findings
The CSST analysis reveals that the FPI Nexus Project contributes positively to social cohesion, resource sustainability, and resilience in Tillaberi, with high scores in economic development and community trust. However, the study identifies areas for improvement, especially in integrating local knowledge and strengthening institutional capacities. The project’s focus on land restoration and resource management effectively reduces conflict risks and supports intergroup cooperation, but gaps remain in adequately incorporating indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation. The findings suggest that a stronger emphasis on inclusive governance, particularly in land and resource management, would improve conflict sensitivity. Enhancing partnerships with local institutions and recognizing traditional resource use practices could foster greater cohesion and reduce vulnerabilities. Overall, the study underscores that well-designed, climate-sensitive interventions are crucial in fragile regions to promote stability and resilience amidst climate and security challenges.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Niger
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
This study evaluates the application of the Climate Security Sensitivity Tool (CSST) in WFP's Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI) Nexus Project in Tillaberi, Niger, to improve conflict-sensitive climate adaptation. The project, spanning 2022-2024, aims to strengthen social cohesion, resilience, and resource sustainability among vulnerable groups, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. The CSST assessment focuses on six climate-peace mechanisms: economic development, building institutions, cooperation, resource sustainability, enhancing knowledge, and resilience. Project activities include food assistance, land restoration, vocational training, nutritional support, and capacity building for social cohesion. Each mechanism is scored, providing a conflict-sensitive lens to address the specific risks of Tillaberi's context, such as resource-based conflicts and the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Recommendations address identified gaps, particularly in enhancing knowledge and institutional capacity, with the goal of supporting peace-building alongside climate adaptation.
Main findings
The CSST analysis reveals that the FPI Nexus Project contributes positively to social cohesion, resource sustainability, and resilience in Tillaberi, with high scores in economic development and community trust. However, the study identifies areas for improvement, especially in integrating local knowledge and strengthening institutional capacities. The project’s focus on land restoration and resource management effectively reduces conflict risks and supports intergroup cooperation, but gaps remain in adequately incorporating indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation. The findings suggest that a stronger emphasis on inclusive governance, particularly in land and resource management, would improve conflict sensitivity. Enhancing partnerships with local institutions and recognizing traditional resource use practices could foster greater cohesion and reduce vulnerabilities. Overall, the study underscores that well-designed, climate-sensitive interventions are crucial in fragile regions to promote stability and resilience amidst climate and security challenges.
World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau for Western Africa (Dakar)
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Mozambique
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study investigates the complex interplay of conflict, climate hazards, and socio-economic factors contributing to fragility in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Conducted by CGIAR to support WFP, the study uses a systems-based Compound Risk Framework (CRF) to analyze vulnerabilities and resilience drivers in the region. Objectives include identifying key factors impacting food security and stability, with a focus on climate-induced hazards like droughts and floods alongside persistent armed conflict. Activities include mapping conflict and climate risks over the past 30 years and projecting future climate impacts until 2040. The study also performs a conflict-sensitivity analysis, evaluating the deadliness, danger, diffusion, and fragmentation of conflict events in Cabo Delgado’s districts. By quantifying risks and assessing exposure pathways, the CRF offers insights to inform WFP’s interventions, aiming to build climate resilience, food security, and peace in this fragile setting.
Main findings
The study concludes that Cabo Delgado’s fragility results from a critical convergence of severe climate hazards, ongoing conflict, and socio-economic instability. Conflict is the primary driver of food insecurity, accounting for 37% of the variance in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) levels, followed closely by climate-induced floods at 25%. Other stressors, such as rangeland degradation and high temperatures, compound these challenges. The CRF findings emphasize the need for conflict-sensitive climate adaptation strategies, highlighting the importance of local food production and trade as buffers against food insecurity. The report suggests prioritizing interventions that support smallholder farmers and enhance basic services to build resilience. The study’s systems approach underscores that effective resilience-building in Cabo Delgado requires integrated, targeted efforts across sectors, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term adaptation to mitigate the impacts of climate and conflict on vulnerable populations.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Mozambique
Start/End: September 2023 – October 2024
Project objectives and activities
The study investigates the complex interplay of conflict, climate hazards, and socio-economic factors contributing to fragility in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Conducted by CGIAR to support WFP, the study uses a systems-based Compound Risk Framework (CRF) to analyze vulnerabilities and resilience drivers in the region. Objectives include identifying key factors impacting food security and stability, with a focus on climate-induced hazards like droughts and floods alongside persistent armed conflict. Activities include mapping conflict and climate risks over the past 30 years and projecting future climate impacts until 2040. The study also performs a conflict-sensitivity analysis, evaluating the deadliness, danger, diffusion, and fragmentation of conflict events in Cabo Delgado’s districts. By quantifying risks and assessing exposure pathways, the CRF offers insights to inform WFP’s interventions, aiming to build climate resilience, food security, and peace in this fragile setting.
Main findings
The study concludes that Cabo Delgado’s fragility results from a critical convergence of severe climate hazards, ongoing conflict, and socio-economic instability. Conflict is the primary driver of food insecurity, accounting for 37% of the variance in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) levels, followed closely by climate-induced floods at 25%. Other stressors, such as rangeland degradation and high temperatures, compound these challenges. The CRF findings emphasize the need for conflict-sensitive climate adaptation strategies, highlighting the importance of local food production and trade as buffers against food insecurity. The report suggests prioritizing interventions that support smallholder farmers and enhance basic services to build resilience. The study’s systems approach underscores that effective resilience-building in Cabo Delgado requires integrated, targeted efforts across sectors, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term adaptation to mitigate the impacts of climate and conflict on vulnerable populations.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Global
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
To enhance global awareness and policy action on the interplay between food security and climate change through the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises.
Main findings
The brief highlights the escalating impact of climate-related shocks on global food security, emphasizing the critical need for coordinated action. In 2023, climate extremes—exacerbated by the hottest year on record and the El Niño phenomenon—drove acute food insecurity for nearly 72 million people across 18 countries, with African nations bearing the heaviest burden. Climate-induced disruptions, such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, not only exacerbate food crises but also fuel displacement, resource competition, and hinder recovery in fragile contexts.
Key recommendations include enhancing data collection systems, integrating conflict-sensitive risk assessments, aligning climate adaptation policies with transformative food system interventions, and de-risking investments to bolster resilience. Locally-led, inclusive approaches are essential to reducing displacement risks and fostering community-driven adaptation efforts. The text calls for urgent financial and strategic support to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, displacement, and food insecurity, ensuring sustainable and equitable solutions for vulnerable populations.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Global
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
To enhance global awareness and policy action on the interplay between food security and climate change through the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises.
Main findings
The brief highlights the escalating impact of climate-related shocks on global food security, emphasizing the critical need for coordinated action. In 2023, climate extremes—exacerbated by the hottest year on record and the El Niño phenomenon—drove acute food insecurity for nearly 72 million people across 18 countries, with African nations bearing the heaviest burden. Climate-induced disruptions, such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, not only exacerbate food crises but also fuel displacement, resource competition, and hinder recovery in fragile contexts.
Key recommendations include enhancing data collection systems, integrating conflict-sensitive risk assessments, aligning climate adaptation policies with transformative food system interventions, and de-risking investments to bolster resilience. Locally-led, inclusive approaches are essential to reducing displacement risks and fostering community-driven adaptation efforts. The text calls for urgent financial and strategic support to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, displacement, and food insecurity, ensuring sustainable and equitable solutions for vulnerable populations.
Activity type: Complementary Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement
Pillar: Supporting Smallholder Farmers to Build Production and Livelihood Resilience
Country/Region: Global
Start/End: June 2023 – June 2024
Project objectives and activities
To enhance global awareness and policy action on the interplay between food security and climate change through the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises.
Main findings
The brief highlights the escalating impact of climate-related shocks on global food security, emphasizing the critical need for coordinated action. In 2023, climate extremes—exacerbated by the hottest year on record and the El Niño phenomenon—drove acute food insecurity for nearly 72 million people across 18 countries, with African nations bearing the heaviest burden. Climate-induced disruptions, such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, not only exacerbate food crises but also fuel displacement, resource competition, and hinder recovery in fragile contexts.
Key recommendations include enhancing data collection systems, integrating conflict-sensitive risk assessments, aligning climate adaptation policies with transformative food system interventions, and de-risking investments to bolster resilience. Locally-led, inclusive approaches are essential to reducing displacement risks and fostering community-driven adaptation efforts. The text calls for urgent financial and strategic support to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, displacement, and food insecurity, ensuring sustainable and equitable solutions for vulnerable populations.
