The first publication of a knowledge partnership between SIPRI and the World Food Programme (WFP) assesses the contribution of WFP to the improvement of the prospects for peace, based on four field research-based case studies in El Salvador, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Mali. Strong contributions were found in livelihood investments, in building good links between the state and citizens, in natural resource management and in community-based participatory approaches, areas that also show a close link to climate change. The report “The World Food Programme’s Contribution to Improving the Prospects for Peace” also explored whether WFP’s programming potentially exacerbates conflict or increases the risk of conflict.
Climate security angle
The authors Caroline Delgado, Suyoun Jang, Gary Milante and Dan Smith address the impacts of Climate change in the chapter on ‘cross-cutting findings’. These impacts arise in each of the four case study countries and demand growing attention by WFP in the future. Climate change is determined as a significant cause of the increase in world hunger in the past half-decade.
“There is considerable evidence available of the security-related risks of climate change, among which are some that hinge on issues of food security such as price volatility”
As part of the Dry Corridor that includes areas in Honduras and Guatemala, parts of El Salvador are currently dealing with the worst droughts in a decade, particularly affecting small-scale farmers and local communities with migration and violence as possible results. In Mali, climate change, land degradation and demographic challenges have led to increased competition for land and water, which PSI covered extensively in the past, most recently after the killings in Ogossagou, in March. In Kyrgyzstan where livelihoods and food security of vulnerable people as well as water availability are affected by climate change, the country office has received funds to work with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). WFP is also working with the Iraqi government on a GCF proposal. The report introduces the situation more thoroughly, concluding that in a climate-changing world, WFP, like the rest of the international system, will have to adjust its programming. The importance of climate sensitivity is stressed, as well as the inclusion of climate change impacts in conflict analysis.
The research suggests that in order to fulfill its ambitions and commitments, WFP will need to make changes, especially in its methods. The report proposes five areas of change:
- Conflict sensitivity;
- Targeting aid;
- Working holistically;
- Partnerships management and;
- Measuring progress in contributing to peace