Evaluation of AHP Activations on Food Security and Livelihoods in Ethiopia and Kenya
The Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) activations on Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) in the Horn of Africa in 2023-2024 worked to address high levels of food insecurity, malnutrition and acute water stress as well as associated public health risks, gender-based violence and protection risks from prolonged drought, flooding, conflict and displacement.
Two activations were undertaken. An AUD 10 million investment in Ethiopia was delivered through two consortia led by Plan International Australia and Oxfam Australia. An AUD 3 million investment in Kenya was delivered by Oxfam Australia through its national affiliate.
This independent evaluation assessed the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the interventions as well as the complementarity of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and protection components. The evaluation also considered accountability, localisation and the extent to which the interventions improved resilience of the target populations and addressed the needs of marginalised groups.
The evaluation found that the interventions were effective as they produced expected results with positive change including in livelihoods opportunities, food security and nutrition, community stability and psychological wellbeing particularly for vulnerable groups.
While the project promoted strategies to build resilience, further interventions would consolidate gains and help address longer-term needs amidst harsh conditions and climate change. The investments were tailored to meet community needs, although more specific strategies and practices employed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities would have improved effectiveness.