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C-SAFE explores better practices in food aid programming, relevant to HIV/AIDS context
Consortium for the Southern Africa Food Security Emergency (C-SAFE)
November 03, 2004

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Better practices in food aid programming that are relevant to an HIV/AIDS context are explored in two new studies compiled by the Consortium for Southern Africa Food Security Emergency.

The final reports - "Food for Assets: Adapting Programming to an HIV/AIDS Context" and "Targeted Food Assistance in the Context of HIV/AIDS" have been released following a participatory review process of the draft findings in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa.

The Food for Assets (FFA) study examines a variety of C-SAFE and non-C-SAFE FFA projects with the aim of identifying better practices in FFA programming, specifically considering persons and households affected by HIV/AIDS in the planning, creation/development, and management of assets. The study also explores the role of project design and targeting for FFA in a high HIV prevalence context.

In addition to outlining the evolution of Food For Assets terminology from Food For Work, which focuses on the move from 'employment generation' to 'community managed assets', the study presents a portfolio of FFA projects that mitigate against the impacts of HIV/AIDS, plus an HIV/AIDS analysis tool for FFA programming.

The tool, which is currently being field tested by C-SAFE, involves a series of guidance questions to be applied at the design stage of a FFA project. Themes include adjusting work norms, and seeking creative ways to allow for increased participation of AIDS affected individuals and households.

C-SAFE's second study, "Targeted Food Assistance in the Context of HIV/AIDS? Better Practices in C-SAFE Programming in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe", looks at the Consortium's targeted food assistance (TFA) programs in order to better understand the opportunities, constraints and better practices associated with TFA, with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS-affected individuals and households.

The study examines TFA for non-medical interventions, covering topics such as beneficiary targeting and selection, the development of graduation and exit strategies, and the creative provision of complementary programming and appropriate food rations in an HIV/AIDS context. Findings are presented through detailed analysis, case studies and learning points.

Linking TFA with medical interventions is also covered to provide direction on how to connect food assistance with tuberculosis, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and anti-retroviral treatment programming. These guidance notes will be updated as better practices emerge and empirical evidence begins to inform programming.

"The onus is clearly on the southern Africa region to intentionally document and disseminate learning on the use of food assistance where HIV prevalence is high. This study is intended to provide a springboard to further discussion and much-needed research that will drive decision-making and programming here and around the world," says Kara Greenblott, C-SAFE program manager.

Both studies were developed with input from C-SAFE programming staff and stakeholders such as WFP in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as regional offices in South Africa. The documents are attached below, available on www.c-safe.org in hard copy and on CD. The C-SAFE Learning Center will also produce a pocket field guide based on each study, highlighting major themes and checklists.

C-SAFE's program was designed with the understanding that the severity of the 2002 food security emergency reflected the fragility of livelihoods throughout southern Africa and that any strategy seeking to successfully reverse this trend must address both the 'acute' and the underlying 'chronic' food insecurity. C-SAFE was thus founded on a broader and more diversified understanding of livelihood and safety-net recovery, and was intended to complement the ongoing developmental programming that C-SAFE members have undertaken in this region over the last several decades.

C-SAFE operates in Zambia and Zimbabwe, with plans to expand into Lesotho later this year. C-SAFE Malawi transitioned from the regional 'developmental relief' program in September, and is now operating a country-specific Development Assistance Program (DAP). C-SAFE is funded by USAID's Office of Food for Peace.

Kisty Allen-Shirley
C-SAFE Communications Coordinator

Consortium for Southern Africa Food Security Emergency
Regional Program Unit
Johannesburg - South Africa
phone +27 (0) 11 679 3601
cell +27 (0) 72 783 3696
fax +27 (0) 11 6793597
website: www.c-safe.org

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