Operationalizing the HDP Nexus Approach in Food Security Cluster Countries

Operationalizing the HDPN approach implicates a synergy and parallel work in key elements: joint programming, advocacy, needs analysis, MEAL, funding. This section explores the status of these key elements of HDPN operationalization in countries with activated Food Security Clusters / Sectors.

Joint programming

In many of the operations – 15 out of 27 which responded – the examples of the joint programming initiatives have not yet been reported. In these operations, the question of HDPN is either in its initial stage of discussion among humanitarian and/or HDP community (Bangladesh Rohingya Refugee Response, Central African Republic, Ukraine, Myanmar where HNRP (Humanitarian need and response plan) is now linked with the Transitional Cooperation Framework as strategic Humanitarian/Development framework), or actors from different pillars are programming, planning or implementing in silos.

In 6 operations joint planning and programming efforts were initiated but have not been funded so far, while in other 6 operations – Burkina Faso, Niger, Lebanon, Chad, Somalia, Pakistan – they have been funded and implemented. In Burkina Faso, the Green Growth Global Institute, funded by Korean Aid (KOICA), is implementing, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Water a 5-year HDP Nexus Programme in Centre North and Sahel Belt. In Somalia, some of the examples of joint projects are among FAO/ WFP, FAO/IOM, WFP/WB, FAO/Government etc. In Pakistan, WFP and FAO are implementing a joint flood recovery project in one of the worst 2022 flood affected districts in Sindh province, and there are also some other joint programmes with the funding of EU-FPI for three provinces. In Niger, WFP and UNICEF Nexus project has been implemented in one of the regions. 

This information has been reported by the cluster coordinators. There might be other programmes that the FSC coordinators are not aware of.

Joint advocacy of HDP actors

In most of the countries– 15 operations – no joint advocacy has been reported, however in 8 operations joint advocacy efforts have been undertaken, though not funded yet. In 4 operations – Cameroon, Chad, Somalia, Pakistan – joint advocacy to fund joint programmes was successful. 

Joint needs analysis and assessments

In 7 operations joint needs analysis and assessment exercises across HDP actors have been undertaken – in Venezuela, Haiti, Chad, Sudan, Somalia, Syria Gaziantep and Pakistan. For example, in Pakistan, development and humanitarian actors contributed to Inter Agency Joint Needs Assessment in post 2022 floods in three provinces. 

Joint MEAL

In 12 operations no joint MEAL initiatives were reported. At the same time, in some operations progress against some of the MEAL components has been reported.

Joint HDP mapping of actors and activities has been reported by 9 coordinators. In 5 countries where the FSC was piloting the Outcome 9 of the GNAFC initiatives (Chad, Nigeria, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan), a joint HDPN mapping was undertaken by the FSC and its partners, with contributions from development and peace actors. In some other countries, both humanitarian and resilience programmes are being reported also to the cluster (Lebanon, Mozambique where HDP mapping is being undertaken at the sub-national level).

The most of other elements of the MEAL – joint and shared data collection, joint monitoring framework and learning – were implemented in couple of operations. Some good examples of collaboration between HDPN actors to learn from. 

• Burkina Faso: the community-based resilience and stabilization project. 

• Pacific: most cyclone responses across the Pacific have elements of humanitarian and development collaboration and planning.

• Honduras: collection of information and evaluations for immediate help interventions and anticipatory actions such as family gardens, microenterprises. Contingency planning against drought and actions by the Humanitarian Network, carrying out evaluations for damages caused by storms and rains as support to the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock and multipurpose cash transfers.

• Haiti: example of intersectoral approach by ActionAid that has undertaken research to fill this gap and bring new insights to the rhetoric, by drawing on the experiences of women and their organizations working across the Nexus.

• Ethiopia: collaboration between HCT and Development Partners Group.

• South Sudan: Participatory Learning Exercise on best HDP practices

• Ukraine: discussions with development actors on the needs of joint coordination were taking place before the escalation. 

• Pakistan: Post Disaster Needs Assessment led by the Government of Pakistan with support of UN and other stakeholders; 4-RF (Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework) of the Government of Pakistan linking recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

• Colombia: Anticipatory Actions approach promoted by humanitarian projects incorporated in some governmental sectorial plans.

Joint funding

In 13 operations no joint funding projects have been reported. However, at 7 operations UN multi-partners funds have been operational and in 6 donor working groups established.  

Other similar examples of joint funding were reported in the dry corridor of Honduras, where the Red Cross, WFP and FAO developed joint actions with a focus on anticipatory actions. In Ethiopia, Nexus Accelerator Group has been established. In South Sudan, in line with FSLC 2024 strategy, WFP and FAO are working on joint initiatives to link food assistance and livelihood support for a better impact and sustainability.