Highlights:

Context and methodology:

It has been over a decade since the European Court of Auditors (ECA) conducted a performance audit in development cooperation actions addressing food security, sustainable aquatic and agri-food systems, and nutrition (cf. special report 01/2012: “Effectiveness of EU development aid for food security in sub-Saharan Africa”).

The audit was carried out by means of on-the-spot visits to Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia, desk reviews for Chad, Niger and South Sudan, interviews with relevant stakeholders, and analysis of documents for all countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

This audit offers a timely opportunity to assess the progress made since 2012 and provide insights that will guide future EU actions.

These findings can also be valuable input to the planning of the next multiannual financial framework.

Key aspects audited:

ECA examined whether the Commission targeted and implemented its actions to fight hunger in sub-Saharan Africa effectively. More specifically, they assessed whether: i) the Commission’s development actions to fight hunger addressed the most relevant needs and priorities; and ii) the Commission had implemented these actions effectively.

Key findings and recommendations:

• The Commission’s actions did not always address the greatest needs

Overall, ECA found that the Commission has made valuable efforts to combat food insecurity and malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, but that its actions have not always targeted those with the greatest needs and lacked sufficient focus on impact and sustainability. The lack of a clear and documented methodology for prioritising regions or target groups, coupled with needs that exceed the funds available, has constrained the overall effectiveness of the interventions.

• The Commission’s actions were valuable and coordinated satisfactorily, but lacked sufficient focus on impact and sustainability

According to ECA, although coordination has been satisfactory, weaknesses in project design and monitoring, and challenges in addressing the underlying root causes of food insecurity have negatively impacted the sustainability of projects. While EU actions have been aligned with partner countries’ policies, and the Commission’s actions have contributed to progress, significant challenges persist in reducing malnutrition and food insecurity.

The European Commission overalll accepts these recommendations - detailed replies of the EC can be found here: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/replies-european-commission-european-court-auditors-special-resort-commission-support_en