Mauritania: An evaluation of WFP's Portfolio (2011-2015)

This country portfolio evaluation covers the period 2011-2015. It assessed: a) alignment and strategic positioning; b) quality and drivers of strategic decisions; and c) performance and results of WFP operations through a period of three crises. The evaluation found the portfolio broadly relevant and aligned with the needs of women and men and with government policies particularly those on social protection and food security. WFP’s strategic decision-making was supported by an effective and regular food-security monitoring system, but national dependence on WFP’s support for this has not diminished as initially envisaged by the country strategy. Shortcomings in strategic continuity were strognly influenced by inadequate funding, exacerbated by unstable human resources in the country office, particularly at the management level. WFP’s assistance to Malian refugees was effective, improving their food consumption and contributing to reducing the incidence of acute malnutrition. The effectiveness of assistance to food insecure Mauritanian populations varied widely with funding swings in the period. The evaluation recommends that WFP refocus on its initial strategy objectives of 2011, to build national institutional capacities and focus geographically.