Support to the Mid-Term Review in the DRC Multi-Dimensional Poverty Analysis (MDPA)

Purpose and use

The evaluation covers Sida’s core support to the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) from 2022-2025. Primary users are Sida, the WILPF International Board and International Secretariat. Other users are the Embassy of Sweden in Amman and other Swedish Embassies; WILPF members, partners and networks; academics, policymakers, and other funders.

Conclusion
Sida’s support was relevant at the start of the evaluation and WILPF’s feminist approach to peace has remained relevant over time despite challenges created by a deteriorating context. The support complements Sida’s support to the Women, Peace and Security sector and the support of others funding WILPF projects and programmes. The deteriorating context makes progress towards results difficult, but some progress is noted. WILPF’s decision-making processes are slowed by the Constitution and its commitment to feminist principles, which the International Secretariat is working with the International Board to address. Despite diminishing funding, the potential for sustainability of results exists.

Recommendation
The primary recommendation is that Sida should continue to support WILPF.

Zambia’s Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme, which is a key part of the UN Joint Programme on Social Protection in Zambia (UNJPSP II), aims to reduce multidimensional poverty. It focus in particular on the most marginalised women, children as well as people with disabilities.

Main evaluation method: Quantitative analysis of existing secondary data.

Positives: We find positive effect on food security and dietary diversity among poor households, especially in rural areas, as well as on children’s health. Some gains were also noted in small business engagement among urban recipients, and rural households have started more home gardening activities.

Potential shortcomings: Negative effects were found on breastfeeding and vitamin A uptake due to misconceptions about nutrition and SCT eligibility. We also found negative effects on asset accumulation. Targeting was weak in urban areas. While reaching 33% of Zambia’s population, SCT has not been sufficient to counteract the rise in national poverty. However, the SCT were only equivalent to the purchasing power of USD 0.25 per day per household. Irregular payments and low transfer amounts remain key challenges, despite strong government commitment.