evaluation of general food distribution in northern uganda: gulu ...

1.4 CoordinationNRC’s approach to coordination through openness, transparent dialogue and sharing ofinformation with humanitarian organizations, agencies, beneficiaries as well as Governmenthas been imperative to efficient coordination during food distribution. However, lack of activecoordination on behalf of all stakeholders (perhaps due to lack of clear understanding ofroles and responsibilities) is having a negative effect on the current recovery response,leaving IDPs in a void.Therefore the Evaluation recommends the following:♦♦♦NRC should push/advocate for an articulation of roles and responsibilities as well strongcoordination amongst humanitarian actors through the recovery phase.NRC should capitalise on its longstanding good partnership with WFP to push andadvocate more strongly for the solution of long standing problems like e.g. answeringIDPs complaints.NRC is also urged to make its own strategic objectives, buffer budget and contingencyplan, so as not be contingent upon WFP delays and bureaucracy.1.5 Connectedness – Relief & RecoveryStrong and effective leadership is critical for articulating the link between relief and recoveryand for galvanizing early recovery efforts. Lack of leadership in a post emergency situationcreates a sense of paralysis amongst actors. Indeed also co-operation between the differentactors, government/donors/humanitarian agencies/NGOs, is critical for successful recoveryefforts. At present stakeholders do not seem clear of their roles and responsibilities and thishampers a smooth transition into recovery.In a complex situation such as that in northern Uganda, the beneficiaries’ perspectives andneeds of the communities should be the driving force to avoid pushing people into furtherdestitution. Needs’ assessments should be the basis for decision-making in humanitariansituations.Humanitarian organisations working on the ground have sound knowledge of the realitiesand needs of the ground and if properly packaged can be used to influence programmes andpolicy. However, there seems to be few and disperse funds av ailable for the much neededrecovery activities. Availability of funds in a predictable, timely (more than 6 months) andcoherent fashion can improve planning for recovery and assist in implementation of usefullivelihoods programmes.Therefore it is recommended:♦♦With the resources, capacity and goodwill NRC has in Uganda, the organisation shouldtake a lead in advocating for concerted recovery efforts. The current lack of leadershipfrom GoU as well as the humanitarian community should not prohibit NRC fromexercising its mandate and leverage as an independent, capable and important NGO tomove forward and set examples for the recovery process.NRC should advocate for targeted and needs based interventions. This will imply carryingout research and studies (of which some recommendations have been made in thisreport) so as to have a credible evidence base for future programming. Time is not inanybody’s favour. For every delay a farming season for the IDPs may be missed.6