Local and Regional Procurement
Moderator: Lisa Kuennen-Asfaw, Director, Public Donor Group, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Presenter: Joshua Poole, Public Donor Liaison, CRS
Content: An LRP approach offers donors and PVOs an alternative tool to address rising food aid costs and the issue of delivery time. While challenges do exist with this approach, evidence and data are being collected from a growing number of projects currently being implemented globally. This data will help shed light on quality standards, product specifications, impact on local markets and prices, as well as potentially sustainable benefits.
Discussion: This session explored how LRP is being used for emergency as well as development efforts, examples of efforts in the field, and how PVOs are working together through the Learning Alliance to document data and findings for future advocacy-related efforts. Additionally, the session looked ahead to the next Farm Bill and how current data can be used to influence policy. A key discussion point was over the benefits of cash transfers versus use of vouchers.
The Way Forward: Recommendations were made in three areas:
Processes
- More research around the use of locally-produced products necessary
- Explore how Title II Commodities can/should respond to the National Malnutrition Management Protocol
Donor Policy and Practices
- Allow countries and programs to select foods to be included
- How can FFP be more open to local procurement or for other commodities particularly for severe or acute malnourished children; FFP should allow commodities/food products from other countries who have the capacity to manufacture or produce.
- Encourage local factories while still keeping the same sources-current manufacturing can be in coordination with local companies to produce fortified blended foods (FBF)’s
Advocacy
- Advocate for a “shift” in priority from children to adults-food supplements should not just be focused on children but also improving status for pregnant women and people living with HIV