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The Philippines has a long history of violent regional conflict that has hindered efforts to reduce poverty and hunger. This means that, despite a strengthening national economy, malnutrition remains a serious and growing issue in the Philippines.
The problem is especially acute in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where natural hazards as well as armed conflicts have created intergenerational setbacks. About 49 per cent of people in BARMM suffer from chronic malnutrition, while 45 per cent of children under five are affected by stunting – the highest prevalence of stunting in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced the incomes for over three quarters of the population in BARMM, has increased malnutrition in the region.
Determined to improve this situation through capacitybuilding of government entities, the World Food Programme (WFP) has expanded food security and nutrition programmes in BARMM to build inclusive and sustainable food systems while improving social cohesion in conflict affected communities. School meals have been a particular focus of this work, as they provide direct food support to affected children as part of national safety net programmes, increasing children’s access to learning opportunities and helping improve their health and nutrition status.
This case study presents important insights from an external evaluation of these efforts over the past five years (2018 to 2022). Documenting these insights aims to inform WFP’s efforts in other countries and contribute to the global evidence base on country capacity strengthening, especially in conflict contexts