Standard Project Report 2016
Country Resources and Results
Resources for Results
Funding for the WFP DPRK country office decreased in 2016, which is in line with the overall trend of declining funding in recent years. During the PRRO 200532 programme lifetime, WFP received USD 98.5 million which equalled roughly 50 percent of overall project requirements. In light of consistent funding shortfalls, WFP scaled back the operational scope of PRRO 200907, which commenced in July 2016. Instead of targeting 87 operational counties as under the previous programme, the new PRRO targets 60 operational counties. Based on funding trends, and given the tension and political situation in the Korean Peninsula, funding may decrease further in 2017.
WFP in DPRK continuously adjusts its operations based on available and projected funding. Taking into account the long procurement lead time of four to six months, this often results in preemptive cuts to ration sizes or coverage. For example, in December 2016 the country office reduced fortified biscuit rations in anticipation of breaks in assistance in April 2017, which were a result of funding shortages. However, these constant adjustments risk diminishing nutritional results for beneficiaries. Therefore, in preparation for the launch of PRRO 200907, WFP prepared a new prioritisation strategy, drawing lessons from previous practise. The new strategy is designed to maximise nutritional results for high priority beneficiaries, particularly children and pregnant and lactating women( PLW), in the event of funding shortfalls.
WFP continuously seeks ways to ameliorate funding shortages by adjusting its internal processes to deliver the best value for money. For example, the fleet management staff made a more concerted effort to reduce fuel costs by encouraging carpooling on journeys within Pyongyang. Five old less efficient vehicles were also sold. Wherever possible, the procurement team sought long-term agreements for regularly purchased items to save time and costs.
Until the third quarter of 2016, WFP field internet connectivity was offered via three offices in Wonsan, Chongjin and Hamhung. However, the high cost of maintaining the fibre optic network and frequent connectivity failure prompted the country office to seek alternative methods. WFP tested the use of portable dongles for internet connectivity and, after finding them effective, introduced them for staff use in June 2016. The new dongles provided cost and time savings, as field staff could access the internet wherever Koryolink( a local telecommunications network) service was available, instead of having to travel to a field office. Due to alternate connectivity options, as well as cash shortages in-country related to the United Nations sanctions on DPRK, WFP decided to close its three field offices in summer 2016. These office closures resulted in annual cost savings of USD 28,800 in rent alone.
The Government also provides significant in-kind contributions to the WFP programme, including office space which equates to annual rent savings of USD 132,842.
Achievements at Country Level
In 2016, WFP food rations helped fill the nutrition gap for more than one million people in DPRK, providing essential protein, fat and energy for the most vulnerable children, and pregnant and lactating women( PLW).
WFP made further improvements to its food rations under the new PRRO 200907, based on lessons learned from previous operations. In 2016, dried skimmed milk was added to fortified biscuits which enhanced the protein content and taste of the biscuits.
Many of WFP ' s achievements in DPRK cannot be captured by figures alone. Successive Letters of Understanding between WFP and the Government, under which WFP operates in-country, show increasing mutual confidence and trust. WFP has a long-established field presence in country which is unmatched in scope by other agencies. When Typhoon Lionrock caused devastating flooding in North Hamgyong province in August, WFP was the first humanitarian agency from the United Nations to arrive on the scene to deliver aid. WFP ' s rapid response was enabled by its longstanding partnerships in the region, notably with a factory in neighbouring Chongjin city which produces fortified biscuits.
County and household level capacity strengthening was carried out formally and informally. In August 2016, WFP convened workshops for national officials in all nine provinces where WFP was operational to introduce the new PRRO, which were attended by more than 350 DPRK Government officials ranging from local to national level. Frequent visits to beneficiary households by field monitors provided opportunities to share advice on proper food storage, preparation and safety. WFP also introduced nutrition messages which were added to WFP logbooks and ration cards. Dissemination of nutrition messages helped to raise nutrition awareness amongst the children ' s caregivers and PLW.
Korea, Democratic People ' s Republic of( KP) 6 Single Country PRRO- 200532