IOB report: positive effects of food security policy and potential for more synergy

In December 2024, the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the evaluation report: 'Synergy in development - Coherence of Dutch policy and the effects on food security, water and climate in developing countries, 2016-2023'. 

The evaluation assessed the results of development cooperation on food security, water and climate and how these have been affected by coherence: between different themes and different actors, between short-term projects and long-term strategies, and between activities at different scales. This evaluation mainly looked at development cooperation, but also at other Dutch policies.

The report found that the food security and water policy have been effective in realising positive effects for target beneficiaries, though challenges remain in ensuring long-term sustainability and scaling of results post-funding. The report further highlights the interconnectedness of food security, water management and climate and underscores the need for coherent, systems-based policies that integrate the three domains in order to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Customarily, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Aid presents an appreciation of the report to Parliament. This has been postponed until after the publication of the Minister's new policy note, which is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2025.

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If you want to learn more about the report, please save the date and check for updates for the event: 'Synergy in development – from recommendations to better results' organised by IOB on February 4, 2025 at 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM (Europe/Amsterdam) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.