Survey of the Title II general relief and other child feeding programs of Ethiopia and Kenya

It finds that while the GR and OCF programs in Ethiopia and Kenya do serve the poorest of the poor, their beneficiaries do not necessarily remain chronically dependent. The report begins by introducing the East African regional context in which the survey took place. It then moves on to the two main sections: the first describes the country programs (Ethiopia and Kenya), prefaced by background information on each country and followed by selected case studies of institutions visited. The report finds that Title II is a pivotal resource for the GR and OCF institutions (homes, clinics, schools, and distribution centers), with most relying on Title II for 1/3 to 1/2 of their beneficiaries" food needs. Title II allows the institutions to undertake their primary mission of providing their beneficiaries with the education, rehabilitation, or medical attention they need to overcome their vulnerability, and hence dependence on food aid. Title II also provides institutions with the base from which to raise other funds or resources, to improve their own sustainability. The success of these efforts varies, of course, due to the diversity of institutions, and the level of beneficiaries" reliance and potential for self-sufficiency. The second main section presents an analysis of the survey findings, including lessons learned regarding graduation from welfare and issues in targeting, delivery, and assessment. This section also ranks institutions on the basis of their effectiveness/sustainability in enhancing food and livelihood security, and their participation in civil society. GR/OCF institutions fill the void left by other providers in civil society, and they act as an essential philanthropic safety net for many of the most vulnerable populations, such as HIV+ infants and adults, the severely mentally and physically disabled, the aged, and the dying. In this context, Title II food is a critical resource for GR/OCF institutions and the beneficiaries they serve, enabling them to remain operational while indigenous sources of assistance improve and expand. Ultimately, with a stronger civil society, deliberate institutional development efforts will likely lead to GR/OCF institutions graduating from reliance on Title II. The report concludes with recommendations for CRS as an agency, and for the two country programs. Includes references.