Vulnerability, Safety Nets, and the Ultra-Poor. The Role of Food Aid and the Strategic Approach of the World Food Programme.

On the basis of recent theoretical refinements and empirical work on vulnerability, risk management and safety nets, this article examines the approach of the most important multilateral food aid agency – the World Food Programme–in conceptualizing the role that food aid can play at the level of a food-based safety net. The Wfp strategic priorities enshrined in the new Strategic Plan are not only to save lives, but to enhance resilience to shocks for extremely vulnerable households often living in situations of “silent daily emergency” in areas by-passed by the development mainstream.