Livelihoods of many SADC citizens have become increasingly vulnerable over the recent decades, owing much to the declining agricultural production, price volatility, increasing population, the scourge of HIV/AIDS, droughts and floods. Food insecurity and chronic malnutrition affect about 6million of the population in the region. Governments face the challenge of understanding the ongoing severity of food insecurity situation and reasons behind, identifying the most vulnerable population and determine appropriate short or long-term measures. Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis assists in evaluating food security situation of groups of people and in predicting food insecurity and duration. It is therefore a crucial tool for policy-making and targeted programming.

Reduced poverty and vulnerability through climate-resilient livelihoods in the SADC

The direct beneficiaries will be national governments of 15 SADC Member states, their specialized institutions and specialized staff related to VAA. The indirect beneficiaries include the rural poor men and women as the information gathered from the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis will assist in identifying targeted interventions for the most vulnerable populations.

Enhanced regional and national responses to climate change, poverty and livelihood vulnerability

Results from previous phases:  

Since 2006, the Regional VAA Programme has achieved the following results,

• Update and establishment of VAAs in 10 out of 15 SADC countries
• Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for VAAs in University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
• Over 200 government officials trained on VAA methods
• VAA have informed policies and programmes responding to short-term emergencies and some long-term policies and strategies
• Countries are increasingly committing funds for updating of VAAs

Phase 1 01.06.2013 - 31.03.2017   (Completed)