Afghanistan - SUNAfghanistan 4 Usefulness 5. If an information gathering or validation meeting took place, would you say that the meeting was seen as useful by participants, beyond

2019 Joint-Assessment by the multi-stakeholder platformAfghanistan

1

Afghanistan


2

Participants

1.

Did the following stakeholder groups feed into the Joint-Assessment (in writing or verbally)?

Group Yes/ No

Goverment Yes

Civil society Yes

Donors Yes

United Nations Yes

Business Yes

Academia and science Yes

Other Yes

If other, please specify:

NGOs working in health sector

2.

How many participated in the Joint-Assessment process?

Total

46

How many participants were female and how many were male?

Female Male

11 35


3

Process

3.

Was the Joint-Assessment data gathered and/or reviewed during a face-to-face meeting orvia email?

Step Format

CollectionMeeting

Email

Review and validationMeeting

Email

4.If an information gathering or validation meeting took place, you can attach one or morephotos here.


4

Usefulness

5.

If an information gathering or validation meeting took place, would you say that the meetingwas seen as useful by participants, beyond the usual work of the multi-stakeholder platform(MSP)?

Yes

6.

Why?

The JAA was an opportunity to all stakeholders to speak openly and do a self-appraisal oftheir own engagement and also to prioritize collective actions to improve nutrition. This wasthe first JAA carried out in Afghanistan. Two lessons are to be learned from this exercise. 1.The JAA should be in line with the in-country annual planning which usually starts in the 4thquarter of each Gregorian calendar. 2. The validation workshop should be extended from oneto two days to discuss every singly aspects in more detail.


5

Particpant list

Name Organisation Job title Email Phone

Add toSUNmailinglist

FaheemaEissar

NooshAfareen

CEO [email protected] 0093771160001 Yes

HaroonAhmadi

Canadianembassy/AHG

LRRDspecialis

[email protected] 0093793111211 Yes

MaseedullahArab

Idone salt Assistant [email protected] 0093787885546 Yes

Naseer mhdHajikhail

MoE M.D [email protected] 0093796735859 Yes

BekaTeshome

Nutritioncluster

Co-lead [email protected] 0093728646861 Yes

SyedMuqadas

AMRAN/CSAFSNA

ProgramManager


MartinAhimbisibwe

WFPPPO-Nutrition

Martin.ahlimbisrbre@wfp/org 0093706005169 Yes

MalihaDanish

WFPPro.PolicyOfficer


MerajHaandh

IDLGHeadservicestech



6

Particpant list



SharifullahWahdati

AINHEProgramdirector


Nisa RezaiFardoscorporation

Director No 0093748777277 Yes

WaisAhmad

Ministry ofEconomic

Ruraldevelopmentseniorofficer

[email protected] 0093700227348 No

AbdulKhalil

FHI-360 SNM [email protected] 0093788006090 No

AhmadShabirBaak

AFG SWISSSocial mediamanager


M. Osman AHRO Fellowship [email protected] 0093731090981 No

Farid Sapi MoCIGeneralManager


KhushalNabizada

AFSeN-ANutritionExpert

[email protected] No

Shams WHONutritionNPO



7

Particpant list



AbdullahMotmaen

N51AF.S.Specialist


S.M. Qaderi AFSeN-AM&EOfficer


Nasrin IDLG 0093704988181 No

M. IqbalMurad

ANDMA Expert [email protected] 0093744009666 No

RamazanMahdiyar

MALL Adviser [email protected] 0093799351040 No

Abdul Rahim ARAZIControlmanager


NoorMohammad

AMCNStrategyanalyst


Mubarakshah ACHRO Director [email protected] 0093799638196 No

GhulamDarwishMansurie

ANSAFocalpointAFSeN-A



8

Particpant list



SaidullahSiddiqi

MRRD Manager [email protected] 0093749064746 No

JamshedLoodan

FAO Policy [email protected] Yes

Khapalwak FAO Policy [email protected] Yes

ZaherMaher

NEPA Expert [email protected] 0093744045027 No

Ibne Amin AHROProjectcoordinator


NajiaSherzad

MoWA H.M [email protected] 0093728695450 No

MonisaJalali

MoWAHealthexpert

[email protected] No

ShakilaNazari

MoWA Expert [email protected] Yes

MursalManati

MoPHPNDDirector



9

Particpant list



RahmatgulOmay

MoLSA [email protected] 0093744090600 No

Abdul Gharaf CEOHealthadviser


Zakia Maroof UNICEFNutritionSpecialist


Maureen L.Gallagher

UNICEFChief ofNutrition


ShamsulislamSham

AFSeN-A Coordinator [email protected] Yes

MuhammadSharif

AFSeN-AFoodsecurityexpert


HomayuonNoyan

AFSeN-AProvincialexpansionOfficer


Liza Aryan AFSeN-A

Advocacyand PublicAwarenessofficer


MuhammadAkbar

WFPPolicyofficer



10

Particpant list

Name Organisation Job title Email PhoneAdd toSUNmailing list

InayatullahAmini

MOHIAPolicy plandirector



11

PROCESS 1: Bringing people together in the same space for action

Progress marker 1.1: Select/develop coordinating mechanismsat the country level

Final score Last year's data used

3 Yes

Please explain how you determined this score, especially if changes have been seen over the pastyear

Since the launch of the AFSeN-A in October 2017, several stakeholder-specific and multi-stakeholderplatforms and mechanisms have been put in place. This include High Level Steering Committee,Executive Committee, Food Security, Nutrition, Public Awareness and Advocacy working groups,Donors’ platform, and one UN nutrition platform. Recently the Business Network has beenestablished. Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL)have several internal working groups and platforms discussing food security and nutrition. However,these networks should be strengthened and improve internal linkages and collaboration withinAFSeN-A towards a stronger network.


12


Progress marker 1.2: Coordinate internally and expandmembership/engage with other actors for broader influence


2 Yes


Though this area needs much further improvement, the internal coordination among members isinitiated through AFSeN-A multi-stakeholder platform. For example, members are working togetherto establish Afghanistan Food or Food Safety Authority, or they jointly developed the AFSeN-Astrategic plan, advocacy and public awareness framework and plan. Members are making theirefforts for engaging new actors and stakeholders at provincial level and efforts are include thehumanitarian sector, academia and parliament. Engagement with communities will also be importantas the platform is decentralized. This will result in expanded membership.


13


Progress marker 1.3: Engage within/contribute to the multi-stakeholder platform (MSP)


2 Yes


Though this area requires further improvement, the multi-stakeholder platform still was able to fostercollaboration among stakeholders, at the national level, on issues such as public awareness,advocacy, joint planning, food safety, funding, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), schooleducation and school health, etc. There is need for institutionalization of the coordinationmechanisms with increase ownership of the government.


14


Progress marker 1.4: Track, report and reflect on owncontributions and accomplishments


2 Yes


The AFSeN-A multi-stakeholder platform regularly tracks and reports on implementation of agreedactions. The follow-up is usually done by the Technical Secretariat and the Council of Ministers’Secretariat which is coordinating the agenda on behalf the government. There is need that individualactors and stakeholders improve their pro-activeness, and contribution to the multi-stakeholderplatform’s collective progress and reporting towards agreed priorities. In general terms, the AFSeN-AMS Platform’s ability to foster accountability is improving at good pace.


15


Progress marker 1.5: Sustain the political impact of the multi-stakeholder platform


1 Yes


The political commitment is manifested by a very organized system with clear decision makingmechanisms at the highest level. The multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder approach is putting lots ofefforts that nutrition is accepted as a national priority and institutionalised by all stakeholders. this isevident at MoPH, but some efforts are made by others including the Ministry of Education, Ministryfor Rural Rehabilitation and Ministry of Social Affairs. Other ministries such as Ministry of ReligiousAffairs, Women Affairs and Information and Culture are willing to plan and budget certain activitiesto improve nutrition. The coordination mechanisms established under the AFSeN-A seem sustainableas they are neutral and have strong support from afghan government and development partners.However, the role and permanent existence of technical secretariat is crucial in sustaining the currentmomentum as well its financial sustainability


16


Scaling up nutrition at the sub-national level

1.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform (MSP) exist at the sub-national level?

Yes

2.

If so, in how many counties, districts or regions?

Counties Districts Regions

20 0 0

3.Who convenes the MSP at the sub-national level? Please explain, if applicable:

Provincial Governor

4.

Is there regular communication between the national and sub-national MSPs?

Yes

5.

Does the MSP at the sub-national level meet regularly?

Yes

6.

Which Governmental sectors work with the MSP at the sub-national level? Please explain, ifapplicable

All 14 relevant ministerial directorates, Civil Society, UN , Development partners and privatesector, provincial council and religious council

7.

Does the sub-national multi-stakeholder platform or platforms work with civil society,business, the UN and donors?

Yes. Civil Society, UN and Development Partners where available, are part of the MSplatforms at provincial level.


17


SUMMARY: Bringing people together in the same space

Please describe overall achievements, positive developments, key challenges and suggestions forimprovement towards bringing people together in the same space seen the past year (April 2018 - April2019). Note that this section will be used to draft your individual country profiles in the SUN Movementannual progress report.

Overall achievements and positive developments Since establishment of the AFSeN-A (October 2017) -Strong political commitment for nutrition is achieved - Several MS platforms are present with clear ToRand regular meetings at central level - Expansion of the MS platforms called provincial food security andnutrition committee is made to 20 out of 34 provinces - Establishment of several networks such as CivilSociety Alliance, Development Partners Forum and Business Network is ensured - Involvement of media,religious leaders and school teachers in food security and nutrition is initiated - Revision of schoolcurricula and inclusion of nutrition related topics is achieved - International level advocacy is launchedand national level events such as world breastfeeding week campaign are conducted - Key documentssuch as strategic plan, nutrition strategy, public awareness and advocacy framework, were developedjointly - Capacity development and sensitization of key policy makers and technical staff has beenensured - Follow up with line ministries about their financial plan for nutrition and food security Keychallenges - Humble inter-ministerial coordination and communication which requires strengthening -Humble engagement of members at provincial level which requires improvement - Humble contributioninto discussion by some partners which needs to be promoted - Humble responsiveness for acting onjoint decisions which need enforcement Suggestions - More capcity building and sensitizations of policymakers and focal points to be carried out - Focus on quality, resource mobilization and action rather thanquantity to be prioritized - Incentives and encouragement to those who are committed to the AFSeN-Ato be ensured


18

PROCESS 2: Ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework

Progress marker 2.1: Continuously analyse existing nutrition-relevant policies and legislation


2 Yes


The process of policy analysis of existing nutrition-relevant (specific and sensitive), including foodsystems policies, and legislation using multi-sectoral, consultative processes started in 2018 and wasenhanced in 2019. With help of EU funded project / First through FAO various stakeholders (around40) have been trained in kaleidoscope method of policy analysis. The policy and context analysiscarried out during the development of the MS strategic plan and analysis of Citizen Charter, ministryof Women Affairs strategic plan, comprehensive agriculture development policy, nutrition policy, wasa good learning process too. Multisectoral discussions are ongoing on several key policies such asfood authority, food policy, food law, consumer rights protection regulation and complementaryfeeding policy and programme actions.


19


Progress marker 2.2: Continuously engage in advocacy toinfluence the development, updating and dissemination ofrelevant policy and legal frameworks


1 Yes


The AFSeN-A stakeholders were able to develop public awareness and advocacy framework and 2-year plan. Members initiated joint advocacy for convincing decision makers to establish a Food orFood Safety Authority, increase budget for nutrition sensitive and specific interventions including the1000 days and to enact the wheat, salt and oil fortification regulation. However, the MS membersneed to improve their focus further on how they can achieve better policy and legal coherence aswell as empower women and girls through equity-based approaches across sectors and try tobroaden political support, by encouraging parliamentarian engagement.


20


Progress marker 2.3: Develop or update coherent policies andlegal frameworks through coordinated and harmonised in-country stakeholder efforts


2 Yes


The AFSeN-A executive committee annual plan was approved in January 2019. It urges stakeholdersand provides the platform for in-country stakeholders including the Government (line ministries andauthorities) and non-state partners including Civil Society, UN, Donors and private sector tocoordinate their inputs and ensure the development of coherent policy and legislative frameworks.Working on ANFA, Food Law, capcity development plan, budget analysis are few examples ofworking together.


21


Progress marker 2.4: Operationalise/enforce legal frameworks


2 Yes


The mechanisms to operationalise and enforce wheat, oil and salt fortification regulation and theInternational Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes exist. The Ministry of Social Affairs isdiscussing and following on implementation of maternity and child protection and maternity leavelaws. Food safety act has been enacted and followed by MoPH. The right to food issues are followedand promoted by the Civil Society actors and henceforth provided number of capacity buildingworkshops and shared few advocacy papers. However, this area needs to be strengthen frommultisectoral engagement dimension.


22


Progress marker 2.5: Track and report for learning andsustaining the policy and legislative impact


1 Yes


As have been mentioned earlier, the use of the Kaleidoscope method for food security and nutritionpolicy analysis has been initiated. Policy and legislative process analysis is already being included inthe 2019 plan. AFSeN-A policy paper, citizen charter, Agribusiness Charter, and comprehensiveagriculture development policy were reviewed by a group of MS platform members, the conclusion,lessons and good practices yet to be finalized and reported.


23


SUMMARY: Ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework


Overall achievements and positive developments • The importance of evidence based policy formulationhas been acknowledged by the MS platforms • Efforts are initiated to capacitate stakeholders on usingscientific methods such as Kaleidoscope for food security and nutrition policy analysis • Policy analysisand strengthening the regulatory frameworks has been already included in the MS executive committeeannual plan • The Common Results Framework as part of the AFSeN-A Strategic Plan has beendeveloped and will be implemented soon • There is a great enthusiasm and willingness amongstakeholders to learn and share evidences • There is a decision of the executive committee that states“no FSN policy can be brought up to the cabinet or council of ministers unless reviewed and enriched bythe AFSeN-A MS platforms’’ • Endorsement of food fortification regulation Key challenges • Thelearning & accountability part of CRF has not yet been institutionalized for nutrition among allstakeholders • The in-house, local capacity to use robust and scientific methods for policy analysis andformulation is limited. Suggestions • Large scale capacity development initiatives in terms of policy,legislative formulation and analysis is needed • Institutionalizing the of MEAL framework approach ineach member planning and strategies as well as part of the strategic plan is a must • Designated eventsand sessions on learning and sharing experiences to be planned • Committed individuals in each sectorin key policy related topics to be identified and further capacitated


24

PROCESS 3: Aligning actions around common results

Progress marker 3.1: Continuously analyse existing nutrition-relevant policies and legislation


2 Yes


Before the launch of the AFSeN-A, the National Nutrition Action Framework existed and many ofsuggested actions have been implemented. The MS strategic plan for food security and nutrition iscompleted and soon will be endorsed by the high level of decision making body (HLSC). This willoblige in-country stakeholder groups to take stock of what exists and align their own plans andprogramming for nutrition, to reflect the strategic plan. It is worth mentioning that developmentpartners and UN agencies including NGOs already started to align their actions to national nutritionpolicies and priorities and those reflected in Afghan SDGs document which went through localisationand alignment processes.


25


Progress marker 3.2: Translate policy and legal frameworks intoan actionable Common Results Framework (CRF) for scaling upnutrition at the national and sub-national level


2 Yes


Luckily, under the AFSeN-A, the in-country stakeholders already agreed on a Common ResultsFramework (CRF) to effectively align interventions for improved nutrition. Key partners includingministries and development partners have identified medium to long-term actions, with clearlyidentified nutrition targets. Examples include AFSeN-A strategic plan, WFP strategic plan, One UNplan, Citizen Charter, Agribusiness Chart, SDGs and individual ministries plan and strategies such aspublic nutrition strategy of MoPH. However, this has not yet been ensured for all stakeholders suchas private sector or civil society. Moreover, resource constraint greatly affects the implementation


26


Progress marker 3.3: Organise and implement annual prioritiesas per the Common Results Framework


1 Yes


As mentioned earlier, the CRF has been developed but not yet implemented. Moreover, some,actions reflected in SP and its CRF are already being implemented or in pipeline. Despite not havingthe CRF in action, the AFSeN agenda platforms were able to develop, and implement key priorityactions, at the national and sub-national level after clear understanding of context and gaps analysis.The platform members, particularly the SUN focal point, the technical secretariat were able tomobilise technical expertise to respond to the identified coordination needs, in a timely andintegrated manner. This include discussions with SUN and MQSUN Plus, UNICEF, FAO, WFP, USAID,EU, WB, on key policy and operational issues.


27


Progress marker 3.4: Jointly monitor priority actions as per theCommon Results Framework


1 Yes


Though the implementation of CRF has not yet been fully initiated, the AFSeN-A coordination systemhas already a system to monitor and make follow up of joint decisions and actions agreed forimproved nutrition. The progress reports against key actions and decisions are available. We hopethat CRF implementation in 2019 will serve as a tool to meaningfully inform and guide the refinementof our proposed interventions under the AFSeN-A multistakeholder, multiyear strategic plan and willcontribute towards harmonised targeting and coordinated service delivery among in-countrystakeholders.


28


Progress marker 3.5: Evaluate the implementation of actions tounderstand, achieve and sustain nutrition impact


0 Yes


Generally, results and successes are being evaluated on individual stakeholder level to informdecision-making and build the evidence-base for improved nutrition. However, so far a systematicevaluation of CRF has not yet been done as the CRF is not yet put in action. Under the AFSeN-A initialsteps are taken to share findings, recommendations and lessons at national level and acrossprovinces.


29


SUMMARY: Aligning actions around common results


Overall achievements and positive developments - CRF is in place and will be in action soon - There isstrong willingness of actors to share information and knowledge - Alignment with CRF and SDGs areessential in each stakeholder planning and already considered Key challenges - All stakeholder did notyet develop their own CRF responding to the AFSeN-A CRF - Duplications exist and action plans to gointo another cycle of implementation are not yet made. - Experts cannot travel to remote areas andcannot touch the pulse of the common man. They get indirect information to draw findings, as a resultconclusions are not that realistic. Suggestions - For improvement towards aligning actions aroundcommon results we need to start implementation of the CRF and then each stakeholder must fully aligntheir actions to the AFSeN-A CRF and regularly report and feed into the defined and agreed MEALsystem.


30

PROCESS 4: Financial tracking and resource mobilisation

Progress marker 4.1: Cost and assess the financial feasibility ofthe CRF


3 Yes


Last year under the AFSeN-A, the government and all other in-country stakeholders were requestedto give their input for the costing of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive actions across sectors.The process was participatory but the input was not comprehensive as was expected. This is becausemany stakeholders were new to the process, Therefore, we opted for a mixed approach using variousways, including reviewing current spending or estimating unit costs for costing purposes.


31


Progress marker 4.2: Track and report on financing for nutrition


4 Yes


For the first time under the AFSeN-The Government and other in-country stakeholders wererequested to analyse and track their allocations and expenditures for nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive actions across relevant sector using the SUN methodology and report on finance data, in atransparent manner. The process was cumbersome as despite instructions and explanation of themethodology and follow-ups only few stakeholders were able to do so. In order to report to SUN andto take on the exercise, the technical secretariat used the available information and looked at thenational budget and thus analysed the data together with the SUN GS. The report of such analysis isnow available and will be shared with members soon.


32


Progress marker 4.3: Scale up and align resources includingaddressing financial shortfalls


1 Yes


The Development of the AFSeN-A Strategic Plan and CRF was an opportunity that the Governmentand other in-country stakeholders identify financial gaps, plan and mobilise additional funds, throughincreased alignment and allocation of budgets, advocacy, and setting-up of specific fundingmechanisms. The World Bank did a study in costing the nutrition interventions at public health systemlevel, others tried to use available sources of information to advocate for long term and morepredictable funding to food security and nutrition. During the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan theChief Executive of the GoIRA in a side event designated particularly on FSN requested internationalcommunity to look into long term solutions and financing, especially when now the humanitarianneeds are growing due to climate change and escalation of conflict.


33


Progress marker 4.4: Turn pledges into disbursements


1 Yes


At the moment there is no data available whether the pledges made in various conferences andevents for food security and nutrition (FSN) are fully disbursed and used within the AFSeN-A.


34


Progress marker 4.5: Ensure predictability of multi-year fundingto sustain implementation results and nutrition impact


1 Yes


In general terms, the government of Afghanistan and AFSeN-A in-country stakeholders agreed andfelt the need they must collectively ensure predictable and long-term funding for better results andimpact. Currently discussion around FAM is an important change in this direction, this includescontinuum between short-term humanitarian and long-term development funding, the establishmentof flexible but predictable funding mechanisms and addressing funding gaps, sustainably.


35


SUMMARY: Financial tracking and Resource mobilisation


Overall achievements, positive developments Costing for CRF, budget analysis using the SUNmethodology, introducing FAM approach and acknowledgment of need of long term funding for FSNand advocacy in this area are key achievements to mention which can be further refined and appliedtowards a gap analysis. Key challenges Unpredictable funding, yet no concrete mapping of who fundwhat and high needs for funding are common challenges. Suggestions for improvement Financialtracking should go beyond the government sphere and include donors, private sector and otherstakeholders. Resource mobilization should be expanded and targeted to FSN more, both as a % of totalbudget but also in absolute terms.


36

Outcome marker

Scaling up nutrition-specific interventions

Final score: 2

Scaling up nutrition-sensitive interventions

Final score: 2

Outcome marker summary: Scaling up nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitiveinterventions

Overall achievements Positive developments are seen for improvement towards the scaling upnutrition specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in the past year. Breastfeeding andcomplimentary feeding is promoted and micronutrient supplementation is provided throughoutpublic health facilities and school platforms to women and adolescent girls. The regulation onfortification is approved by cabinet and being implemented. Disease management, treatment ofacute malnutrition and nutrition in emergencies is ensured in public health facilities but yet universalcoverage has been achieved. Nutrition-sensitive interventions such as agriculture, health services,social protection, early child development, education, women’s empowerment and water andsanitation are being implemented under Comprehensive Agriculture Development Priority Program,Citizen Charter, WASH program, etc. Many national priority programs mention above promote andcontribute to improved nutrition. Key challenges Key challenges include insufficient long andpredictable funding to nutrition related programs as well as technical capacities to implementprograms with high quality. Insecurity impedes to reach every corners particular the remote andunder developed areas. Suggestions Coordination of efforts, creating synergy and sharinginformation as well as looking at efforts from nutrition glance is important to be considered by allstakeholders.


37

SUN Business Network

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where the private sector coordinatestheir nutrition actions?

Yes

2.If yes, what is the name of this network, forum or platform?

Business Network

3.If yes, what is the name and contact details of the convener?

Name: Mr. Khanjan Alokozai the vice chairperson of the ACCI. Email:

4.

If yes, does it have a strategy developed and aligned with the national nutrition plan?

No

5.

If yes, does it have funding secured for at least the next 6 months?

No

6.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with the private sector/businesses, at large?

Not applicable as a Network has been established

7.

Is the role of the private sector defined or included in the national nutrition action plan?

In progress

8.

Overall summary of progress achieved or challenges over the past year (April 2018 to April2019)

The Business network representation was ensured through ACCI membership. However,recently the Business Network was established and short term local consultant hiring processis initiated to ensure that this network is functional in real terms.


38

Key contributions of the private sector/businesses towards theSUN Movement strategic objectives in 2018-2019

Contributions to Process 1Bringing people together in the same space for action

Contributions to Process 2Ensuring a coherent policy and legal framework

Contributions to Process 3Aligning actions around common results

Contributions to Process 4Financial tracking and resource mobilisation


39

SUN Civil Society Network

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where the private sector coordinatestheir nutrition actions?

Yes


Civil Society Alliance


Name: AHRO, Email: [email protected]

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with civil society, at large?

Not applicable as a Network has been established

5.

Please explain:

The AFSeN-A, CSA has been established and conducting its meetings regularly andparticipates in other platforms as well

6.


The civil society around AFSeN-A is a vibrant forum and can play a significant role inadvocacy and awareness at many levels. CSA is now established, TOR is present, andconducts regular meetings. It has contributed to the public awareness and strategic plandevelopment, and has close cooperation and coordination with the GoIRA, ministries, donors,UN agencies, and private sector on advocacy for transparency and accountability. However,expectations from CSA are much more than the current level of engagement. The SUN poolfunding was awarded this year to a CSA joint venture composed of two organisations. This isa good opportunity to strengthen the capcity of CSA to improve and expand its engagementin MS mechanisms and contribute to the shared objectives.


40

Key contributions of civil society towards the SUN Movementstrategic objectives in 2018-2019


Yes, many of health sector civil society organisations and NGOs support the nutrition actions. Theyeither advocate or implement actions related to nutrition


- The CSA participated in many discussions around policy and CRF


This to be started once they CRF implementation starts


- Not yet fully institutionalized in the CSA network under the AFSeN-A


41

SUN Donor Network

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where donors coordinate their nutritionactions?

Yes


Food Security and Nutrition Development Partners Forum

3.

If yes, what is the name and contact details of the convener?

Name: Chelsea Sayers, Nutrition Section, Canadian Embassy, Email:[email protected]

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with donors, at large?

Yes

5.Please explain:

6.


The Development partners’ forum is established and functional. This is a great achievement.The development partners’ forum includes both UN and donors and both nutrition and foodsecurity. They regularly report their progress to the executive committee. However,expectations from the platform is much more than the current level of engagement,particularly on systematic and long term resource mobilization and tracking of these resourceas well as reporting data and information on resource allocation and capacity development ofthe existence structures.


42

Key contributions of donors towards the SUN Movementstrategic objectives in 2018-2019


- The platform was able to bring UN and development partners in both nutrition and food securitysector to discuss both topics in coordinated manner


- The platform was able to assess its own but also government priorities and see where are gaps toalign efforts.


- Many actions are already aligned against the CRF but it will more evident when the CRF is beingimplemented.


Some members of the platform have assessed its available resources for nutrition sensitive andspecific interventions, however systematic resource mobilization and track of these resource at donorlevel is required. The need of reporting data and information on financial tracking and mobilization tothe AFSeN-A platform is felt.


43

UN Network for SUN

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where the United Nations coordinatetheir nutrition actions?

Yes


One UN platform


Name: Maureen Gallagher, the Chief Nutrition, UNICEF Email: [email protected]

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with the United Nations, at large?

Yes

5.

Please explain:

UN partners in particular, WFP, FAO and UNICEF is actively represented in all structures andforms of the AFSeN-A. There is a recommendation to have an expanded UN Network toinclude UN Women, UNFPA, UNDP, and ILO as well to have a presentation done to UNCT andhave nutrition as a standing agenda point on a quarterly basis.

6.


Last year was a meaningful year in terms of three UN agencies in terms of technical andfinancial support to the Technical Secretariat and to the actions such as provincial expansion,development of strategic plan and capacity development.


44

Key contributions of the UN towards the SUN Movementstrategic objectives in 2018-2019


Support provided to AFSeN secretariat and also co-facilitated bringing development partnerstogether. UN agencies also supported expansion of provincial level platforms. Led and supportedformation of working group as well as business networks. Contribute d to assessing feasibility forestablishment of a food authority. UN partners are co-chairs of three working groups under theAFSeN-A


Worked in support of key stakeholders in the finalization of the strategic plan for operationalization.Mapping, review, and effectiveness of key food security and nutrition related policies. Support toadvocacy towards enactment and approval of food fortification regulation. Supported NationalNutrition Strategy finalization and launch. Contributed to finalization of public awareness andadvocacy framework. All three UN agencies ( FAO, UNICEF, WFP) strategized around SDGs and tosupport national efforts for nutrition


Contributed to the logframe to the strategic plan that can be the basis for an AFSeN specific CRF.Promoted alignment of actions and NPPS to SDGs. As part of working groups supported alignment ofnutrition actions across different sections. Though the CRF Is not yet implemented, however in mostof the cases the UN actions are already aligned with the outcomes and targets of the AFSeN-A, CRF.


Supported the costing analysis led by the World Bank. Resource mobilisation for emergency responsefocusing on food security and nutrition. This is an area that needs further strengthening. As part ofworking groups ministries are revising policies and analysing budgets to support resourcemobilisatoin.


45

Academia, science and research institutes

1.

Does the country have a network, forum or platform where academia, science and researchinstitutes coordinate their nutrition actions?

No


3.If yes, what is the name and contact details of the convener

Name: Email:

4.

If the country has not established a network, forum or platform, does the multi-stakeholderplatform work with academia, scientists and researchers, at large?

N/A

5.Please explain:

6.


Since the academia network does not exist under the AFSeN-A, thus specific achievementscannot be reported under this section. However, as member of the larger platform, the KabulMedical University agreed and started the nutrition education at diploma level in theuniversity. There is a nutrition department under the KMU and the faculty of agriculture isenvisaging the expansion of food security subject in other agriculture facilities in the country.


46

Key contributions of academia, science and research institutestowards the SUN Movement strategic objectives in 2018-2019






47

Status of past priorities

# Status of past priorities Yes/ No/ In progress

1. N/A Yes

2. N/A Yes

3. N/A Yes

4. N/A Yes

5. N/A N/A

6. N/A Yes


48

Support given to meet priorities

1.

How did stakeholders (the Government, the UN, civil society organisations, donors, privatesector, etc.) contribute to meeting these priorities? Please explain:

All these stakeholders’ either provided technical input or funding to some of exercises. Forexample, the Strategic Plan was funded by DFID, through MQSUN plus and UNICEF,provincial expansion by WFP, capacity building by FAO and Advocacy Frameworkdevelopment by IHSAN/ USAID.

2.

Did you receive internal technical assistance (through in-country technical providers) to meetthese priorities?

Yes

3.

If yes, who supported you and how did they support you? Please explain:

As mentioned above, all these stakeholders’ ether provided technical input or funding to theseexercises. For example, the Strategic Plan was funded by DFID, through MQSUN plus andUNICEF, provincial expansion by WFP, capacity building by FAO and Advocacy frameworkdevelopment by IHSAN/ USAID.

4.

Did you receive external technical assistance (as requested through the SUN global supportsystem) to meet these priorities?

Yes

5.

If yes, who supported you and how did they support you? Please explain:

Through MQSUN plus we received financial support to develop the multi stakeholdermultiyear strategic plan. Also, IFPRI, SUN GS supported platforms members for attendingsome internal global events.


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2019-2020 priorities

Please list the key priorities of the multi-stakeholder platform for 2019-2020 (max 6)

# Priority

1. Improve policy analysis and legislative environment for FSN

2. Strengthen and expand further national and subnational coordination

3. Improve costing and budgetary analysis and financial tracking for FSN

4. Implement the Strategic Plan as per the CRF

5. Strengthen awareness and advocacy for FSN

6.Develop further capacities at various level to respond leadership, managerial and technicalneeds for FSN

Support needed to meet 2019-2020 priorities

1.

Are you planning to seek technical assistance (internal or external) to meet these priorities?

Yes

2.

If yes, whose support you will be seeking and for what? Please explain:

UN, Donors, SUN GS and country members, private sector, civil society alliance andgovernment to sustain the technical secretariat, to do policy analysis, to build capacities andto do advocacy and awareness.


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Priorities summary

Please describe overall achievements, positive developments, key challenges and suggestions forimprovement towards meeting your priorities the past year (April 2018 - April 2019) and looking ahead.

Overall achievements, positive developments Though AFSeN-A did not carried out the JAA last year,however, it had a solid action plan covering period of 2018-2019. 2018-2019 was a remarkable period forachieving millstones beyond the expectations including strategic, operational and technical aspects.Developing the strategic plan, public awareness, and advocacy framework and plan, managing technicalsecretariat, training of hundreds of persons, conducting regular coordination and technical meetings,provincial expansion of the agenda, advocacy campaigns, national events with religious leaders, media,representing Afghanistan and AFSeN-A in various international and national platforms and events arejust few examples of achievements to mention. Key challenges Insecurity does not allow to travel toremote and insecure provinces, frequent changes in decision makers of stakeholders, other precedingpriorities, lengthy decision making channels and processes sometimes slow down the speed andmomentum for taking and implementing actions. Suggestions Long term financial and technical supportto the AFSeN-A technical secretariat, permanent institutionalization of Technical Secretariat Structureinto the government organogram is required to keep up the momentum and follow up on theimplementation of CRF.


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Emergency preparedness and response planning

1.

Within the reporting period (April 2018 - April 2019), has the country faced or responded to acrisis requiring humanitarian assistance?

Yes

2.

If yes, what was the type of emergency

Natural and climate-related disasters

Communal violence

Armed conflict

3.

And what was the duration of this emergency? Please explain:

Drought existed for several months. Armed conflict took lives of hundreds of people andexacerbated the internal displacement of men, women and children. All this caused foodinsecurity and put around 600,000 of children at risk of dying from severe acute malnutrition.

4.

Does the country have a national plan on emergency preparedness and response?

Yes

5.

If yes, does the national plan on emergency preparedness and response include nutritionactions and indicators (both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive)?

Yes


52

Emergency preparedness and response planning

6.

Is the continuum of good nutrition (from lifesaving emergency action to long-termdevelopment planning) considered in discussions within the multi-stakeholder platform?

Yes

7.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform include relevant stakeholders, including humanitarian,resilience, or disaster risk reduction actors?

Yes

8.If yes, which stakeholders are included? Please explain:

Government, UN, Donors, private sector, Civil Society, Humanitarian Clusters.

9.

Does the SUN Focal Point, or another representative from the multi-stakeholder platform,participate in existing national humanitarian coordination systems?

Yes

10.

More information: Please add any additional information that is important to the work of themulti-stakeholder platform in times of crisis.

Nutrition Cluster, Food Security Custer, WASH Cluster, OCHA and HRP exist, also ministry ofgovernment to respond emergency exist which coordinates humanitarian actions withpartners.


53

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls

1.

Is gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls seen as a priority in the work ofthe multi-stakeholder platform?

Yes

2.

Has gender parity (no less than 40 per cent of either women or men) in the composition of themulti-stakeholder platform been achieved?

No

3.

Is a governmental Ministry or Department responsible for women’s affairs/gender equality inthe country a member of the multi-stakeholder platform?

Yes

4.

If yes, what is the name of this Ministry or Department? Please explain:

Ministry of Women Affairs, Afghan Women Chamber of Commerce is also invited to attendthese meetings.

5.If not a part of the multi-stakeholder platform, how do you engage with this Ministry orDepartment? Please explain:

6.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform collaborate with other non-state actors that are workingtowards gender equality and the empowerment of women?

Yes

7.If yes, with whom do you engage?


54

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls

8.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform have an overview of the nutritional status of women,men, adolescent girls and adolescent boys in the country, to better address needs?

Yes

9.

Has analysis or a stocktake of existing nutrition policies, legislation and regulations from agender perspective taken place?

No

10.

Does the multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder nutrition plan or strategy address genderequality, through actions and indicators?

Yes

11.

Does your country have a national gender equality policy or strategy in place?

Yes

12.

If yes, does this policy or strategy address nutrition, through actions and indicators?

Yes

13.

What actions, such as advocacy, have been implemented by the multi-stakeholder platform in2018-2019 to ensure gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls? Pleaseexplain:

Iron distribution at school, maternity leave, health services to women at public and privatehealth sectors. ________________________________________


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Nutrition-sensitive and sustainable food systems

1.

In addition to the multi-stakeholder platform for nutrition, does another multi-stakeholderplatform or mechanism on food security and food systems exist in the country?

Yes

2.

If yes, what is this platform or mechanism called and who is a part of this platform? Pleaseexplain:

Food Security working group, donors’ platform exists participated by UN, Donors,government, Civil Society and private sector

3.If yes, does the multi-stakeholder platform for nutrition work in close collaboration with thisfood security or food system mechanism?

4.

Do key food system stakeholders (including the private sector) participate in the multi-stakeholder platform for nutrition?

Yes

5.If yes, which stakeholders participate? Please explain:

Afghanistan chamber of commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, sometimes FEWS Net, IPC, etc.

6.If not, which stakeholders should be more involved? Please explain:

WASH, Food Security and Nutrition Clusters.

7.

Are efforts ongoing to put in place policies or legislation to enhance the contribution of foodsystems towards healthy diets and good nutrition?

Yes


56

Nutrition-sensitive and sustainable food systems

8.If yes, what types of policies or legislation?

9.

Has your country put in place large-scale programmes or investments aiming to improve theproductivity and sustainability of food systems?

Yes

10.

If yes, which ones? Please explain

National Horticulture Program, Comprehensive Agriculture Development Program,Agribusiness Charter, Citizen Charter, etc

11.

And are these programmes designed to contribute to healthier diets and good nutrition?

Yes

12.

Are these programmes aligned with or integrated into the Common Results Framework?

Yes


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Advocacy and communication

1.

Does the multi-stakeholder platform have a communication and/or advocacy strategy or planin place?

Yes

2.If yes, does this strategy aim to:

3.

Do you work with the media to amplify key messages, raise awareness and demand action onnutrition?

Yes

4.If yes, how does this work take form and with whom do you work?

5.

Do parliamentarians work with the multi-stakeholder platform?

No

6.

Has a parliamentary network for nutrition been established? Yes/No

No

7.

Has the multi-stakeholder platform nominated nutrition champions?

Yes

8.

If yes, please list their names and titles:

Dr. Ludin former Public Nutrition Department Director currently working as an advisor toSEHATMANDI project at the MoPH

9.

Have you produced any communication materials or products related to the SUN approachand/or country-level SUN achievements?

Yes


58

Advocacy and communication

10.

Do you use any SUN Movement communications materials to support in-country advocacy?

Yes

11.If yes, which products do you normally use:

12.If no, this is because of:

13.

Have high-level nutrition events been organised during the reporting period (April 2018 -April2019)?

Yes

14.If yes, please explain:

One-week Breastfeeding week campaign

15.

Are any high-level events planned for the period ahead (April 2019 - April 2020)?

Yes

16.

If yes, please explain:

One-week Breastfeeding week campaign, National event on Food Security and Nutritionexpansion to provinces, regional event on FSN

17.

Have you ever received advocacy and communication-related technical assistance?

Yes

18.

If yes, please explain:

From IHSAN project FHI-360 /USAID on developing the advocacy and public awarenessframework and rom SUN GS on advocacy for nutrition at the WHA 71 and 72. From UNICEFand WFP on advocacy for nutrition at the Global Nutrition Cluster side event organized forAfghanistan in Brussels in July 2019.

19.

Would you like to scale up your communication and advocacy, but feel that you do not havethe capacity, resources or knowledge?

Yes

Documents

Afghanistan - SUNAfghanistan 4 Usefulness 5. If an information gathering or validation meeting took place, would you say that the meeting was seen as useful by participants, beyond