Evaluation of Norwegian aid engagement in the Sahel

Norway has been engaged in the Sahel region in Africa since the 1970s with both humanitarian and development assistance. The Department of Evaluation in Norad decided to evaluate this engagement as it is an important, but also challenging part of Norway’s development assistance.

The evaluation consists of two different reports. Report number 1 evaluates the organisation, coordination, and management of Norway’s engagement in the Sahel. In report no. 2, we critically review evidence of results of the Norwegian support to improve food security in Mali. The two reports will hopefully enhance learning and may be used to adapt the current Sahel strategy, which is presented as a living document subject to adjustments and refinement.

Norway's support to countries in fragile situations has increased in recent years. Such assistance requires both flexibility and a high degree of coordination and scenario planning. We therefore hope that the insight of these two reports can also be of use in future support to countries outside the Sahel region.