Targeting is a cross-functional and continuous activity aiming to translate programme objectives into accurate and appropriate selection of beneficiaries. Robust targeting processes that put the people WFP intends to serve at the centre of decision-making, are fundamental to the organization’s ability to deliver effective programmes, in particular when resources are scarce.
Any person aiming at implementing a targeting process should have a good understanding of the guidance documents featured under this section.
Key Definitions
As per the ED Circular on Management of Targeting Processes by WFP Offices (2022)
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
People-Centred Programming | A standard of programming with any objective or activity that places affected people, communities, and their lived realities at the centre of decision-making at every stage of the programme cycle; with their unique risks and needs identified and meaningfully addressed. |
Targeting | A cross-functional and continuous process through which communities, households and/or individuals are selected for assistance. Targeting is informed by needs assessments, programme objectives, and conducted with the equitable and meaningful participation of diverse members of affected communities. Targeting outcomes are continuously monitored and processes refined as appropriate. |
Prioritization | The process through which people within a targeted population, who have greater needs and/or are in more vulnerable situations, receive assistance when overall identified needs cannot be met, or when entitlements are reduced due to resource constraints. |
Profiling | The process of identifying the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of different segments of the population (e.g., food insecure and other vulnerable groups), which is helpful to generate proxy variables that can be used as eligibility criteria for inclusion to assistance. A profiling exercise can be based on a quantitative household survey with a statistically representative sample, qualitative assessments, or ideally a combination of both. |
Beneficiary Selection | The process of targeting includes a beneficiary identification process which applies the selected eligibility criteria to generate a beneficiary list with the intention to enroll into a programme. |
Community Engagement | The process by which local affected communities are actively involved through consultations and accessible two-way communication throughout the targeting process, for those selected as well as those not selected for assistance. The purpose of community engagement is to ensure that the preferences and knowledge of affected communities, in particular marginalised groups, are incorporated to make targeting more effective, efficient and transparent. |