"The Cooperation between the World Food Programme and the Islamic Relief Worldwide in Dealing with Food Security in Africa: Experiences from Somalia and Sudan."

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) play an increasingly significant role in international development, particularly in humanitarian aid and food security efforts. This thesis examines the cooperation between faith-based organizations and international organizations in addressing food security challenges in Africa, with a specific focus on the World Food Programme (WFP) and Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW). Through the case studies of Sudan and Somalia, this research explores how these two organizations collaborate in food assistance programs, the effectiveness of their partnership, and the challenges they face in humanitarian settings. The study employs a qualitative methodology, including a review of policy documents, reports, and interviews with key stakeholders from both WFP and IRW. It investigates the institutional dynamics, operational frameworks, and strategic priorities that shape their cooperation. The research also examines the extent to which religious identity influences the role of FBOs in food security interventions and how they navigate the secular frameworks of international organizations. Findings reveal that while FBOs like IRW bring grassroots networks, trust within local communities, and culturally sensitive approaches, their collaboration with WFP is often shaped by bureaucratic constraints, donor policies, and the need for neutrality in humanitarian aid. Despite these challenges, the partnership between WFP and IRW has demonstrated adaptive strategies, mutual capacity-building, and enhanced access to vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected and fragile contexts like Sudan and Somalia. This thesis contributes to broader debates on the role of faith-based actors in international cooperation, highlighting both the opportunities and limitations of partnerships between secular and religious organizations in humanitarian governance. The study underscores the need for more inclusive policy frameworks that leverage the strengths of FBOs while ensuring effective coordination with international agencies. Ultimately, the research provides insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and scholars on how faith-based and international organizations can work together more effectively to enhance food security efforts in Africa and beyond.