SDG Impact Analysis and Risk Assessment of Funding Gaps With Humanitarian Aid in African Regions.

 

Prepared by MNS Consulting  

Scope: SDG impact analysis addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) most affected by the humanitarian funding shortfalls in the region.

Source: ARAC Situation Update Report Assessing Funding Gaps in Humanitarian Aid in West and Central Africa 

SDG Impact Analysis

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

• Impact: Severe underfunding exacerbates poverty as many affected populations rely on humanitarian aid for basic needs. With funding only covering 46% of the $7.7 billion requirement, critical services, particularly food and shelter, are compromised, perpetuating cycles of poverty among displaced populations.

• Implication: Prolonged underfunding risks deepening poverty and economic instability, undermining efforts to reduce poverty and increasing dependency on aid.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Impact: The food security sector remains critically underfunded, with a 42% coverage rate, creating a shortfall of over $1 billion. This gap puts millions at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition, especially in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Chad, and Nigeria.

• Implication: Inadequate food funding will likely lead to increased malnutrition rates and stunted growth, particularly among children, worsening health outcomes and affecting long-term human capital development.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Impact: With only 31% of required health funding met, health services in affected areas are severely constrained, limiting access to essential medical care, maternal health, and disease prevention. The risk of disease outbreaks is heightened in overcrowded displacement camps, exacerbated by poor sanitation.

• Implication: Underfunding in health can lead to rising morbidity and mortality rates, impacting overall community well-being and increasing strain on already limited local healthcare resources.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education

• Impact: Education funding in the region is only 35% covered, hindering access to learning for children in conflict-affected areas. Lack of funding disrupts schooling and threatens the future prospects of affected youth, impeding literacy and skill development.

• Implication: Poor educational outcomes due to interrupted schooling can lead to a generation of children lacking basic education, impacting economic growth and social stability in the long run.

5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Impact: With Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) funding only 36% met, populations lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities. This poses high health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases, which are common in refugee camps and densely populated areas.

• Implication: Insufficient WASH resources elevate health risks and threaten overall quality of life. Poor sanitation in displacement areas could lead to significant public health crises.

6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Impact: Funding shortfalls heighten inequalities, especially for marginalized groups such as women, children, and displaced persons. These populations often lack access to safety nets and resources, making them disproportionately vulnerable to the funding gaps in food, health, and protection.

• Implication: Without adequate funding, inequality across the region will likely worsen, with marginalized groups suffering most from restricted access to aid and services.

7. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Impact: The ongoing conflicts and insufficient funding for protection services heighten instability and displacement. Lack of resources for local governments and institutions to address crises undermines their capacity to provide security and essential services.

• Implication: Poor funding support for critical services may weaken institutional credibility and stability, potentially fueling further conflict and displacement across borders.

8. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Impact: The report calls for enhanced partnerships, both within the region and internationally, to bridge funding gaps. A heavy reliance on Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) and limited funding sources underscore the need for diversified funding mechanisms.

• Implication: Expanding partnerships through public-private collaboration and innovative funding models is essential to sustainably address humanitarian needs, prevent future shortfalls, and foster regional resilience.

Recommendations

To mitigate the negative impact on these SDGs, the following actions are recommended:

• Increase Multi-Year Funding Commitments: Encourage donors to commit to multi-year funding that supports not only immediate relief but also long-term development and resilience-building.

• Strengthen Regional Partnerships: Develop coordinated efforts among regional governments, the African Union, and neighboring countries to manage displacement and share resources effectively.

• Explore Alternative Funding Models: Leverage public-private partnerships, regional funding pools, and other financial innovations to reduce dependency on traditional donor funding.

• Promote Sustainable Community Programs: Focus on resilience and development initiatives that empower local communities, reduce dependency on aid, and support sustainable recovery, especially in sectors such as food security and health.

This SDG impact analysis underscores the critical importance of addressing funding gaps in humanitarian aid to support sustainable development, social stability, and regional peace in West and Central Africa.

Risk assessment 

SDG	Risk Factor	Likelihood (1-5)	Impact (1-5)	Risk Level (Likelihood x Impact)	Comments
SDG 1: No Poverty	Increased poverty due to lack of food and shelter	4	4	16 (High)	Funding shortfalls, especially in food and shelter, significantly increase poverty among vulnerable populations, deepening dependency on external aid.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger	Severe malnutrition and food insecurity	5	5	25 (Very High)	Food security is only 42% funded, creating a high likelihood of widespread hunger, especially in conflict-affected areas.
SDG 3: Good Health	Health crises due to disease outbreaks and lack of care	4	5	20 (High)	With only 31% funding, the risk of disease outbreaks and mortality rises, particularly in dense, unhygienic camps and affected areas.
SDG 4: Quality Education	Disrupted education leading to poor long-term outcomes	4	3	12 (Moderate)	Insufficient funding limits educational access, impacting long-term development and skill-building for affected children.
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation	Health risks from inadequate WASH facilities	4	4	16 (High)	Limited funding (36%) for WASH leads to waterborne diseases and hygiene issues, especially in camps and areas with poor infrastructure.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Heightened inequalities among vulnerable groups	4	3	12 (Moderate)	Funding shortages worsen inequalities, particularly for marginalized groups, creating deeper social disparities in access to aid and services.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions	Regional instability	4	5	20 (High)	Chronic funding shortfalls weaken institutions, increase displacement, and exacerbate instability across conflict zones.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Lack of diversified funding support	3	3	9 (Moderate)	Heavy reliance on HRP and limited funding diversification pose a moderate risk, underscoring the need for alternative funding mechanisms.

Key Findings

1. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) holds the highest risk level, with a critical shortfall threatening food security for millions. The underfunding in food security (58% shortfall) results in a Very High risk due to the potential for severe hunger and malnutrition.

2. SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) both present a High risk level with significant humanitarian and security implications. Health funding deficits increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks, while insufficient support for institutions fosters instability and displacement, affecting regional peace.

3. SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) also carry High risk levels. The shortfall in WASH funding creates immediate health risks, while gaps in essential poverty alleviation services deepen economic vulnerability.

4. SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) present a Moderate risk. While not immediately life-threatening, these gaps affect social stability and the potential for long-term recovery, perpetuating inequalities and hindering economic development.

5. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), though rated at Moderate risk, is essential for enabling a sustainable funding approach. Insufficient diversification of funding sources increases vulnerability to donor fatigue and global crises, which can disrupt aid delivery.

Overall Risk Profile and Recommendations

• Overall Risk Level: High – The significant funding shortfalls across essential SDGs, particularly in food security, health, and WASH, pose immediate risks to the population’s survival and stability of the region.

• Priority Actions:

• Urgent Funding Mobilization: Target increased donor engagement for SDGs 2, 3, and 6, focusing on multi-year funding to address immediate needs and support resilience.

• Diversified Funding Mechanisms: Promote alternative funding models (e.g., public-private partnerships) to reduce dependency on traditional aid sources and strengthen SDG 17.

• Regional Resilience Programs: Invest in initiatives that support local development, focusing on education and reducing inequalities, to mitigate the long-term impacts of underfunding.

Our risk assessment underscores the urgent need to address humanitarian funding shortfalls to prevent deterioration of living conditions and to promote sustainable development in the region.

Sources

1. 
   

2. UN OCHA Financial Tracking Service (FTS). (2024). 2024 Regional Funding Status for West and Central Africa. UN OCHA. Retrieved from https://fts.unocha.org

3. ReliefWeb. (2024). West and Central Africa: Regional Funding Status (as of 4 November 2024). ReliefWeb. Retrieved from https://reliefweb.int

4. Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). (2023). Global Peace Index. Institute for Economics and Peace. Available at https://www.economicsandpeace.org

5. Human Rights Watch. (2023). West and Central Africa Humanitarian Needs Assessment. Human Rights Watch. Available at https://www.hrw.org