The study examined community participation throughout the food aid program cycle to understand the role of recipient communities in the targeting of food assistance under the conflict conditions in Somalia. Food assistance has always been intended to be targeted to the most vulnerable groups in the affected population. Targeting at the geographic level of
district and livelihood is well informed by analysis, but is less informed by adequate assessment at the village and household level. Security considerations, limited staff
numbers and other constraints have long meant that the actual oversight of what happens with food must be left in the hands of local leaders at the village or IDP camp level. Under
these circumstances there have been allegations of widespread diversion of food aid by militias and other powerful actors before it reaches the community level, and widespread
practices of the redistribution of food aid beyond the WFP-targeted recipients at the community level. The same considerations that limit the access of WFP to oversee targeting
also limits access for follow up and monitoring, so the real impact of redistribution is not known.