Evaluation of the Danish Peace and Stabilisation Fund

The Danish Peace and Stabilisation Fund (PSF) is a flexible funding mechanism aimed at contributing to enhanced peace and stability in some of the world’s most vulnerable and conflict-affected ‘hotspots’. Ecorys was, together with the Nordic Consulting Group (NCDG), commissioned by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to undertake the evaluation of the PSF in the period of 2014-2020. The evaluation has now been published.

The evaluation consists of three case studies, which were undertaken to analyse the results, barriers and opportunities that have been encountered. The regional case studies cover (1) the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia), (2) Syria and Iraq and (3) the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger). In addition, the evaluation includes a light-touch desk analysis for the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) and Ukraine.

The examined programmes contributed to both short- and medium-term results. The results at the output level include direct stabilisation efforts (e.g., immediate life-saving support), initiation of institutional reform steps, capacity-building accomplishments, knowledge generation, documentation of human rights abuses, promotion of democratic processes, establishment of peace committees, creating spaces for public participation in policy-making, and delivery of equipment and training. The results at the outcome were mixed, but some results were achieved. The achieved results include the return of internally displaces people (IDPs) to newly liberated areas, a reduction of piracy threats in the Horn of Africa (HoA), capacity of the East Africa Standby Force (EASF) to be deployed, and the strengthening of local conflict resolution practices in the Liptako-Gourma region.

The contribution of the PSD programmes to long-term peace and stability is modest. There are adverse factors which influence long-term peace that are way beyond what the PSF interventions can influence. In all examined regions, the efforts are part of broader international engagement. Thus, the contribution of the PSF on long-term impacts cannot be judges in isolation from the role of other donors and international efforts.

For more information, please read the full report (pdf) or contact Alessandra Cancedda (Senior Evaluation Expert).