The achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2, which is to end hunger and food inse-curity, remains a significant challenge. Localisation, which involves integrating more local and national actors into coordination mechanisms, offers a potential solution. Nevertheless, local and national non-governmental organisations frequently encounter obstacles in their ef-forts to engage in Food Security Cluster (FSC) coordination mechanisms.

This study addresses these challenges through a case study in Ethiopia, focusing on the oppor-tunities and challenges faced by L/NNGOs in actively engaging in national and sub-national FSC coordination mechanisms. Using semi-structured interviews and a literature review, the research identifies strategies to improve L/NNGOs’ active engagement in FSC coordination mechanisms in Ethiopia. A SWOT analysis and Barnett and Duvall’s power dynamics model are employed as tools for the data analysis.

The study identifies several challenges faced by L/NNGOs, including language barriers, lim-ited funding and capacity, and inequitable partnerships. However, it also highlights potential opportunities, such as programmes like ToGETHER, the growing attention of donors and other actors to localisation commitments, and partnerships with important actors in the FSC, such as the WFP. The recommendations include, inter alia, the provision of translation ser-vices, the fostering of equitable partnerships, the addressing of power imbalances that place L/NNGOs in a weak position, as well as the increase of direct funding and training for L/NNGOs to strengthen their capacity. The aim is to enhance L/NNGO’s overall active en-gagement in FSC coordination mechanisms.