ANNUAL REPORT - Aidstream Report... · peace with the government and the international community....

Hope and Recovery on the Ethiopia – South Sudan border

RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016

ANNUAL REPORT2013

Hope and Recovery on

the

Ethiopia-South Sudan

border


Annual Report 2013


2 Annual Report 2013

Table of Contents

1 RATIONALE (JUSTIFICATION) FOR THE PROJECT IN 2013 3

2 RELEVANT CHANGES IN EXTERNAL CONTEXT 6

3 MAJOR INTERNAL CONSTRAINTS 8

4 PROJECT PERFORMANCE: CLARIFICATION ON ACHIEVEMENTS AND

DEVIATIONS FROM PLANNING 9

5 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS 11

6 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS 12

7 INNOVATIONS AND GENDER 13

8 STAFFING AND FINANCES 14

9 LESSONS LEARNED 16

ANNEX A OUTPUT PROGRESS REPORT

ANNEX B FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE REPORT

ANNEX C ILLUSTRATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITY

ANNEX D AUDITOR'S REPORT

RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016 3

Annual Report 2013

1 RATIONALE (JUSTIFICATION) FOR THE PROJECT IN 2013

In this chapter it is explained how the project in general contributed to a more peaceful local society. Next to

this, a specific example is given of a project activity that focused on conflict prevention/ resolution as an

illustration of the project’s character.

In the midst of conflict and discord along the Ethiopia/ South Sudan border, this deeply participatory and

inclusive cross border community-centered reconstruction project has great potential to promote

reconciliation and build community cohesion and stability. Understanding the intertwined relationship

between conflict and livelihoods from the perspective of human security, the project focuses on

strengthening the capacity of the target communities with regard to conflict prevention and resolution, and on

individual- and community-based approaches for livelihoods development. The project’s conflict

transformation strategy includes components such as addressing harmful traditional practices that fuel

conflict and the development of similar identities, to livelihoods development.

During the first full year of implementation, the project in Ethiopia contributed to a more peaceful society

through the establishment of Village-level Saving Loan Associations, trainings for agriculture extension

workers on crop and livestock production and natural resources management, and the establishment of fish

and vegetable producing and marketing groups. Further, the project retained relevancy through the capacity

development of local Community Cohesion Facilitators who are contributing to community cohesion by

discussing general attitudes and conflict incidents in the impacted communities, pre-empting emerging

conflicts toward peaceful settlement, and offering key messages on the importance of good community

relations and community resolution options. Sports teams composed of different groups (clans and sub-

clans) were organized and capacitated, with matches and celebrations organised to create a sense of unity

and commonality.

Life story on Community cohesion training in Ethiopia:

“My name is Nyang Majiok Bidit. I am an elder of the Lou Nuer from Akobo, Ethiopia and am 47 years old. I

am delighted with the initial training and the continuing support by ZOA. I never saw such a kind of effort to

seriously strengthen the local community to deal with these issues ourselves. The training earlier this year

has raised my awareness on how to reduce conflicts and it also made me aware of my responsibility to work

relentlessly for my people to address conflicts peacefully. I am confident the situation in Akobo will become

stronger with the facilitators around. We will cooperate among each other and with the other elders and the

Woreda administration to work for peace and development in Akobo.”


Annual Report 2013

Picture: Mr Nyang Majiok Bidit

For South Sudan, violence/conflicts in Jonglei state are linked to natural resources on which the major

livelihood category, livestock keeping, is pegged. Communities often conflict on sharing the limited resources

such as water, and pasture for grazing their livestock. The project was thus conceived to contribute in

mitigating conflicts/ violence in this state through improving human security, developing legitimate

government and offering peace dividends. The intervention brought on board complementing experiences

and expertise of local partners SALT, NHDF, ACROSS and CMA to deal with this challenge. Furthermore

these local partners have operated in the area for many years thus have thorough understanding of the

context, and have established important relations in the community.

In 2013, it was planned that the project would operate in two counties of Jonglei: Akobo and Pibor Counties.

Very unfortunately the implementation of the project in Pibor County was just in the early stage when the

project had to be suspended in the month of May due to insecurity. A new dimension of conflict far from

resource-based, started in the area. An armed group, led by a renegade SPLA soldier David Yau Yau

occupied many parts of the County and fought frequent battles with the government forces. Insecurity forced

our partner organisations SALT, CMA and ACROSS to shut down their operations in the area. SALT

however shifted to Juba town for which it was agreed to operate up to December to conduct advocacy for

peace with the government and the international community.

Meanwhile in Akobo County, NHDF operations were more successful in terms of setting foundation for the

planned activities and also in their actual implementation. Capacity building for the tribal leaders, church, and

LGAs were conducted to prevent, and mitigate conflicts in the four payams of Dengjok, Alale, Bilkey and

Nyandit. Farm inputs (seeds and tools) distributed and trainings on improved farming practices were also

conducted for 170 farming households to minimise shocks to their livelihoods. Some degree of success has

been noted for instance as a result of strengthened capacities of tribal leaders, church leaders and LGAs.

The Akobo Peace committee has been formed to promote the peace agenda within the county. The

committee has been active in the promotion of the dowry reduction, and their message has generally been

welcomed by the community particularly by the youth who are the victims. Furthermore the Akobo peace

committee and council of elders have been instrumental in averting conflict over land between the returnees

(Jikany Nuer) and host communities (Lou Nuer) in Wanding payam. Tension had developed between the

returnees, Jikany Nuer who had been displaced to Ethiopia in 1993 and the host community (mostly Lou

Nuer) in Wanding payam as the former group upon their return found the latter group had occupied their

land. A peaceful settlement has been reached and the affected Lou Nuer agreed to vacate the land and

move back to their original land in Akobo East without any violent incidences. The project also scored


Annual Report 2013

positively with promotion of interaction among youth from the various tribal clans in Akobo County. A soccer

tournament dubbed Akobo Peace Tournament was successfully held bringing together youth who previously

had little or no interaction. Effort to extend this positive interaction beyond Akobo County boundary to the

neighbouring Pibor County occupied by Murle people was futile due to insecurity in this area. Our partners

SALT (from Pibor) and NHDF (from Akobo) at organization levels have begun to collaborate, and we are

optimistic that this collaboration will be extended at field level in the near future.


Annual Report 2013

2 RELEVANT CHANGES IN EXTERNAL CONTEXT

This chapter describes changes in the context and how these have affected the project during 2013.

During the second half of 2013 there were a number of external developments in Ethiopia that impacted

project implementation to varying degrees. The Wanthoa and Akobo woredas experienced heavy rains

during the second quarter of 2013 that created challenges to activity implementation in the more isolated

kebeles. The rains ended during the third quarter and as the land became dryer these isolated kebeles

became more accessible. Sporadic cross-border cattle raids in the Wanthoa woreda, perpetrated by

members of the Murle tribe of South Sudan, and other random inter- and intra-tribal clashes have

occasionally caused ZOA in Gambella to postpone project activities and movement to the field.

Changes of potentially greater impact occurred on 15th December 2013 when deadly clashes between troops

loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir and those backing his former deputy Riek Machar precipitated the

movement of large numbers of South Sudanese citizens into the Akobo woreda of Gambella in Ethiopia. As

the only humanitarian organization present in the Akobo woreda, ZOA quickly responded to this emergency.

While initially this impacted the timing and location of some project activities, ZOA has since then recruited a

separate emergency response team and the ongoing emergency activities are staffed and funded fully

separate from the project.

During the first half of the third quarter of the project the regional government initiated planning to assist the

IDPs return to the Akobo woreda from the Wanthoa woreda. The plans were in an advanced stage when the

sudden influx occurred in the Akobo woreda. The Gambella regional government postponed their plans to

assist the return movement and is in process of undertaking feasibility assessments together with

humanitarian actors. In early 2014 there were approximately 25,000 South Sudanese people in the Akobo

woreda and given the ongoing conflict it is expected that the influx will continue for some time.

Although the period under reporting ends on 31st December 2013, we do provide a brief outlook of the

foreseen consequences for the project of the instability in South Sudan since 15th December. The changing

context affected the timing and/or the location of some activities. While some activities are continuing in the

Akobo woreda, in consideration of the influx of South Sudanese into the Akobo woreda and the subsequent

postponement of the return of the majority of the IDPs to the Akobo woreda, ZOA is considering to relocate

some activities from Akobo to the Wanthoa woreda. For this purpose it may be necessary to transport

participants from the Akobo woreda to venues outside Akobo woreda for activities such as Vocational Skills

and Early Warning Trainings. At the same time, these events may pose an important opportunity to carry out

community cohesion activities with the Lou Nuer of South Sudan, with whom the IDP community has been in

conflict in the past. This is currently being assessed (March 2014).

In Pibor County in South Sudan, armed conflict between Renegade Militia Groups (RMGs) and government

forces started in early February of 2013, and intensified by the month of May forcing project staff to be

evacuated from the area. This new dimension of conflict was not envisaged during the conceptualising stage

of the project and the issues advanced by the RMGs were outside the scope of the project. The RMGs

demanded for a separate regional state from Jonglei because of the perceived marginalisation and also the

current leaders at Jonglei state (predominantly from the Dinka ethnic group) are thought to be callous to the

needs of the Murle community. Therefore the thinking is that fighting for a state of their own would

significantly improve on service delivery to their people. Consequently by June massive displacement of

people from Pibor County had occurred, with some either moving to very remote and hard to reach areas or

even completely outside the county. The 25 farmer groups (459 members) formed by ZOA’s partner SALT

were not spared either and these groups had to disintegrate. There are reported displaced Murle

communities in Juba, and others sought refuge at the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.

With this sudden change in context, it implied the needs within Pibor County also significantly changed to a

more humanitarian nature; demands for food aid and NFIs were more manifested. These new demands

were however not covered within the initial scope of the project. It was thus left for other actors/ projects to

respond to these needs as we waited for the situation to normalise in order to continue project


Annual Report 2013

implementation. Towards the end of the year, the situation slightly improved as the government and RMGs

stopped engaging each other in battles although by then there wasn’t any official declaration of cessation of

hostility. Within this same period, there was a breakthrough in dialogue for peaceful settlement of the conflict

between the two parties and hence the Addis Ababa peace-talks were initiated at the beginning of February

2014.

At present (March 2014) the government and the RMG delegations had completed the first round of

discussions. A cessation of hostility agreement was signed, and the second round of discussion was

scheduled to start in mid-March 2014, to finalise on the other terms and conditions set by the conflicting

parties. The director of SALT, Pastor Orozu has been active in the Addis Ababa talks, carrying out

translations, and follow up of the resolutions from this meeting with other religious leaders in South Sudan.

At the national level, conflict also broke out on 15th December 2013 in Juba between the government and

opposition forces loyal to the former vice president Dr Riek Machar. This conflict has since moved out of the

Juba capital and is now being fought in rural parts of Jonglei state also. Akobo County is currently under the

control of the opposition fighters but our partner NHDF is still active and has maintained their operations

despite the change. No threat has been reported yet to their operations within the area. However it is difficult

to directly monitor their operations since access to Akobo has been restricted; flights in and out of Akobo had

been suspended.

Meanwhile this conflict at national level has had no significant impact on Pibor County as the RMGs refused

to join hands with the opposition forces. Their neutral stand plus the recently signed agreement to cease

hostility is beginning to provide dividend. There is relative peace in Pibor and displaced members of the

community have slowly started to return even though the Addis Ababa peace talks are yet to be concluded.


Annual Report 2013

3 MAJOR INTERNAL CONSTRAINTS

Chapter 3 informs about the major constraints that were faced in the implementation of the project.

Due to extremely poor transportation and communications infrastructure, and lack of supplies available in

Akobo (Ethiopia), an agreement was made between the ZOA organisation in Ethiopia, the Akobo woreda

Administrator in Ethiopia and the Akobo Commissioner in South Sudan which allowed ZOA to make use of

the facilities and markets across the river in South Sudan. However in light of the current instability in South

Sudan ZOA is no longer able to make use of this agreement. Due to this, there are significantly greater

challenges including high satellite phone costs and increased cost and other logistical challenges for

transporting all supplies by vehicle and boat.

The Regional Government strongly encourages local recruitment and, especially considering the remoteness

of the location, special attention is required by ZOA Ethiopia to ensure appropriate staff capacity and temper

any perception of clan/sub-clan favouritism. Careful human resource management is critical in this context.

The government clearance processes for the procurement of boats and vehicles has been complex and time

consuming, which has made access to project areas challenging at start-up in 2013.

The Ethiopian “Proclamation for the Registration and Regulation of Charities and Societies” gives restrictions

with regard to international non-government organizations that undertake direct implementation of peace

building. In respect of this law, ZOA opened up discussions in the second half of 2013 with the Gambella

Regional Justice Bureau, the government body mandated with peace and community cohesion, to develop a

strong partnership through which community cohesion activities of the project will be implemented. The

process of identifying the appropriate partner and coming to an agreement and operational modalities was

challenging and time consuming, thus impacting the timing of the planned community cohesion activities.

This situation has partly contributed to the under-expenditure in the project. (The agreement was finalized

and signed in February 2014.)

Especially considering the remoteness of the locations of this project, it has been challenging to work within

the government’s “70:30 Guidelines” for direct vs. indirect project costs and ensure effective implementation,

as these guidelines include wide administrative cost categories such as staff salaries, consultants, training,

and capacity strengthening.

In South Sudan, major constraints faced in the implementation of the project during 2013 have been the

restricted access to some parts of the project areas. Due to heavy rains, the roads became impassable,

cutting off most parts of the project area. This presents a serious challenge in the delivery of inputs (seeds &

tools) as costs of transport and the subsequent monitoring of field activities, significantly increased. The

project took advantage of the dry January-April period, when inputs could be delivered (close) to the final

beneficiaries. Monitoring was done using motorcycles as this mode of transport is flexible and easy to

manoeuvre in such terrain. For Akobo, boats were used to access the project sites.

Under-developed & limited networks of financial institutions have restricted smooth project implementation

as there are no banks in the two counties of Pibor and Akobo. Initially fund transfers to partners for field

implementation was in cash, increasing risks. Extra caution had to be taken to deliver the cash resulting

sometimes in funds reaching the partner organisations late and consequently causing delays in planned

activities. The partners now have bank accounts in Juba on which they receive funds from ZOA, but they still

have to carry cash to the field locations. The risks of funds loss is still significant as in most cases huge sums

of monies are involved.

Insecurity within the project area, particularly in Pibor County, has been a major problem in 2013. All the

planned partners’ activities for Pibor had to be suspended for 2013. In terms of project planning, Pibor is

behind schedule to achieve the set targets within the initial time frame; all partner organisations have to fast

track their activities in 2014.


Annual Report 2013

4 PROJECT PERFORMANCE: CLARIFICATION ON ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVIATIONS FROM PLANNING

The January to March 2013 period was planned as the inception phase of the reconstruction project,

characterised by conducting the baseline survey, a workshop on conflict sensitive programming for all South

Sudan partners in the project, and preparations for activity implementation (procurement, recruitment, and

beneficiary mobilisation).

In this chapter a clarification of the output indicator values as at year-end, is given. The achieved output

levels are included in Annex A of the report. (An illustration of project activities as such, carried out during

2013 is presented in Annex C.) For project implementation in Ethiopia this meant the following.

Outcome 1: Increased level of implementation of local peace agreements, decreased dowry levels and

increased mutual respect and cooperation (including cross-border cooperation) in various projects among

the tribes and clans living in the targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, with special attention for the role of

women and of youth.

As the regulation in Ethiopia does not allow international and local Non-Governmental Organizations to work

in the area of peace building, an agreement will be signed with the Regional Justice Bureau for the

implementation of the activities under Output 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, except for the ‘Sports for Unity’ activity (part of

Output 1.2). The letter of understanding that has been signed during the third quarter of 2013 and is the base

for the proposed implementation agreement. The Regional Justice Bureau is responsible for implementing

the community cohesion outputs through the implementation of the detailed activities proposed under each

of the outputs. The implementation agreement will be signed in the first quarter of 2014.

In 2013, discussions were held with the community leaders, then community cohesion facilitators were

identified and selected by community leaders. These facilitators must officially be recognized by the Justice

Bureau after having signed the implementation agreement. At Woreda level, youth who have been actively

involved in conflict and labeled as gangsters were identified and included under the livelihood interventions

and sports competitions. Good working relationships with the Nuer Christian youth associations were

established during the year 2013, which will be taken further by the Justice Bureau. Through our ‘Sports for

Unity’ activities, sports coaches received training focusing on how to integrate sports in the community

cohesion process. Competitions between the different sports teams will be performed in 2014.

Outcome 2: Inclusive improved food security through increased availability and optimal and collaborative use

of available livelihood resources and increased services among the various tribes and clans living in the

targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, with special attention for the role of women and of youth.

In support of increased household-level food security through improved production and marketing (output

2.1), community members of the different sub-clans, mainly from Gagwang, Gajok and Anuak, were

organized in different vegetable producing and marketing groups and fish marketing groups in Wanthoa and

Akobo Woredas. These groups were able to practice the lessons learned during the agricultural training

provided. The vegetable groups continued the production of different crops at the river side through the use

of small scale irrigation techniques. The producer groups were linked to the local market chains through

opening of supply access to residents from the different tribes within the areas of both Akobo and Wanthoa

woredas. This contributed to the diversified income sources and food availability to the targeted households.

The targeted households increased the type of crop production from the previous two to now three, mainly

sorghum and maize, on flood recession fields and across the main rivers through the small scale irrigation

schemes. An EWS workshop was held for local government staff and traditional leaders to increase technical

knowledge and skills on early warning related to the main rain and harvest season.

The activities for output 2.3, related to the increased access to water and education, were delayed due to

management issues. In December a tender was opened for the (re-)construction of ten shallow wells in


Annual Report 2013

Akobo and Wanthoa woredas. This is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2014. The open tender

related to the school construction in Akobo and Wanthoa is expected to start in the first quarter of 2014.

The output levels attained in South Sudan (see also Annex A) provided the following understanding on

output achievements.

Outcome 1: Increased level of implementation of local peace agreements, decreased dowry levels and

increased mutual respect and cooperation (including cross-border cooperation) in various projects among

the tribes and clans living in the targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, with special attention for the role of

women and of youth.

In 2013 our local partner in Akobo County, NHDF, has been the only organisation which implemented peace

building activities. These included 11 peace meetings; youth was actively involved in intergroup events to

resolve conflicts, early warning systems against cattle raids were installed, meetings to limit dowries were

kept and three intergroup projects were implemented (also find details in Annex A). Consequently, the

achievements of output 1.1 and 1.2 towards the outcome have been substantial in Akobo in the first year of

project implementation (however, some output results still have to be verified in a household survey during

the project’s mid-term review in 2014). Unfortunately these achievements have been hampered when

community members from Akobo joined the SPLA-IO in the national conflict with the SPLA in December

2013.

Similar activities were also planned for Pibor County but the project had to be suspended there due to

insecurity as described in chapter 1. The fighting intensified in April/May when the partners CMA, SALT and

ACROSS had just finalized with beneficiary mobilization, and were to commence with project activities. All

planned activities consequently were suspended in this County. However, by then SALT had procured inputs

(seeds & tools) for 750 households; part of these inputs (seeds & tools) were transferred to NHDF (in Akobo)

and another programme area of ZOA (Limbe), which paid for the inputs. Only tools (hoes, sickles, axes) with

a long shelf life were kept to be distributed in 2014. Ongoing peace talks between the government and David

YauYau will hopefully bear fruit in 2014.

Outcome 2: Inclusive improved food security through increased availability and optimal and collaborative use

of available livelihood resources and increased services among the various tribes and clans living in the

targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, with special attention for the role of women and of youth.

Agricultural activities under this outcome were implemented during 2013 as planned in Akobo. Farmers have

been supported with seeds, tools and agricultural training and herewith increased and diversified their

production. Also the capacity of partner organisations NHDF, CMA and SALT has been increased by

trainings which they received on financial and project cycle management and M&E (details are included in

Annex A). The achievements towards output 2.1 and 2.4 were therefore on the planned levels in Akobo in

the first year of implementation (however, some output results still have to be verified in a household survey

during the project’s mid-term review in 2014).

The activities which were planned for Pibor under output 2.1, 2.2 (Pibor only) and 2.3 (Pibor only) through

our partners SALT, CMA and ACROSS could unfortunately not take place due to security reasons, as

described above. In order to achieve the project goal by 2016, there is need to ‘fast track’ implementation in

2014/15 as soon as the security situation will allow so.

Upon ZOA’s request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved for South Sudan the re-allocation of minor

project funding (reference of BZ-letter is DSH/HO-835/13) to a different geographical area in the country,

envisaging to achieve similar project results but in a different location and serving a different beneficiary

group. Despite the approval, the decision was taken by ZOA to not execute the reallocation of funds as the

overall funding (coming from several donors) for the Moving Beyond Hunger project in Katigiri, Central

Equatoria, delayed and therefore did not effectively start in time for the agricultural season. Hence none of

the proposed, redirected activities has been initiated in the reporting period and the re-allocation has not

been affected.


Annual Report 2013

5 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

The way in which national/ local partner organisations have played a role in the project during 2013 is

described here including capacity building achievements and needs.

With due respect to the “Proclamation for the Registration and Regulation of Charities and Societies” in

Ethiopia, ZOA initiated in 2013 discussions with the Gambella Regional Justice Bureau in the interest of

forming a partnership towards the implementation of community cohesion activities. An initial letter of intent

was signed in 2013 and detailed discussions for a partnership agreement took place thereafter. (The

Agreement was signed in February 2014 and planning sessions are taking place in 2014.)

ZOA Ethiopia initiated discussions and site visits to three potential partners for the vocational skills training

activities. These organizations were assessed by ZOA’s M&E Officer and discussions are underway. It is

expected that one or more partnerships will be established during the first quarter of 2014 and that the

training will commence immediately.

In South Sudan, the project continued to work with the partners identified in 2012, no new partners were

brought on board for 2013. These partners are SALT, Nile Hope Development Forum (NHDF), ACROSS and

Christian Mission Aid (CMA). The partners were selected in line with the guidelines on partnership

identification as stipulated by standing ZOA procedure.

Based on their contextual knowledge and experience in livelihood development/ food security and in peace

building, the partners SALT, NHDF and ACROSS were brought on board to contribute to the achievement of

outputs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 and 2.3. Output 1.1 and 1.2 relate to building capacity to prevent and mitigate conflict

and sustain peace, and increased opportunity for positive inter-tribal interactions on livelihood matters and

dowry, etc. respectively. Output 2.1 and 2.3 are associated with improving capacity for improved household

productivity in agriculture and fishing, and increasing the access to safe water. Meanwhile partner CMA will

contribute to output 2.2, related to increased access to reproductive health services and eye-care, and

attention for inclusion of handicapped people (mainstreaming).

Capacity assessments based on the 5C principles were conducted for the two local partners SALT and

NHDF in the first half of 2013. The assessment did not include CMA and ACROSS as these are international

organisations with sufficient in-house capacity building programmes. The assessment revealed capacity

gaps related to finance, human resource management, project cycle management and governance specific

to SALT.

In the second half of 2013 the immediate capacity gaps of partners that needed attention, were addressed.

ZOA hired a finance capacity building manager that provided regular training and coaching to finance staff in

the partner organisations. As a result of the finance training the following achievements were noted:

Procurement processes were better managed and sufficient documentations were made available for

any future references. Instead of single direct sourcing that was commonly practised, procurement is

now handled by a committee that makes an analysis of quotations and subsequently awards a contract.

Quality of financial reports improved significantly, the finance officers were trained on the use of Quick

book (accounting software) incl spreadsheet training.

Next to this capacity development, field staff of partners were trained on reporting and monitoring by the

M&E advisor of ZOA. Consequently, the quality of the reports improved putting emphasis on project results

and targets.


Annual Report 2013

6 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Chapter 6 describes the particularities of working in multi-country mode in this project. Also the contribution

from the ZOA support functions in The Netherlands is presented.

The project is jointly implemented by the ZOA Ethiopia and ZOA South Sudan teams. While the project aims

for a cross-border approach, both country organisations independently carry out the country-specific

components of the project. To encourage synergy, senior staff from each country occasionally communicate

and meet with their colleagues across the border to exchange information on best practices and discuss

common challenges. During 2013, various senior team members from ZOA Ethiopia and ZOA South Sudan

prepared project plans during meetings in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and Yei, South Sudan. Informal and

formal meetings in these locations supported the discussion of common challenges and practical solutions.

Furthermore, team members from both countries participated in joint learning, planning and strategizing

during ZOA’s internal international reconstruction workshop from 25th till 28

th September 2013 in Bujumbura,

Burundi. In this workshop, team members participated in planning sessions, discussed conflict analysis,

resolution tools and mechanisms, intervention logics (Theory of Change), monitoring and evaluation, and

lessons learnt. These encounters had the positive effect of synergizing project activities.

Direct collaboration has taken place between ZOA Ethiopia and ZOA South Sudan’s partner NHDF. A couple

of discussions have taken place in Akobo, South Sudan, just across the river from Akobo in Ethiopia. NHDF

has also provided use of their facilities to ZOA Ethiopia staff. However due to the insecurity since mid-

December 2013 in South Sudan, these facilities can no longer be accessed from Ethiopia.

In South Sudan a joint planning workshop has been conducted in September 2013 by staff from the two

reconstruction projects that ZOA implements in South Sudan (this project and the project Semi-Pastoralist

Conflict Mitigation – BZ activity 24325). In this event the teams shared experiences and lessons learnt on

how to improve peace-building interventions.

From the Netherlands, ZOA has contributed to the project in 2013 by technical backstopping, project

coordination and financial consolidation. Direct support was provided by the Sector Specialist for Peace, the

Recon Coordinator and the designated Financial Controller. The Sector Specialist has facilitated DNH

training in both Ethiopia and South Sudan (in cooperation with CORD-UK) during 2013, the Recon

Coordinator supported project coherence and cooperation including M&E while the Financial Controller

prepared regular financial consolidation. Other staff based in the Netherlands have more indirectly

contributed to the project by providing e.g. technical expertise in the areas of livelihoods/ food security and

WASH, and management/ supervision by the CEO.

The earlier mentioned international reconstruction workshop held in Burundi was organised and facilitated by

ZOA staff from the Netherlands. The event resulted in better understanding of peace building and Do-No-

Harm principles with project staff responsible for implementation. The workshop was organized for staff

working in one of the four reconstruction projects that ZOA is implementing worldwide under this funding

window from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This constituted a major cost saving while the learning effect for

participants increased because of the participation by staff from different backgrounds. Adjacent to the

workshop, a planning 2014 session for each reconstruction project implemented by ZOA, was held.


Annual Report 2013

7 INNOVATIONS AND GENDER

The project design contains some innovations for which the experience in 2013 is described here. Also,

possible influences on the gender balance in the project area is dealt with in this chapter.

As it is increasingly clear, transnational humanitarian approaches to conflict mitigation/ reduction is gaining

importance especially in locations such as Ethiopia and South Sudan, where traditional tribal animosities and

conflict drivers are combined with an escalation of violence in the area and natural hazards such as drought

and flood. As an innovative way to address cross-border conflict challenges, the project is jointly

implemented by the ZOA South Sudan and ZOA Ethiopia country organisations. Both country organisations,

formally independent from one another within the ZOA organization structure, seek each other’s input and

undertake complementary efforts to create the desired synergy in the project.

Both countries began the project by undertaking base-line data collection and analysis concerning the

populations and challenges that the project is targeting and addressing, and establishing common progress

indicators. This was important as more information needed to be collected in each country. This cross-border

cooperation and communication between the two ZOA country organizations supports the identification and

promotion of viable solutions for the populations on both sides of the border.

Understanding that communities live in a context where insecurity, instability and exclusion are domains

which they have little control over, the project focuses on areas over which the people do have control. That

is why the project focuses on efforts towards peace from the socio-economic perspective, revolving around

the development of livelihood opportunities, including improved agriculture methods and fishery marketing,

Village-level Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), and skills development trainings.

Gender is an important dimension as this project seeks to address the socio-economic well-being of

individuals and communities as a pre-requisite for cohesion. Recognizing the special capacity and role of

women in the livelihood of the family and role in fostering peace in the family and communities, women in the

target communities are essential and central to many of the livelihoods development activities. Hence special

attention is taken in working with women in income generating and VSLA activities.

Further, as cohesion occurs when positive relationships are developed between people, and especially youth

from different backgrounds and circumstances, sporting activities have been organized as a means of

building appreciation of people from different backgrounds, social trust, and common understanding across

communities.

The farmer field school (FFS) methodology that is based on experiential learning and farmers sharing ideas

among themselves to solve a common problem, has proved a good approach for encouraging learning of

new farming practices especially where no reliable extension service delivery system exists. In the 3 payams

of Bilkey, Dengjok and Alale in South Sudan, the FFS were used as entry points for new technologies such

as improved seeds and soil fertility conservation practices (intercropping, mulching, and use of manure). 60

farmers completed a season-long training on vegetable production in the FFS and will now offer cascade

training to the other members in their own community.

Gender disparities do exist, and to address this in the project, gender was taken into account during the

identification and selection of the group members. Women are strongly encouraged given their role in family

nutrition, to participate in vegetable production. Also women have been identified as instrumental in peace

processes, so they are part of the peace committees.


Annual Report 2013

8 STAFFING AND FINANCES

Chapter 8 provides information on the means of the project (people, equipment and funds). Annex B gives all information on financial expenditure, for which an explanation is presented below. In Ethiopia the project has been supported by a Programme Manager (based in Gambella), a Reconstruction Advisor (Addis), Programme Coordinator (Gambella), Logistics Officer (Gambella), Finance & Logistic Officers (in Akobo and Wanthoa locations), Community Cohesion Officer (Wanthoa and Akobo), Team Leaders (Akobo and Wanthoa), and Food Security and Livelihood Officers (Akobo and Wanthoa). On ad-hoc basis, drivers, store keepers, security guards and boat captains were hired; this category of staff filled a special role as the project could not have been implemented and monitored without them in the challenging environment of Gambella. Gambella-based staff participated in the following training, organized in Gambella town.

May 2013: Do No Harm (DNH) principles. The objective of this workshop was to increase their

understanding of the concepts of the DNH framework, to identify how implementation can either fuel

conflicts or create connectors for peace and gain an understanding of ways to implement project

interventions which strengthen local capacities for peace and reduce capacities of conflict.

June 2013: Refresher training on Procurement Procedures & ZOA Code of Conduct.

August 2013: The development of village level savings and loan associations, including awareness

raising, group selection, election of officials, training of officials in book keeping and management, and

the establishment of by-laws for effective functioning. In South Sudan, two senior staff were appointed in 2012 to lead the implementation of the project, they carried on in first half of 2013. As there is substantial involvement from national partner organisations, no other ZOA senior staff are directly working in the project in South Sudan. In August, the Programme Manager resigned after having served the organisation for long. The Food Security Advisor was then appointed on interim basis to manage the project until a suitable replacement is hired. A Do No Harm training was organised for the senior staff in the project, in March 2013. The principles of DNH have since been integrated in the planning and in the subsequent delivery of activities in the project. The under-expenditure in Ethiopia was primarily due to two issues, as follows. 1. Under the project a primary school was planned to be constructed in the Akobo woreda of Gambella in

2013. ZOA was deeply involved in developing an appropriate technical design for the school for this flood prone location, and was in lengthy discussions with the government regarding their approval of the design. Due to insecurity and increasing violence taking place across the border in South Sudan, ZOA has been delaying this activity to further assess the situation. ZOA expects to continue with this activity in 2014, of course contingent on the security developments in the wider area.

2. The Ethiopian “Proclamation for the Registration and Regulation of Charities and Societies” provides

restrictions with regard to direct implementation of peace building activities by NGOs. In respect of this law, ZOA opened up discussions with the Gambella Regional Justice Bureau, the government body mandated with peace and community cohesion, in the second half of 2013, to develop a strong partnership through which community cohesion activities of the project can be implemented. The process of identifying this partner and coming to an agreement and activity modality, has been challenging and time consuming in 2013, thus impacting the timing of the planned community cohesion activities. (The agreement was finalized and signed in February 2014.)

Considering that the above mentioned activities could not be implemented in 2013, and especially bearing in mind the remoteness of the project locations, ZOA Ethiopia has also faced the challenge to work within the Ethiopian Government’s “70:30 Guidelines” regarding direct vs. indirect project costs. These guidelines include wide administrative cost categories such as staff salaries, consultants, training, and capacity strengthening.


Annual Report 2013

The expenditure (realized budget) for South Sudan in quantitative terms on 31st December 2013 was € 376,536 which is 60% of the total budget (€ 628,158) for 2013. Only one partner NHDF was able to implement their planned activities for 2013. The rest of the partners did not, as their activities were suspended due to insecurity.


Annual Report 2013

9 LESSONS LEARNED

The following lessons were learnt in the course of implementing the project in Ethiopia.

The Community Cohesion facilitators appear to have intrinsic motivation for working on community cohesion and unity in their woredas. This has shown ZOA that strengthening the local capacity for community unity is an important tool for long-term sustainability.

Working in partnership with key stakeholders from the start, in the targeting and implementation of project activities, is critical.

Seasonality significantly influences programming. For example, hardware implementation and activities taking place in isolated woredas should be undertaken during the dry period (from January to May).

It is important to find a good balance between the recruitment of local staff and recruitment based on competency.

Frequent monitoring site visits by senior staff are important for efficient and effective programming.

In South Sudan:

Peace building; Tribal animosity is still very strong and there are feelings of being marginalized in social,

economic and political life among the Murle people. Some tribes wield more power than others. In this

regard, clashes and revenge attacks are rampant. To address this issue, the project will continue to support

our partners in building the capacity of peace committees and youth committees at local levels so that they

will disseminate peace messages to their communities and respective groups, and other stakeholders.

Promotion of agriculture; The Murle and Lou Nuer are pastoralists with a few of them changing their way of

livelihood into agriculture. The dependency on cattle has limited their economic base and they are not able to

support their families except at a very low level. In order to give livelihood opportunities to those who are

willing to engage in farming, the project will form farmers groups, provide farmer field school training and

farm inputs such as seeds and tools. Each project location will have agriculture extension workers to provide

technical advice at household level.

Women empowerment; Women are the most marginalized because they are the ones who experience

forced or early marriages; have low literacy rates and they lack access to and control of productive assets

such as livestock and land. Through the project, we will support the local leaders to enact law that will

prohibit forced and early marriages and enact laws that reduce dowry including other forms of dowry (non-

cattle). Women will also be supported to engage in home gardening as a start of livelihoods development.

Girls’ education will be promoted to strengthen their position in society.

Scenario planning; In a situation like Pibor, which is highly susceptible to conflict, it is very important that

project implementers always study the situation through participation in security meetings and are ready to

plan alternative ways to counter the situation so to keep the project going.

ANNEX A: OUTPUT PROGRESS REPORT

Baseline for SDN (value

and/ or description),

March 2013

Baseline for ETH (value


March 2013

NA

(is an outcome indicator, not

output)


output)

1.2 (South Sudan only) By the end of the

project, bylaws regulating the dowry prices

are in place in at least 30% of the targeted

payams and are being respected.

NA --


output)


output)

1.3 By the end of the project, at least 30%

of the targeted beneficiaries indicates an

improvement in their perception of shared

identity and shared values with other

groups.

Value is 1.33 on a five points

scale.

Value is 1.38 on a five points

scale.(is an outcome indicator, not

output)


output)

NA; reference point is one

peace committee (Nuer

Council of Churches) at time

of baseline study.

One peace committee

(Akobo) in place & it has

been able to hold 11 follow-

up meetings in 2013, plus

implement resolutions from

these meetings.

LoU signed with the

Regional Justice Bureau

(JB) for implementation of all

community cohesion

activities.

The EWS does not function

anymore.

EWS will be worked on by

the JB in 2014 - 2016.

NA; no organized

discussions around dowry

prices and debts existed at

time of baseline.

Relationships built with the

Nuer Christian Youth

Association. Will be worked

upon further by the JB in

2014 - 2016.

1.1.3 By the end of the project 50% of

targeted communities have developed

initial early warning systems against cattle

raiding.

No formal EWS is in place. 75% of targeted payams (3

out of 4) in Akobo County

have early warning systems

against cattle raids,

managed by the payam

peace committee.

1.1.4 By the end of the project 100 tribal

leaders, church leaders, youth group /

association leaders, women group /

association leaders and local government

staff capacitated to lead discussions and

organise campaigns for making dowry

prices and debts more manageable and

adjusting bylaws.

NA Two meetings organised to

discuss dowry prices and

bylaws to manage dowry

prices capacitating 120

people.

In addition, communities

organised matches/

campaigns to create

awareness and lobby for

dowry reduction.

During the baseline survey

the youth in SDN (and ETH)

were not involved in inter-

group conflict resolution

efforts/ peace agreements.

During the baseline survey

the youth in ETH (and SDN)

were not involved in inter-

group conflict resolution

efforts/ peace agreements.

Youth actively included in

100% of inter-group conflict

resolutions efforts for 2013

in Akobo County: sports

events, monthly peace

meetings, micro-projects. No

other non ZOA-NHDF peace

efforts were organized

during this time.

Youth stigmatized as

gangsters identified and

involved in livelihood and

sports activities. This output

is implemented by JB in

2014 - 2016.

NA

1.1 Improved capacity of relevant local

tribal and clan leaders, churches, other

organizations and local government to

prevent and mitigate conflict and sustain

peace and to address underlying cultural

contributors to instability and conflict.

1.1.1 By the end of the project, functional

systems are in place in all targeted

counties/Woreda to follow up on

local/regional peace agreements.

NA; reference point is one

peace committee (in Akobo)

at time of baseline study.

1.1.2 By the end of the project, youth are

actively included in at least 40% of inter-

group conflict resolution efforts in the

targeted counties/woredas

Output measurement as at

31 Dec 2013, for SDN


31 Dec 2013, for ETH

1. Increased level of implementation of

local peace agreements, decreased dowry

levels and increased mutual respect and

cooperation (including cross-border

cooperation) in various projects among the

tribes and clans living in the targeted areas

of Gambella and Jonglei, with special

attention for the role of women and of

youth.

1.1 In the targeted counties/ woredas 70%

of the action points flowing from five

local/regional peace agreements are

actively followed up on, with a focus on

active participation of youth.

Baseline Findings and Adjusted Indicators (March 2013) + Output indicator values on 31 Dec 2013

Intervention logic, September 2012 Progress Indicators, March 2013

RECONSTRUCTION 2012 - 2016

Annual report 2013 1



March 2013



March 2013






NA

NA

NA

2.1 At least 80% of the 1,000 + 1,000

(Jonglei/Gambella) beneficiary households

show improvement in Food Consumption

Score with 10 points over the baseline.

Food Consumption Score

(FSC) is 29.7

FCS is 27.7


output)


output)

2.2 By the end of the project, access to a

safe and reliable source of drinking water

has increased by 30% among 37.800

beneficiaries (5.400 households) in target

areas of Pibor County; and among 8.000

beneficiaries (1.000 households) in the

Woredas of Akobo and Wanthoa.

43% of the people have

access to water through

hand pumps and piped

water during the rainy

season, 39% have access

during the dry season

(assumption: safe and

reliable refers to hand

pumps and piped water).

14% of the people have

access to water through

hand pumps and piped

water during the rainy

season, 13% have access

during the dry season.


output)


output)

NA Will be implemented by JB

in 2014 - 2016.

2. Inclusive improved food security through

increased availability and optimal and

collaborative use of available livelihood

resources and increased services among

the various tribes and clans living in the

targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei,

with special attention for the role of women

and of youth.

1.3 (Ethiopia only) Improved capacity of

local government in 2 Woredas to facilitate

stakeholders in the target areas to develop

capacity in peace building for the outputs

1.1 and 1.2.

1.3.1 By the end of the project at least 50

government and partner staff who have

participated in the training, report back on

examples of successful application of

improved peace building skills (this

includes initial early warning systems

against cattle raiding).

--

1.2.2 By the end of the project 6 (3 in

Gambella; 3 in Jonglei) inter-tribe/clan

sports competitions held.

NA 2 out of 3 football

tournaments held in Akobo

County, Jonglei State, (youth

from the 4 payams

participated).

Fourteen sport teams

organized and supported

with materials, of which six

soccer teams, six volleyball

teams and two basketball

teams.

Relationships built with the

Nuer Christian Youth

Association. Will be worked

upon further by the JB in

2014 - 2016.

1.2 Increased opportunities for positive

inter-tribe/clan interaction on livelihood

related matters, peace building, dowry

reduction, sports.

1.2.1 By the end of the project 11 (5 in

Gambella; 6 in Jonglei) projects proposed

and being implemented that promote

inclusion and mutual respect. These

projects must require inter-tribe/clan

interaction and can deal with matters such

as access to water, grazing land, trust

building or campaigns aimed at making

dowry prices and/or debts more

manageable.

NA

3 out of 6 projects in Akobo

County, Jonglei State,

implemented to promote

inclusion and mutual

respect.

Community conversations

held and community

cohesion (CC) faciliators

were selected. 12 in Akobo

Woreda and 12 in Wanthoa

Woreda. These CC

facilitators must be

recognized by the JB.

1.1.4 By the end of the project 100 tribal

leaders, church leaders, youth group /

association leaders, women group /

association leaders and local government

staff capacitated to lead discussions and

organise campaigns for making dowry

prices and debts more manageable and

adjusting bylaws.

NA Two meetings organised to

discuss dowry prices and

bylaws to manage dowry

prices capacitating 120

people.

In addition, communities

organised matches/

campaigns to create

awareness and lobby for

dowry reduction.

1.1 Improved capacity of relevant local

tribal and clan leaders, churches, other

organizations and local government to

prevent and mitigate conflict and sustain

peace and to address underlying cultural

contributors to instability and conflict.





March 2013



March 2013






2.3 (South Sudan only) By end of the

project there will be a sustainable system of

managing and controlling STIs problems

including functional referral avenues

established in all government health

services facilities in targeted areas of Pibor

County, with a catchment area of 44,500

persons and serving 960 clients for STIs

and 480 for eye care services (at least 25%

of clients being operated on trachoma or

cataract).

NA --


output)


output)

Nuer Jikany - maize

production: 319 kilo/HH;

sorghum production: 176

kilo/HH. Anyuak - maize

production: 174 kilo/HH;

sorghum production: 177

kilo/HH.

83 community members (32

female) of the different sub-

clans, mainly from

Gagwang, Gajok and

Anuak, received improved

agricultural traning.

2.1.3 (Ethiopia only). At least 50% of 1000

targeted households report that they fish for

making part of their income for a period of 3

months per year.

-- NA NA

--

2-days workshop was held

by trainer of DPFA for 16

participants of different

government bureaus and

traditional leaders.

2.2 (South Sudan only) Increased access

to reproductive health services and eye-

care and attention for inclusion of

handicapped people mainstreamed.

2.2.1 (South Sudan only) By the end of the

project an increase by 20% of PHCCs

providing health services in sexual and

reproductive health and eye care as part of

the governments basic health package.

No clear baseline info

available due to insecurity at

time of baseline study.

Activities by PHCCs planned

for Pibor could not be

implemented due to

continuous insecurity and

have been shifted to 2014.

Will be verified using

household survey at the mid-

term-review, planned in

2014. NHDF is indicating a

5% increase of crop

production, but we have not

been able to verify this

because of insecurity in

Akobo.

2.1.2 By the end of the project, at least 25%

of beneficiary households engaged in

agriculture in target communities have

added one crop to their portfolio

(households having improved access to

land) or have added at least one seed

variety (households having limited access

to land) over the baseline.

NA NA 20% of beneficiaries (66 of

333 households) have

diversified their crop

production, with sorghum,

maize and vegetables added

to their crop portfolio.

2.1 Improved capacity for enhanced

household productivity in agriculture

(Ethiopia and South Sudan) and fishing

(Ethiopia only).

2.1.1 By the end of the project, average

crop production of beneficiary households

in target communities has increased by

10% over baseline.

Sorghum production: 132

kilo/HH, maize production:

162 kilo/HH, millet

production: 182 kilo/HH.

2. Inclusive improved food security through

increased availability and optimal and

collaborative use of available livelihood

resources and increased services among

the various tribes and clans living in the

targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei,

with special attention for the role of women

and of youth.





March 2013



March 2013






2.2.2 (South Sudan only) 25 Government

health care workers trained in sexual and

reproductive health and eye care by the

end of 2015.

NA -- Activities by PHCCs planned


implemented due to



2.2.3 (South Sudan only) At least 120

cataract or trachoma operations done by

end of 2015 with 70% of operations

classified as good visual acuity after 2

days.

NA -- Activities by PHCCs planned


implemented due to



2.3.1 By the end of the project, the

percentage of households that use water

from hand pumps as the primary source of

household water consumption has

increased by at least 10% In Pibor locality

and 30% in Wanthoa and Akobo Woredas.

60 % in rainy season, 61%

in dry season.

Jikany Nuer: 25 % during

rainy season and 21 %

during dry season; Anyuak:

0 %.

WASH activities planned for

Pibor could not be

implemented due to



NA

NA; 57% of respondents has

school in village and 66% of

respondents reported that

thier children attend school

(combined figures for both

people groups).

2.3.4 (South Sudan only) Existing water

points in Pibor County will be rehabilitated

and modified with water troughs to increase

water access for livestock and reduce

damage to water points.

Nine boreholes need to be

rehabilitated (info via RRC)

and a water trough for

livestock will be built.

-- WASH activities planned for

Pibor could not be

implemented due to



NA NA Selection process for a

training centre was started.

NA The operation linked to

water drilling will be

implemented within the first

and second quarters of the

year 2014.

2.3.3 (Ethiopia only) Two schools

reconstructed and establishment of PTAs

NA NA

2.3 Increased access to safe water and to

education

2.3.2 (Ethiopia only) 2 Water Departments

capacitated through technical assistance

and training.

--

2.3.5 At end of the program 50% of

vocational trainees from the targeted

payams/Woreda capacitated to earn

income from their acquired skills.

NA

2.2 (South Sudan only) Increased access

to reproductive health services and eye-

care and attention for inclusion of

handicapped people mainstreamed.





March 2013



March 2013






2.4.1 (South Sudan only) At least 10 staff

from ZOA partner organisations

demonstrate competent skills in HR, M&E,

project and financial management; 10 staff

are able to apply technical skills in resource

management.

NA -- 3 staff from partner

organisation trained on

financial management,

6 staff trained on M&E and

project cycle management.

2.4.2 (South Sudan only) One County

Health Department (CHD) demonstrates

competent skills in HR, M&E, project and

financial management; 3 CHD personnel

competent on sexual and reproductive

health and eye care delivery; one CHD

team able to plan & support delivery of a

responsive BPHS incorporating sexual

reproductive and eye care activities.

NA -- Capacity building activities

planned for Pibor could not

be implemented due to



NA = Not Applicable (no baseline data can be given due to nature of indicator)

-- = The country does not use this indicator

2.4 (South Sudan only) Increased financial

capcity of ZOA NGO partners




Annual Report 2013

ANNEX B: FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE REPORT

The consolidated financial overview for the book year 2013 of project ‘Hope and Recovery on the Ethiopia-South Sudan border’ is as stated below:

226.070 389.424 58,1% 226.070 412.372

Output 1.1: Improved capacity of relevant local tribal and clan

leaders, churches, other organizations and local government to

prevent and mitigate conflict and sustain peace

44.177 67.715 65,2% 44.177 85.612

Output 1.2: Community leaders capacitated to address underlying

cultural contributors to instability and conflict21.353 44.733 47,7% 21.353 39.999

Output 1.3 Increased opportunity for positive interclan interaction on

livelihood related matters92.454 44.733 206,7% 92.454 180.336

Output 1.4 Improved capacity of local government and ZOA

partners to facilitate stakeholders68.085 106.245 64,1% 68.085 106.425

402.088 757.318 53,1% 402.088 968.718

Output 2.1: Improved capacity for improved household productivity

in agriculture and fishing351.926 431.886 81,5% 351.926 482.191

Output 2.2: Increased access to reproductive health services and

eye-care and attention for inclusion of handicapped people

mainstreamed

21.640 16.689 129,7% 21.640 117.660

Output 2.3: Increased access to safe w ater and to education 24.751 302.356 8,2% 24.751 347.611

Output 2.4: Improved capacity of local government and ZOA partner

NGOs to contribute to the above mentioned outputs for outcome 23.772 6.387 59,1% 3.772 21.256

Subtotal 628.158 1.146.742 54,8% 628.158 1.381.090

82.110 76.000 108,0% 82.110 92.859

TOTAL 710.268 1.222.742 58,1% 710.268 1.473.949

Programme costs NL

Original

budget

2013

(Nov '12)

Planning

2013

(Oct '13)

Realised

(%)

Actual

2013

(Year-end)

Outcome Output

Outcome 1: Increased level of implementation of local peace agreements, decreased dow ry levels and increased mutual

respect and cooperation (including cross border cooperation) in various projects among the tribes and clans living in the

targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, w ith special attention for the role of w omen and of youth.

Outcome 2: Inclusive improved food security through increased availability and optimal and collaborative use of available

livelihood resources and increased services among the various tribes and clans living in the targeted areas of Gambella

and Jonglei, w ith special attention for the role of w omen and of youth.

Actual

2013

(Year-end)


Annual Report 2013

The individual country financial overviews for the book year 2013 are as stated below:

A. Ethiopia

91.730 210.012 43,7% 91.730 210.366

Output 1.1 Improved capacity of relevant stakeholders to prevent and mitigate

conflict and sustain peace8.204 30.965 26,5% 8.204 31.017

Output 1.2 Community leaders capacitated to address underlying cultural

contirbutors to instability and conflict0 0 0,0% 0 0

Output 1.3 Increased opportunity for positive interclan interaction on livelihood

related matters15.441 72.801 21,2% 15.441 72.924

Output 1.4 Improved capacity of local government and ZOA partners to

facilitate stakeholders68.085 106.245 64,1% 68.085 106.425

159.892 521.828 30,6% 159.892 522.740

Output 2.1 Improved capacity for improved household productivity in

agriculture and fishing152.015 233.726 65,0% 152.015 234.153

Output 2.2 Increased access to reproductive health, etc 0 0 0,0% 0 0

Output 2.3 Increased access to safe w ater, education and health services 7.877 288.103 2,7% 7.877 288.587

Output 2.4 Improved capacity of ZOA partner NGO's to contribute to the above

mentioned outputs (outcome 2)0 0 0,0% 0 0

Subtotal 251.622 731.840 34,4% 251.622 733.106

45.000 45.000 100,0% 45.000 49.291

TOTAL 296.622 776.840 38,2% 296.622 782.397

Programme costs NL

Realised

(%)Outcome Output

Original

budget

2013

(Nov '12)

Actual

2013

(Year-end)

Outcome 1: Increased level of implementation of local peace agreements, decreased dow ry levels and

increased mutual respect and cooperation (including cross border cooperation) in various projects among

the tribes and clans living in the targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, w ith special attention for the role

of w omen and of youth.

Outcome 2: Inclusive improved food security through increased availability and optimal and collaborative

use of available livelihood resources and increased services among the various tribes and clans living in

the targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, w ith special attention for the role of w omen and of youth.

Actual

2013

(Year-end)

Planning

2013

(Oct '13)


Annual Report 2013

B. South Sudan

134.339 179.412 74,9% 134.339 202.006

Output 1.1: Improved capacity of relevant local tribal and clan

leaders, churches, other organizations and local government to

prevent and mitigate conflict and sustain peace

35.973 36.749 97,9% 35.973 54.595

Output 1.2: Community leaders capacitated to address underlying

cultural contributors to instability and conflict21.353 44.733 47,7% 21.353 39.999

Output 1.3: Increased opportunities for positive inter-tribe/clan

interaction on livelihood related matters, peace building, dow ry

reduction, sports

77.013 97.929 78,6% 77.013 107.412

242.197 235.490 102,8% 242.197 445.978

Output 2.1: Improved capacity for improved household productivity

in agriculture and fishing199.911 198.160 100,9% 199.911 248.038

Output 2.2: Increased access to reproductive health services and

eye-care and attention for inclusion of handicapped people

mainstreamed

21.640 16.689 129,7% 21.640 117.660

Output 2.3: Increased access to safe w ater and to education 16.874 14.254 118,4% 16.874 59.024

Output 2.4: Improved capacity of local government and ZOA partner

NGOs to contribute to the above mentioned outputs for outcome 23.772 6.387 59,1% 3.772 21.256

Subtotal 376.536 414.902 90,8% 376.536 647.984

Programme costs NL 37.110 31.000 119,7% 37.110 43.568

TOTAL 413.646 445.902 92,8% 413.646 691.552

Original

budget

2013

(Nov '12)

Actual

2013

(Year-end)

Outcome 1: Increased level of implementation of local peace agreements, decreased dow ry levels and increased mutual

respect and cooperation (including cross border cooperation) in various projects among the tribes and clans living in the

targeted areas of Gambella and Jonglei, w ith special attention for the role of w omen and of youth.

Outcome 2: Inclusive improved food security through increased availability and optimal and collaborative use of available

livelihood resources and increased services among the various tribes and clans living in the targeted areas of Gambella

and Jonglei, w ith special attention for the role of w omen and of youth.

Actual

2013

(Year-end)

Planning

2013

(Oct '13)

Realised

(%)Outcome Output


Annual Report 2013

1

ANNEX C: ILLUSTRATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITY

For the project operations in Ethiopia the following applies.

Training community cohesion facilitators (output 1.1)

As community members play an essential role in the creation of cohesive communities, 8 voluntary Community Facilitators were identified and participated in a training on September 3 and 4, 2013 at the Meeting Hall of the Bureau of Finance and Economic Development in Gambella Town. Experienced Gambella Regional Council trainers facilitated this training regarding leadership, communication skills, and household and community conflict resolution techniques. A wide variety of tools and techniques, including group discussions, plenary discussions, cases stories, and presentations, were used for this training. These Facilitators have begun contributing to community cohesion by discussing general attitudes and problems and incidents within the communities of Akobo and Wanthoa woredas, and are able to give key messages on the importance of good community relations and various community resolution options. Further, ten training modules were developed for community cohesion workshops, scheduled to take place in 2014, focused on linking theory with the participants’ own experience in identifying and resolving conflict. 8 (two females) Community Cohesion Facilitators participated of which 4 are from Akobo and the other 4 from Wanthoa woreda. Trainees were drawn from Gajiok Nuer, Gaguang Nuer, Anuak and Lou Nuer clans and sub clans. Additionally, the Head of the Akobo woreda Security Office and the Senior Expert from the Regional Justice Bureau and a Representative from Security and Administration Affairs Bureau participated. Four ZOA team members (2 from Akobo field office and 2 from Wanthoa field office) participated.

Sports and (input for) small scale tender projects (output 1.2)

Inter-tribal interactions are being strengthened through encouraging sport leagues fourteen sport coaches from

Akobo and Wanthoa woredas received training focusing on integrating sport in the community cohesion process.

No. of Sport Coaches in Akobo and Wanthoa woredas

Woreda Number of Coaches by sport types Total Coaches

Coaches for

Football teams

Coaches for

Volleyball teams

Coaches for

Basketball teams

Akobo 3 3 1 7

Wanthoa 3 3 1 7

Total 6 6 2 14

In order to foster positive inter-clan interaction on livelihoods efforts, this activity focused on bringing people from different tribal backgrounds together. Hence special attention was given to select individuals who will be part of groups made up of different clans and sub-clans of Anuak and Nuer (Gajok and Gagunang sub-clans). While emphasis was given to individuals who showed interest, further attention was given to women and vulnerable persons (individuals who have limited means for livelihoods) in the selection. Notably, it has been challenging to include more women as beneficiaries as agricultural and fishing activities are predominately carried out by men. From this selection a total of 2 vegetable producing and marketing groups and 2 fish marketing groups were established. In support of increased household-level food security through increased production and improved marketing, 30 (6 females)

1 community members participated in a 3-day training on December 20 – 22,

2013 in the meeting hall of ZOA’s Wanthoa office in Mattar. The training, provided by the Agricultural Bureau included topics such as production, processing, handling, storing, transporting, selling of products and market outlet mapping. Parallel training sessions were organized for the vegetable and fishing groups

1 These initial trainings could only be provided to beneficiaries from Wanthoa woreda, as beneficiaries from Akobo could not travel to the training

location due to security issues in the area. Hence the number of beneficiaries indicated to have taken part in trainings and number of beneficiaries

who were supported with the budget for small scale tender projects (below) are higher.


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by the Agricultural Bureau. 18 (4 females) beneficiaries have been trained in fishing methodologies, including topics such as awareness on importance of fishing for livelihood improvement, fishing tools, types of fish, processing methodologies etc. 12 (2 females) beneficiaries participated in the vegetable trainings covering topics such as vegetable production and marketing, agronomic practices and seeds suitable for the area. presentations, group discussions, practical field work, and plenary discussions were used for the techniques employed.

Training Participants of Fish Producing Groups of Akobo and Wanthoa

Training Participants of Vegetable Producing Groups of Akobo and Wanthoa

Upon completion of trainings in marketing, vegetable and fishing (mentioned above), groups were supported towards improving their livelihoods. The 2 (19 individuals) vegetable groups were supported with agro ecologically suitable vegetable seeds (lettuce, eggplant, ground nut, okra ect.) agricultural tools (watering can, banga, rake, shovel, fork, hoe, pick hoe, axe, digging hoe), and additional materials supporting the storage of goods such as freezer boxes, ice boxes, generator and water pumps. The 3 fishing groups (45individuals) were supported with fishing nets, freezer boxes, ice boxes, generator. Groups have been supported to establish their own steering committee (chair person, purchaser, cashier). Group members set criteria for selection into the steering committee such as commitment, good reputation and responsibility. Groups were also encouraged to include females in their steering committee. Group by-laws were established with involvement if all group members.

Workshop on Early Warning (output 1.3)

An Early Warning and Early Response workshop was carried out to develop the technical knowledge and

capacity of 16 (2 females) traditional leaders such as clan leaders, religious leaders, and community

leaders, drawn from rural kebeles of Akobo and Wanthoa. Also government’s early warning staff from the

woreda and the regional government participated in the workshop. Government staff were drawn from the

Disaster Prevention and Food Security Office, Agriculture Office, Health Office, Water Office, Education

Office, and Cooperative Promotion Sector Offices. Presentations, group discussions and plenary

discussions were the key methods used in the workshop.


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The workshop, facilitated by Disaster Prevention and Food Security Agency trainers, took place in the

meeting hall of ZOA’s compound in Mattar, on July 9 and 10, 2013. The workshop was timed to support

the participants’ performance of early warning activities during the following rain and harvest season.

Participants gained knowledge and skills about the Early Warning Systems, covering issues such as

concepts of early warning and disaster, area specific disasters and their causes, local responses to

disasters, disaster indicators and the likes.

Procurement of equipment/stock for EWS and response: in support to the woreda early warning system

of Wanthoa and Akobo 2 plastic-made rain gages have been supplied so to be able to measure rainfall.

Furthermore 7 canoe boats have been provided to the woreda disaster prevention and food security

offices to support early warning activities of the woreda.

Non-food item packages were provided as per IOM’s IDP and refugee standard package for one

household. These included items such as 1 jeri can, 1 cooking pot, 1 big spoon, 2 cups, 2 plates, 1 jug, 1

waste basin, 1 body soap, 1 sleeping matt and 1 mosquito net. These items were supplied to 945 (819

Akobo host, 126 IDPs in Wanthoa) most vulnerable displaced and host community households members

in Akobo and Wanthoa woredas. Additional non-food items were purchased and stocked in order to be

ready to supply them to the displaced people as they return to Akobo. Once the return of IDPs

commences, these items will be distributed.

Training of Trainers (ToT) on agricultural extension systems (output 2.1)

In support of enhancing the food/livelihood security of target communities in Wanthoa and Akobo

woredas through increased agricultural production, 12 (1 female) government agricultural extension

workers participated in a Training of Trainers to increase their technical knowledge and capacity with

regard to the practical application of various agricultural extension systems and techniques in the rural

community. Participants were drawn from the woreda’s Agriculture Office, and the regional Bureau of

Agriculture.

The training was facilitated by trainers of Gambella Regional Bureau of Agriculture, senior experts in

agricultural extension, crop production, horticulture production, livestock production and natural resources

management. These fields were the focus areas of the training, the primary method of training has been

presentations and discussions. This Training of Trainers took place over three days: June 26 – 28, 2013.

As this was the beginning of the main rainy season and agricultural activity in the area, this was

determined to be well timed. The training was carried out in Gambella town at the meeting hall of the

regional Bureau of the Finance and Economic Development.

Participants developed capacity in terms of better understanding about the comprehensive agricultural

extension system which will enable them to provide agricultural extension to farmers and agro-

pastoralists in their respective working areas.

Strengthen seed/tools supply systems: in order to contribute to the improvement of the household food

security of farmers and agro-pastoralists, they were supplied with seeds for crop varieties (recommended

by the Gambella Research Institute and used by the Bureau of Agriculture) suitable for the agro-ecology

of Akobo and Wanthoa areas. Seeds provided per household were 15 kg maize, 7.5 kg sorghum and of

40 kg rice (in total 140 quintals of maize, 100 quintals of sorghum and 45 quintals of rice were

distributed). 2,651 (1,292 female-headed) households of IDPs as well as host community in Akobo and

Wanthoa woredas have benefited from this support. Beneficiaries who have farm land, vulnerable and

female-headed households were given priority for this support.


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Type, Quantity and No. of Beneficiaries of Seed by Woreda and Target groups

Woreda Type of beneficiaries Total Beneficiaries

M F T

Akobo IDPs 333 535 868

Host 466 437 903

Subtotal 799 972 1771

Wanthoa Host 560 320 880

Subtotal 560 320 880

Total 1359 1292 2651

Complementary to the seed provision, beneficiaries were supplied with different agricultural tools. 1,533

(550 female-households) households each received 1 panga/ machete, 1 hoe, 1 pick hoe and 1 axe. Of

the 2,651 total households who received seeds, households were given a choice to choose which farm

tool items they needed.

Training VSLA (output 2.3)

Through the development of Village-level Savings and Loan Associations, household income levels are

increased and people gain the capacity to build or rebuild assets lost due to conflict (i.e. livestock). From

October 21 through October 25, 2013 12 livelihoods/VSLA facilitators from Akobo and Wanthoa woredas

and 2 experts from the Micro and Small Enterprise Development Office and Cooperative Promotion Office

of Akobo and Wanthoa woredas participated in a training at the meeting hall of ZOA’s office in Mattar. In

total 14 people have received a ToT by ZOA’s Food Security and Livelihood specialist. Materials used

towards the training incorporated models from CARE as well as locally contextualized approaches

received from the Micro and Small Enterprise Development Office. Participants increased their theoretical

understanding and practical knowledge on how to establish and manage VSLA associations and other

Income Generating Activities (IGA).

Following the ToT training of facilitators, 30 VSLAs have been established in Akobo and Wanthoa

woredas. Livelihoods/ VSLA facilitators provided VSLA training to groups for 5 days from October 21-25,

2013. The training was carried out in Mattar town at the meeting hall of ZOA’s Wanthoa office.

Selection criteria for groups prioritized women and unemployed youth (male and female) who expressed

interest. 90% of these groups are composed of women. Individuals were given the option to choose their

own group members, based on common interest. Groups were supported to establish their own steering

committee (chair person, purchaser, cashier). Group members set criteria for selection into the steering

committee such as commitment, good reputation and responsibility. By-laws were established with

involvement of all group members. Group members contribute between 20-50 Birr per month towards the

group. Provision of loans will start after 6 months of saving. Groups prioritize among themselves which

persons and what amounts are eligible to a loan.

The training was undertaken for 5 days from October 21-25, 2013. The training was carried out in Mattar

town at the meeting hall of the ZOA Wanthoa office. At the time of writing this report (February 2014), 30

Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLAs) have been established in Akobo (15) and Wanthoa (15)

woredas. To support the effectiveness of VSLAs, material support is provided to these groups in the form

of cash boxes and ledger books.

In Akobo County – South Sudan, where implementation was uninterrupted (contrary to Pibor County), the

project realised the following activities.


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Training session (output 1.1)

NHDF successfully conducted one training session on early warning and contingency planning for 45

participants. These participants were selected from LGAs, traditional leaders, church leaders and staffs

from the partner organisations (NHDF). The LGAs, tribal leaders, church leaders and staff from the NHDF

have since been engaged in various peace interventions in Akobo. For instance, they have held a cross-

border peace meeting in Wanding payam, bringing together participants from both South Sudan and

Ethiopia to discuss and resolve outstanding community issues fuelling tension between these

communities. The outcome of this meeting was an agreement on the following.

Communities to cooperate and encourage peaceful co-existence among the border communities especially in Nassir County, Akobo County of South Sudan and Akobo Warida of Ethiopia.

The Government of Ethiopia delegation confirmed their commitment and pledged to support / promote peace for the people of South Sudan who have been affected for more than two decades by civil war.

All conflicts and grievances should be addressed through peaceful means, either through local peace committees or local authority involvement.

People of Akobo are ready to move to Akobo and leave Wanding payam in peace to pave way for the returnees from Ethiopia.

The participants proposed that peace teams should visit Nasir County and Gambella of Ethiopia to promote peace across the three regions (Akobo County, Nassir County and Akobo Warida of Ethiopia) and for further awareness and consultation.

Promotion of bylaws adoption (output 1.1)

Awareness raising has been conducted with the community leaders from the 3 payams of Dengjok, Bilkey and Alale, followed by formation of elders’ councils to spearhead the community dialogue meetings in the three payams.

The elders’ council comprises of chiefs, local leaders, and church leaders who have worked with the NHDF team to organize dowry reduction campaigns and rallied the youth, women, and elders to match through the villages in support of this campaign.

The campaign has generated excitement in the community stimulating positive discussions on current dowry systems. Several youth interviewed expressed the need to review the current dowry system as it is generally too high and unaffordable. They started to see the link between high dowry and the wave of violence in their community.

Picture left: Women, youth, and elders marching for dowry reduction in Akobo.

Picture right: Follow-up meeting with Akobo council of elders.


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System for public information sharing (output 1.1)

NHDF formed an alliance with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan to build synergies in peace efforts

within the area. Through the church, peace messages have been passed to the congregation during the

Sunday masses. This has been found a good forum for information sharing as church attendance is

particularly high. The estimated number of 200-300 members on average attend Sunday church services.

A church leader (Rev. James Biel) is the chairperson of the Akobo peace committee.

Besides the church, community gatherings such as weddings, sports gala, etc. are also used to reinforce

the communication of peace messages and the need for peaceful co-existence among the ethnical

diverse community in Akobo.

KAPP survey (output 1.2)

A joint KAPP survey was conducted for the counties of Pibor and Akobo by a consultant. A

comprehensive report was drafted detailing benchmarks for the two main outcomes of the project. The

benchmarks have been circulated among the implementing partners.

Small-scale community projects (output 1.2)

NHDF initiated three community projects to provide opportunities for the youth in carpentry, welding and

micro-business start-up and management. Generally the youth have low education levels and lack

employable skills to favourably compete for job openings at state and national levels. The majority thus

ends up idle and are driven into detrimental ways of living, such as cattle raids. 30 youth are currently

actively engaged in these community projects.

Inter-group sports competitions (output 1.3)

NHDF organised two soccer tournaments in October and December for youth from the 4 payams: Bilkey,

Dengjok, Alale and Nyandit. In total 8 soccer matches were played attracting large crowds of spectators

from the surrounding villages. High government representatives were invited for these tournaments and

were given opportunity to speak to the people about peace. For instance the Acting Commissioner Mr.

John Mawiyai, was invited for the opening session of the first soccer tournament. The soccer tournament was dubbed Akobo Peace Tournament, and the main theme was ONE PEOPLE ONE COUNTY.

Typical Sunday church service in Akobo during which peace messages

are shared with congregation


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Farmer groups (output 2.1)

17 farmer groups (with 170 members in total) were provided an improved assortment of seeds (sorghum,

maize, vegetables seeds) and basic farming tools. In addition, the groups also received training on

improved farming practices.

Small-scale irrigation (output 2.1)

NHDF established 2 demonstration plots on which small-scale irrigation was piloted in the payams of

Bilkey and Nyandit. 3 irrigation pumps were procured, and 2 have so far been installed on the

demonstration plots.

Capacity strengthening of partners and LGAs (output 2.4)

ZOA conducted capacity assessment in the first half of 2013 based on the 5 C principles and identified

the following gaps with the partners.

Capacity to manage finances.

Human resources management.

Project cycle management.

Capacity to govern specific with SALT: the board is not active.

Logistics management.

In the second half of 2013, the partner received support on the following areas.

Financial management: a finance capacity building manager was hired on full-time basis to support the partners SALT and NHDF with training and coaching of the staff through monthly visitation sessions.

Project cycle management: the M&E Advisor trained the staff on planning, reporting and monitoring of project outcome.

Youth soccer teams from Dengjok (left) and Bilkey (right) that participated in the Akobo peace tournament

ANNEX D: AUDITOR'S REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT - Aidstream Report... · peace with the government and the international community....

Documents

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