Hope and Recovery on the Ethiopia – South Sudan border
RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016
ANNUAL REPORT2013
Hope and Recovery on
the
Ethiopia-South Sudan
border
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Annual Report 2013
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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
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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.”
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016 15
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.
RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016 16
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
and/ or description),
March 2013
NA
(is an outcome indicator, not
output)
(is an outcome indicator, not
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 --
(is an outcome indicator, not
output)
(is an outcome indicator, not
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)
(is an outcome indicator, not
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
Output measurement as at
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
Baseline for SDN (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Baseline for ETH (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for SDN
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for ETH
Intervention logic, September 2012 Progress Indicators, 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
(is an outcome indicator, not
output)
(is an outcome indicator, not
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.
(is an outcome indicator, not
output)
(is an outcome indicator, not
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.
RECONSTRUCTION 2012 - 2016
Annual report 2013 2
Baseline for SDN (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Baseline for ETH (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for SDN
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for ETH
Intervention logic, September 2012 Progress Indicators, 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 --
(is an outcome indicator, not
output)
(is an outcome indicator, not
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.
RECONSTRUCTION 2012 - 2016
Annual report 2013 3
Baseline for SDN (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Baseline for ETH (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for SDN
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for ETH
Intervention logic, September 2012 Progress Indicators, 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
for Pibor could not be
implemented due to
continuous insecurity and
have been shifted to 2014.
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
for Pibor could not be
implemented due to
continuous insecurity and
have been shifted to 2014.
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
continuous insecurity and
have been shifted to 2014.
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
continuous insecurity and
have been shifted to 2014.
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.
RECONSTRUCTION 2012 - 2016
Annual report 2013 4
Baseline for SDN (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Baseline for ETH (value
and/ or description),
March 2013
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for SDN
Output measurement as at
31 Dec 2013, for ETH
Intervention logic, September 2012 Progress Indicators, 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
continuous insecurity and
have been shifted to 2014.
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
RECONSTRUCTION 2012 - 2016
Annual report 2013 5
RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016 1
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)
RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016 2
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)
RECONSTRUCTION 2012-2016 3
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
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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
ZOAHULP | HOOP | HERSTEL
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