Food and Nutrition Security
Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) Mid Term Evaluation
This Assignment was commissioned by CARE DENMARK – the Lead Partner of the Consortium of five (5) Partner Institutions (namely, CARE; Catholic Relief Services (CRS); Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC); Dynamic Agro-Pastoral Development Organization (DADO); and SORUDA) – to carry out the Mid-term Evaluation (MTE) of the “Inclusive Market-based Development for Smallholder Farmers in Karamoja, Teso and Acholi Sub-regions” Project – implemented by the Consortium. The Project is supported by the European Union (EU) – under the Supervision of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), through the 11 Project Area District Local Governments of: Abim, Kotido, Karenga, Kaabong, Moroto, Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Napak; as well as Katakwi and Kitgum – in partnership with other stakeholders – on behalf of the Government of Uganda.
The Overall Objective of the Mid-term Evaluation (MTE), was to: “review the implementation of the project, since its inception – with the aim of generating evidence towards promoting project performance improvement, accountability, learning and evidence-based decision-making and management”. In particular, the Evaluation was intended to: “assess results achieved to date in comparison with the outcome indicators outlined in the Project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning framework”. Accordingly, the MTE report documents: the background to the Assignment; the general approach to work and methodology employed; Project design (including relevance and coherence); as well as Project management systems, processes and operational environments. It also documents: Project performance and effectiveness during the period under review – up to its mid-term point; as well as the identified major achievements; challenges; constraints; risks; weaknesses and threats that characterized the Project. Lastly, it, further, documents resource management and efficiency in Project implementation; project “impact”; sustainability of Project Interventions and outcomes; the major conclusions; recommendations for the way forward; as well as lessons learnt – over the period under review. Read More...
The Overall Objective of the Mid-term Evaluation (MTE), was to: “review the implementation of the project, since its inception – with the aim of generating evidence towards promoting project performance improvement, accountability, learning and evidence-based decision-making and management”. In particular, the Evaluation was intended to: “assess results achieved to date in comparison with the outcome indicators outlined in the Project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning framework”. Accordingly, the MTE report documents: the background to the Assignment; the general approach to work and methodology employed; Project design (including relevance and coherence); as well as Project management systems, processes and operational environments. It also documents: Project performance and effectiveness during the period under review – up to its mid-term point; as well as the identified major achievements; challenges; constraints; risks; weaknesses and threats that characterized the Project. Lastly, it, further, documents resource management and efficiency in Project implementation; project “impact”; sustainability of Project Interventions and outcomes; the major conclusions; recommendations for the way forward; as well as lessons learnt – over the period under review. Read More...
N utrition Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey for DINU Program in North and North-Eastern Uganda
Background: The Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) is a Government of Uganda integrated programme. It is implemented in districts that include the 11 of Kitgum (Acholi), Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Nabilatuk, Napak, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga and Abim (Karamoja), and Katakwi (Teso) sub-regions for three years from 2020 – 2022. The overall supervision is with the Office of the Prime Minister through local governments in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders. DINU supports interventions in three specific interlinked programs: (1) Food Security, Nutrition and Livelihoods (2) Transport Infrastructures and (3) Good Governance. The CARE consortium focusses on the sector of food security, nutrition and livelihoods with specific emphasis on community-based interventions. A survey was launched by the CARE Consortium partners with the overall objective of generating comprehensive gender sensitive Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) information in the targeted 11 CARE consortium districts. It is intended to help inform the implementation of the nutrition component of the DINU project.
Methodology: The KAP survey was conducted from 17th November to 8th December 2020 in the 11 districts. The study populations were mothers and/or caregivers in household with children aged 0-23 months, adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years with or without children 0-23months. Key district, subcounty and community leaders who played crucial role in programming for MIYCAN related interventions were reached. A cross-sectional survey utilising both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was used. Sample size estimation was based on WHO Vaccination Coverage Cluster Survey guidance, July 2015. Household questionnaire comprising of 5 modules was adapted from the FAO manual for assessing nutrition related KAP. Semi-structured interview guides were used to facilitate the Key Informants Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Quantitative data collection was done using mobile phones through Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) working on the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform and hosted on the ONA platform. Quantitative Data analysis was done using SPSS 26. Qualitative data analysis was done based on the interpretative approach that involved eliciting meanings from the collected information. A total of 164 clusters were reached, 1,139 households, 1,158 children aged 0 to 23months, 1,112 women and 452 adolescents from all the 11 districts. Meanwhile, 22 FGDs and 44 key informant interviews were conducted. Read More...
Methodology: The KAP survey was conducted from 17th November to 8th December 2020 in the 11 districts. The study populations were mothers and/or caregivers in household with children aged 0-23 months, adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years with or without children 0-23months. Key district, subcounty and community leaders who played crucial role in programming for MIYCAN related interventions were reached. A cross-sectional survey utilising both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was used. Sample size estimation was based on WHO Vaccination Coverage Cluster Survey guidance, July 2015. Household questionnaire comprising of 5 modules was adapted from the FAO manual for assessing nutrition related KAP. Semi-structured interview guides were used to facilitate the Key Informants Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Quantitative data collection was done using mobile phones through Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) working on the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform and hosted on the ONA platform. Quantitative Data analysis was done using SPSS 26. Qualitative data analysis was done based on the interpretative approach that involved eliciting meanings from the collected information. A total of 164 clusters were reached, 1,139 households, 1,158 children aged 0 to 23months, 1,112 women and 452 adolescents from all the 11 districts. Meanwhile, 22 FGDs and 44 key informant interviews were conducted. Read More...
Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) Value Chains and Market Assessment report
The CARE consortium comprising of partner organisations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC), Dynamic Agro Pastoral Development Organization (DADO) and SORUDA are currently implementing a three-year project titled “Inclusive Market Based Development for Small Holder farmers in Northern Uganda. This project contributes to the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) – A Government of Uganda program aimed at consolidating stability in Northern Uganda, eradicating poverty and under nutrition and strengthening the foundations for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. Specifically, the project under the CARE consortium contributes to DINU’s specific Objective one on: ‘Improving livelihoods through increased production of diversified food, enhanced market opportunities and better maternal and child nutrition.’ The CARE consortium currently targets 11 districts including: Abim, Kotido, Karenga, Kaabong, Moroto, Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Napak, Katakwi and Kitgum. Given this background, the study sought to:
• Map out existing and new Agricultural and non-Agricultural value chains and assess their potential to promote women and youth economic empowerment, and community-based nutrition and household incomes.
• Identify challenges, specific entry barriers for women and youth into the VC and opportunities along the Value chains of; 1) crops such as Soybean, groundnuts, nutritious potato, vegetable, etc.); 2) Honey; and 3) livestock (small ruminants, and other non-Agricultural value chain) and propose ways of addressing these challenges.
• Develop an individual VCs, including mapping of actors, actions, supporting functions, institutions, policy issues, along each chain and propose recommendations for specific gender sensitive value chain activities that promote women and Youth participation and economic empowerment (employment opportunities as well as increasing their incomes along the chain).
• Assess the market structure (players, channels, sourcing), demand and supply (product specifications, prices, volumes, preferences), trends, market opportunities and challenges for the different value enterprises above Read More...
• Map out existing and new Agricultural and non-Agricultural value chains and assess their potential to promote women and youth economic empowerment, and community-based nutrition and household incomes.
• Identify challenges, specific entry barriers for women and youth into the VC and opportunities along the Value chains of; 1) crops such as Soybean, groundnuts, nutritious potato, vegetable, etc.); 2) Honey; and 3) livestock (small ruminants, and other non-Agricultural value chain) and propose ways of addressing these challenges.
• Develop an individual VCs, including mapping of actors, actions, supporting functions, institutions, policy issues, along each chain and propose recommendations for specific gender sensitive value chain activities that promote women and Youth participation and economic empowerment (employment opportunities as well as increasing their incomes along the chain).
• Assess the market structure (players, channels, sourcing), demand and supply (product specifications, prices, volumes, preferences), trends, market opportunities and challenges for the different value enterprises above Read More...
Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) End of Project Report
The Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) was a 38-month project implemented between January 2020 and February 2023, with an aim to improve food security, maternal and child nutrition, and household incomes for smallholder farmers in 11 districts of Kitgum, Katakwi, Kaabong, Karenga, Kotido, Moroto, Napak, Nabilatuk, Nakapiriprit, Amudat, and Abim. The project was implemented by a consortium led by CARE Denmark, alongside partners such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC), Dynamic Agro-Pastoral Development Organization (DADO), and Soroti Rural Development Agency (SORUDA). The project had three major outcomes: increased production of diversified food by both men and women smallholder farmers, enhanced market accessibility for these farmers, and improved nutrition and Family Planning services through gender-responsive community-based approaches.
The Project employed an Inclusive Market Development-Based approach, emphasizing economic gender equality, women empowerment, youth engagement, and community-based nutrition, while also focusing on the value chain. This strategy involved multi-stakeholder engagement and synergizing with existing government and development partner initiatives like DADO, CRS, and SORUDA. By implementing this approach, the project provided smallholder farmers with opportunities to enhance their incomes through the cultivation of high-value crops, such as sesame, cotton, soybean, and iron-rich beans. Additionally, measures were taken to ensure sustainability, including integrating activities into the government's PDM approach, building capacity among extension staff, and linking VSLA/SILC/YSLA/PMGs groups to financial institutions and agro input service providers.
A crucial aspect of the project was empowering women and youth, often marginalized in agriculture and rural development. Women were trained in Climate-Smart Agriculture and offered access to markets and finance through VSLA/SILC groups. Furthermore, Role Model Men were involved in raising awareness on gender-responsive actions, family planning, and women empowerment within smallholder farmers' households, fostering attitudinal changes towards gender equality and encouraging women to play an active role in agricultural production.
To achieve success, the project effectively engaged both public and private extension workers, disseminating information on Climate-Smart Agriculture practices to smallholder farmers and boosting production and income. Additionally, collaboration with Tillage Service Providers promoted entrepreneurship among youth and reduced manual labor burdens for smallholder farmers.
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The Project employed an Inclusive Market Development-Based approach, emphasizing economic gender equality, women empowerment, youth engagement, and community-based nutrition, while also focusing on the value chain. This strategy involved multi-stakeholder engagement and synergizing with existing government and development partner initiatives like DADO, CRS, and SORUDA. By implementing this approach, the project provided smallholder farmers with opportunities to enhance their incomes through the cultivation of high-value crops, such as sesame, cotton, soybean, and iron-rich beans. Additionally, measures were taken to ensure sustainability, including integrating activities into the government's PDM approach, building capacity among extension staff, and linking VSLA/SILC/YSLA/PMGs groups to financial institutions and agro input service providers.
A crucial aspect of the project was empowering women and youth, often marginalized in agriculture and rural development. Women were trained in Climate-Smart Agriculture and offered access to markets and finance through VSLA/SILC groups. Furthermore, Role Model Men were involved in raising awareness on gender-responsive actions, family planning, and women empowerment within smallholder farmers' households, fostering attitudinal changes towards gender equality and encouraging women to play an active role in agricultural production.
To achieve success, the project effectively engaged both public and private extension workers, disseminating information on Climate-Smart Agriculture practices to smallholder farmers and boosting production and income. Additionally, collaboration with Tillage Service Providers promoted entrepreneurship among youth and reduced manual labor burdens for smallholder farmers.
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GAP ANALYSIS AND LINKAGE READINESS ASSESSMENT FOR YOUTH/VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOANS ASSOCIATIONS (Y/VSLAs)
The Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), a Government of Uganda initiative with support from European Union, supervised by the Office of the Prime Minister is being implemented by a consortium led by CARE Denmark. The program is being implemented in the Karamoja sub region (covering 11 districts) as well as Kitgum and Katakwi districts. CARE Denmark commissioned gap analysis for Y/VSLA linkage to identify interventions aimed at contributing to improved access to credit through community saving and credit schemes.
The objectives of the study included gap analysis of Y/VSLAs, linkage readiness assessment for mature Y/VSLAs and evaluation “digital readiness” of group members. A representative sample of 773 Y/VSLAs from drawn from all the project districts were covered the study. The sample was classified in three categories: Mature groups totalling 350 (45.3%) Mature and ready for Linkage groups, 390 (50.5%) and Watch Category/Maturing groups and 33 (4.3%)
The analysis revealed that the gaps identified in Mature and Ready-for-linkage Y/VSLAs were closely similar to those in Watch Category (Maturing Groups) category and required more or less similar interventions.
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The objectives of the study included gap analysis of Y/VSLAs, linkage readiness assessment for mature Y/VSLAs and evaluation “digital readiness” of group members. A representative sample of 773 Y/VSLAs from drawn from all the project districts were covered the study. The sample was classified in three categories: Mature groups totalling 350 (45.3%) Mature and ready for Linkage groups, 390 (50.5%) and Watch Category/Maturing groups and 33 (4.3%)
The analysis revealed that the gaps identified in Mature and Ready-for-linkage Y/VSLAs were closely similar to those in Watch Category (Maturing Groups) category and required more or less similar interventions.
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Mid-Term Evaluation of the Hamzari Resilience Food Security Activity in Niger- Volume I
The report evaluates the "Hamzari" Resilience and Food Security Activity (RFSA) in Niger, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Launched in 2018, this project aims to enhance food and nutrition security for vulnerable groups in the Maradi Region, directly impacting 96,000 participants across 325 villages. The report outlines four key purposes, focusing on reducing extreme vulnerability among marginalized groups, improving health and nutritional status, ensuring equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Despite challenges such as COVID-19, the project has made notable progress, although the diversity of interventions has sometimes hindered overall quality and sustainability.
Page No: 82
Donor: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
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Page No: 82
Donor: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
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Mid-Term Evaluation of the Hamzari Resilience Food Security Activity in Niger – Volume II
The Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) of the Hamzari Resilience Food Security Activity represents a crucial assessment of the program's effectiveness and impact in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations in Niger. This evaluation, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), aims to comprehensively analyze the implementation strategies, outcomes, and overall quality of the Hamzari program, which operates within a multi-faceted framework designed to improve food security and nutrition for marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The MTE serves as a critical tool for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the program's interventions, exploring areas of success while also pinpointing challenges that may hinder progress. By focusing on qualitative and quantitative indicators, the evaluation aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing program design and delivery in the remaining years of implementation. Key objectives include assessing service delivery quality, identifying intended and unintended changes in target communities, and evaluating the efficiency of cross-sectoral strategies, particularly those addressing gender and youth engagement.
Page No: 120
Donor: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Read More...
The MTE serves as a critical tool for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the program's interventions, exploring areas of success while also pinpointing challenges that may hinder progress. By focusing on qualitative and quantitative indicators, the evaluation aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing program design and delivery in the remaining years of implementation. Key objectives include assessing service delivery quality, identifying intended and unintended changes in target communities, and evaluating the efficiency of cross-sectoral strategies, particularly those addressing gender and youth engagement.
Page No: 120
Donor: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Read More...
Building Resilience of the Urban Poor Baseline Report
CARE Bangladesh, with the support from C&A Foundation, has been implementing a project titled ‘Building Resilience of the Urban Poor (BRUP)’ through CARE’s partner organization- Village Education Resource Center (VERC) in two wards (Tongi and Konabari) of Gazipur City Corporation. The overall goal of the project is to achieve enhanced resilience of targeted urban communities and targeted institutions to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from shocks and stresses. NIRAPAD (Network for Information, Response And Preparedness Activities on Disaster) has been commissioned to conduct the baseline study and to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework for the project. This report describes the current situation of the project area in Gazipur as well as presents a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework based on the finding of the study. Read More...
RAPPORT D’EVALUATION FINALE PROJET PEREN Programme de Poursuite des Engagements pour la Résilience à l’Extrême Nord
RAPPEL-INTRODUCTION
Porté par le consortium : ACF-CRF-CARE, le projet PEREN a pris effet sur un peu plus de 2 ans avec la volonté de pérenniser, sur 6 communes de l’Extrême Nord, une partie des actions du projet RESILIANT qui l’avait précédé pendant 4 ans. Il vise à renforcer la gestion des crises alimentaires et nutritionnelles par les institutions, tout en améliorant les conditions de vie des ménages. Le présent rapport est le résultat de l’évaluation finale réalisée en mai 2023 à partir
d’une revue bibliographique, de rencontres et de visites de terrain, ainsi que de 2 restitutions en présence des acteurs et des partenaires du projet.
PRESENTATION EN QUELQUES CHIFFRES CLEFS
PEREN est intervenu via un package d’activités comprenant : l’appui à l’élaboration du Plan National de Réponse alimentaire et nutritionnelle (PNR), le soutien à la coordination de ce secteur dans l’Extrême Nord, l’accompagnement à la gouvernance des 6 communes, l’appui aux systèmes de productions agricoles à travers notamment l’accompagnement de 10 coopératives, 200 AVEC et 41 CEP. Il est intervenu dans 145 localités, auprès de plus de 9900 bénéficiaires pour le soutien à l’économie des ménages dont 75% sont des anciens bénéficiaires du RESILIANT. Avec le volet accès à l’eau potable, le nombre de bénéficiaires passe à plus de 20 000 ménages et plus de 170 000 personnes.
LA GESTION DES CRISES ALIMENTAIRES ET NUTRITIONNELLES PAR LES INSTITUTIONS
Planifier la réponse au niveau national et coordonner l’action dans l’Extrême Nord Le PNR a été élaboré, de façon participative et consensuelle. Avec la version révisée en 2023 (PNR2), le MINADER dispose d’un outil essentiel pour structurer la réponse et mobiliser les moyens nécessaires car actuellement le plan est financé à hauteur de 50% seulement.
Parallèlement, le GTSA de Maroua a été réactivé, il permet des échanges réguliers entre les acteurs du secteur et des perspectives plus ambitieuses sont tracés pour la suite : mener des actions conjointes, éditer un bulletin trimestriel d’information… Appropriations, pérennisation des bonnes pratiques par les institutions La collaboration du PEREN avec les communes a été positive et constructive. De nombreux volets d’actions ont été activés : réunions CCODES, révision des PCD, activation des FDE/MAE, renforcement des équipes avec du personnel qualifié (ACDES), élaboration de plans Genre… Des MOU ont été signés pour mener des actions conjointes mais leur durée a été compressée à +/-1 an. Cela n’a pas permis de tout accomplir comme prévu et de sécuriser toutes les actions souhaitées comme : envisager une meilleure utilisation du 1% nutrition, consolider les FDE/MAE qui restent embryonnaires, appuyer les partenariat OSC qui débutent, soutenir la dynamique CCODES qui est fragile et inscrire les plans « genre » dans les budgets des communes. Read More...
Porté par le consortium : ACF-CRF-CARE, le projet PEREN a pris effet sur un peu plus de 2 ans avec la volonté de pérenniser, sur 6 communes de l’Extrême Nord, une partie des actions du projet RESILIANT qui l’avait précédé pendant 4 ans. Il vise à renforcer la gestion des crises alimentaires et nutritionnelles par les institutions, tout en améliorant les conditions de vie des ménages. Le présent rapport est le résultat de l’évaluation finale réalisée en mai 2023 à partir
d’une revue bibliographique, de rencontres et de visites de terrain, ainsi que de 2 restitutions en présence des acteurs et des partenaires du projet.
PRESENTATION EN QUELQUES CHIFFRES CLEFS
PEREN est intervenu via un package d’activités comprenant : l’appui à l’élaboration du Plan National de Réponse alimentaire et nutritionnelle (PNR), le soutien à la coordination de ce secteur dans l’Extrême Nord, l’accompagnement à la gouvernance des 6 communes, l’appui aux systèmes de productions agricoles à travers notamment l’accompagnement de 10 coopératives, 200 AVEC et 41 CEP. Il est intervenu dans 145 localités, auprès de plus de 9900 bénéficiaires pour le soutien à l’économie des ménages dont 75% sont des anciens bénéficiaires du RESILIANT. Avec le volet accès à l’eau potable, le nombre de bénéficiaires passe à plus de 20 000 ménages et plus de 170 000 personnes.
LA GESTION DES CRISES ALIMENTAIRES ET NUTRITIONNELLES PAR LES INSTITUTIONS
Planifier la réponse au niveau national et coordonner l’action dans l’Extrême Nord Le PNR a été élaboré, de façon participative et consensuelle. Avec la version révisée en 2023 (PNR2), le MINADER dispose d’un outil essentiel pour structurer la réponse et mobiliser les moyens nécessaires car actuellement le plan est financé à hauteur de 50% seulement.
Parallèlement, le GTSA de Maroua a été réactivé, il permet des échanges réguliers entre les acteurs du secteur et des perspectives plus ambitieuses sont tracés pour la suite : mener des actions conjointes, éditer un bulletin trimestriel d’information… Appropriations, pérennisation des bonnes pratiques par les institutions La collaboration du PEREN avec les communes a été positive et constructive. De nombreux volets d’actions ont été activés : réunions CCODES, révision des PCD, activation des FDE/MAE, renforcement des équipes avec du personnel qualifié (ACDES), élaboration de plans Genre… Des MOU ont été signés pour mener des actions conjointes mais leur durée a été compressée à +/-1 an. Cela n’a pas permis de tout accomplir comme prévu et de sécuriser toutes les actions souhaitées comme : envisager une meilleure utilisation du 1% nutrition, consolider les FDE/MAE qui restent embryonnaires, appuyer les partenariat OSC qui débutent, soutenir la dynamique CCODES qui est fragile et inscrire les plans « genre » dans les budgets des communes. Read More...