Ethiopia: Drought - ACT: 21-Nov-02
Action by Churches Together (ACT)
Appeal - Ethiopia
Assistance to Drought Affected - AFET-22
Appeal Target: US$ 2,415,645
Geneva, 21 November 2002
According to the report released in September 2002 by the Ethiopia Federal
Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Commission (DPPC), over 6.8 million
people in Ethiopia are facing severe food shortages during the current
period, with the numbers expected to rise to about 10 million people in
the early part of 2003. The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi was
quoted earlier this month as saying that the country faces a famine worse
than that of 1984 which killed nearly one million people and sparked off
huge international relief efforts. He was further quoted "if the 1984
famine was a nightmare, then this will be too ghastly to contemplate".
Whether this statement could be considered accurate or not, the truth of
the matter is that Ethiopia is once more faced with a very severe food
crisis which calls for the international community to intervene with
massive food aid.
As a country highly dependent on rain fed agriculture, this years' partial
or total failure of the belg (short rains) in many areas aggravated the
problem of food insecurity. The meher rains (longer rains) also came late
and were erratic affecting the long cycle crops and the availability of
pasture and water supplies in many pastoral areas. Consequently there were
pocket areas that were in need of food assistance from January 2002. In
addition many pastoral areas have not recovered from the effect of the
1999/2000 drought.
JRP/ACT forum partners working in pastoral areas have reported massive
loss of livestock. The worst affected areas being Afar and Somali regions
and pastoral woredas of East Shewa zone of Oromia region. In Afar it is
estimated that almost half of the cattle population have been wiped out.
Nutritional surveys by the DPPC indicate an alarming nutritional status
among children under five. Nutritional surveys conducted in Afar and
Fentale in East Shewa, Oromia region indicate 13.1% and 17.9% respectively
which is higher than the acceptable below 10%
The ACT/JRP members have submitted the following proposals to respond to
food needs and rehabilitation programs in their areas of operation. These
members are, Ethiopia Orthodox Church (EOC), Ethiopia Catholic Church
(ECC), Ethiopia Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), Lutheran World
Federation/World Service (LWF/WS), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), and
Christian Aid (CA). Christian Aid and Norwegian Church Aid would work
through local partners described in the appeal.
Project Completion Date: 31 July 2003
Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance
Requested
Appeal Less: Pledges/ Balance Requested
Targets Contr Recd from ACT Network
CA 878,817 0 878,817
ECC 39,723 0 39,723
EOC/DICAC 529,590 0 529,590
LWF/EECMY 571,664 0 571,664
NCA/EECMY 384,851 0 384,851
ACT CO Monitoring 11,000 0 11,000
& Communications
Total Appeal 2,415,645 0 2,415,645
Target
Ms. Genevieve Jacques Thor-Arne Prois Robert Granke
Director Director, ACT Director
WCC/Cluster on Relations LWF/World Service
REQUESTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION
Joint Relief Partnership/ Action By Churches Together (JRP/ACT) forum
members in Ethiopia
The JRP/ACT forum was formed by members of JRP and ACT in Ethiopia. It was
instituted in the second half of the year 2000 to better co-ordinate the
emergency responses.
The JRP/ACT Forum consist of:
Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC)
Ethiopian Catholic Church (ECC)
Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY)
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Lutheran World Federation / Department for World Service (LWF/DWS),
Ethiopia
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Ethiopia
Christian Aid (CA), Ethiopia
Canadian Food Grain Bank (CFGB)
Dan Church Aid (DCA), Ethiopia and
Bread For the World (BFW)
This application is being sent to the ACT network, however the JRP/ACT
forum members will submit another appeal, which covers some of the food
needs in the 20 districts to USAID through CRS. The Ethiopian Catholic
Church (ECC) is also working through the Caritas Network and currently
preparing its plan for relief and rehabilitation activities to be
submitted to the Caritas Internationalis network.
Due to the severity of the problem in the country and lack of relief
resources the JRP/ACT forum members agreed to submit their application to
all traditional donors with the hope that all contributions made will
cover the need in areas where the forum members intended to assist. The
request in this appeal includes both food and financial support to address
current food shortages and for rehabilitation activities.
JRP members have long experience of sharing information and resources. The
application sent to ACT, USAID and the Caritas Internationalis network
will cover the need in the most food insecure areas that are identified by
each partner and agreed up on by JRP/ACT forum members. Therefore the
ecumenical partnership and sharing of information which make the JRP
unique will still continue in 2002 and 2003.
IMPLEMENTING ACT MEMBER & PARTNER INFORMATION
The Joint Relief Partnership (JRP) is an ecumenical consortium of the
three local Churches namely, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), the
Ethiopian Catholic Church (ECC), the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane
Yesus (EECMY) and the two church related international organisations, the
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
The JRP was established in November 1984 during the peak of the Ethiopian
famine and has since then continued with relief and rehabilitation
intervention in different areas of the country whenever needed. The
Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus
and the Lutheran World Federation are also members of the ACT network. The
ACT network members, Norwegian Church AID (NCA), Christian Aid (CA),
Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB) and Bread For the World, individually
have been working with JRP partners, especially with the EOC and EECMY, in
relief, rehabilitation and development activities for many years. Since
the formation of the JRP/ACT forum members have been engaged in relief and
rehabilitation activities in different parts of the country.
In order to facilitate effective and smooth co-ordination for
implementation of relief and rehabilitation programmes, JRP/ACT forum
member have taken the responsibility of co-ordinating and implementing
relief and rehabilitation programmes according to their local presence
(ongoing programmes), capacity of each members in the woreda and existing
infrastructures.
Description of ACT Members' implementing partners
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church diocesan in North Gondar, South Wello and
South Tigray Zones will be the responsible implementing partners of the
programme in their respective areas. All diocesan have been implementing
relief, rehabilitation and development programmes for many years. There
are ongoing food security programmes under implementation in their area.
They have well established relation with the community and the local line
ministries, which is an asset for smooth and better co-ordinated
implementation of the proposed programmes.
The ECC partners, Meki Catholic Secretariat and Sodo-Hosana Catholic
Secretariats have been involved in relief and rehabilitation and
development programmes for many years. They have ongoing development
programmes, which will provide a technical support for the EGS programme
that is indicated in this proposal. The Church presence in the areas and
the relationship established with the local community and government
officials will be an asset in the implementation of the planned
activities.
The EECMY South East Area Work (SEAW) will implement the operations in the
three districts in Bale Zone. EECMY North Central Ethiopia Synod (NCES)
will implement the operations in Dahena woreda in Wag Hamra zone and the
two woredas in Afar region. Both church units have for several years been
implementing relief, rehabilitation and development projects and
programmes with the Lutheran World Federation. During previous ACT
appeals, e.g. in 2000 and 2001 both church units did implement the relief
and rehabilitation activities.
The NCA have been working in close collaboration with the EECMY Church
units for many years. The proposed programmes in Filtu and Liben woredas
will be implemented with the EECMY/SES. Konso special woreda that is under
the EECMY/SWS area of operation will be implemented with SWS. The
implementing partner for Amaro, Dale and Aleta Wondo woredas will be the
EECMY/SCES. The four church units have ongoing rehabilitation and
development programmes.
The implementing partners for the programme in Fantale woreda will be GTF.
SOS -Sahel will implement the programme in Kindo Koish and Ofa woredas,
while AFD will implement the rehabilitation programmes in Bolos Sore and
Boreda woredas. All implementing organisations have been implementing
partners of CA and have ongoing programmes in the respective woredas.
The other partner of CA the EECMY/SEAW will implement the programme in
Mena Hangetu woreda in Bale zone. The church units have ongoing
rehabilitation and development programmes in Bale zone. However activities
in relation to the IDPs are emergency oriented. The EECMY/CA have visited
the area and undertaken nutrition surveys at the end of September 2002
which will be used for future intervention.
Each sponsoring or leading partner (EOC, ECC, LWF, NCA and CA) in the
targeted woredas will have the overall responsibility for the part of the
programme in their respective areas of operation. Sponsoring or leading
partners will furthermore be responsible for the purchase and
transportation of the proposed rehabilitation input and for monitoring of
the programme activities. Sponsoring and leading members of the JRP/ACT
forum is also responsible for the co-ordination of the activities with the
government of Ethiopia at federal and regional level to ensure that
duplication does not take place. For a clear and comprehensive
presentation of the implementing partners relationship with the JRP/ACT
forum members in general and the sponsoring or leading agency in general
please refer to the organigram in the annex - 1.
DESCRIPTION of the EMERGENCY SITUATION
Background Information
Food production in Ethiopia is highly dependent on rain fed agriculture.
The two rainy seasons- the short (belg) rain and the main (meher) rains
are very important for crop production and animal husbandry. 85% of the
population is engaged in the agricultural sector and agriculture
contributes a significant proportion to the national economy and is the
main source of foreign earnings.
In many parts of the country food production from the year 2001 has
improved due to a general improvement on rain distribution of both belg
(short) rain and meher (main). However the 2002 belg rain was late and
erratic in distribution affecting many belg crop-producing areas. It has
also affected planting of long cycle crops in meher crop dependant areas
and the availability of pasture and water in many pastoral areas.
Consequently there were pocket areas that were in need of food assistance
from January 2002. In addition many pastoral areas have not recovered from
the effect of the 1999/2000 drought. There were and still are substantial
declines in animal herd size due to widespread death coupled with distress
sales to cope with food shortage, disease and lack of fodder and water.
Though general improvement in food production is reported, the Federal
Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Commission (DPPC) appeal issued
beginning of 2002, indicated that still 5.2 million people are looking for
immediate assistance and additional 1.9 million people needed close
monitoring and supervision. The food required for the above mentioned
needy population was 557,204 MT of assorted food. This was based on the
assumption that the belg rain would be favourable. The fate of the 1.9
million people from both farming and pastoral areas depends on the
performance of year 2002 belg rains which has already recorded much lower
than the amount expected. In many areas a complete failure was reported.
Given the situation around the middle of 2002, JRP/ACT forum members
submitted their request to ACT for rehabilitation assistance which covers
only 9 districts. The focuses of the programme were mainly rehabilitation.
It was anticipated that in these 9 chronically food insecure woredas the
government will cover the food need or JRP/ACT forum member will solicit
food from other donors. The request submitted to ACT was to assist 318,700
beneficiaries in the 9 woredas, namely, Dehana, Washera, Beltu, Sawena and
Rayitu, under EECMY/LWF areas of operation, and Debark, Wogera, Ebinat and
Deder under the EOC areas of operation. The appeal issued to partners
later covered only EECMY/LWF areas of operation. However the response to
the appeal were only USD 268,470 from a total of USD 1,284,016.
Current situation
At the beginning of the year there were a high level of optimism that the
year 2002 belg rain would be satisfactory. Later, on 12 July 2002 the
Federal DPPC issued a special alert indicating the deteriorating food
supply situation especially in belg crop dependant areas and pastoral
communities. The belg rain usually determines the food availability during
July - December. In 2002, the partial or total failure of belg rain in
many areas aggravated the problem of food insecurity in the country.
The belg rain was characterised by good start but very long dry spell that
extended from mid April to June. This has affected belg crops in belg
producing areas, land preparation for planting long cycle crops, and water
and pasture availability in many areas. This was further aggravated by a
delay in the start of the main rain (Kiremt/Meher). In many JRP/ACT forum
members operational areas a delay from one to two months were reported. As
a result the area planted with long cycle crops were significantly less
compared to previous years. Furthermore long cycle crops planted were
stunted for the period. Lack of moisture during the flowering and seed
setting stage will also significantly affect the performance of the long
cycle crops. In some areas farmers attempted to replant short cycle crops
such as Teff, wheat, barley. However for the short cycle crops to produce
normal yield it needs the rain to continue into late September and for
long cycle crops in to October. However drought-monitoring centre in
Nairobi predicts that rainfall for September to December will be below
normal in the south west, south and eastern parts of the country (DPPC
September 2002).
DPPC, UN agencies and JRP/ACT forum partners working in pastoral area have
reported massive livestock death. The worst affected areas are Afar and
Somali regions and pastoral woredas of East Shewa zone of Oromia region.
In Afar it is estimated that almost half of the cattle population has been
wiped out. According to the regional bureau of agriculture the cattle
death could be as high as 44.4 percent. To be able to feed themselves
these communities need up to 9 months until they get milk from surviving
livestock.
The nutritional survey that has been conducted indicates alarming
nutritional status among the under five years of age. The survey
conducted in Afar and Fentale in East Shewa, Oromia region indicated 13.1%
and 17.9% GAM respectively which is higher than the acceptable below 10%
rate (DPPC September 20021 Refer result of nutrition survey conducted
between July and September 2002 on table 1. 1). In some areas of West and
East Hararge, East Shewa, North Gondar, Arsi, Kembata and Tembaro Zones,
Alaba special woredas and in Afar and Somali regions cases of malnutrition
were observed. In areas where JRP/ACT members visited cases of
malnutrition were also reported.
Table 1: Results of Nutritional Surveys Conducted between July &
September/02
Location
Moderate Malnutrition
Severe Malnutrition
Agency
Zone 3, Afar
17.9 %
2.8%
GOAL
Zone 5, Afar
24.6% - 29.9%
3.0% - 5.5%
WVI
South Gonder, Amhara
13.0%
0.8%
SCUK
South Wollo, Amhara
17.8%
1.9%
CONCERN
East Shewa in Oromiya
12.5%
1.5%
GOAL
Damot Woide, SNNPR
7.2%
0.8%
CONCERN
Source: DPPC EWS September 2002.
Prices of crops such as maize, sorghum and teff have shown a significant
rise. In low land areas, as the price of grain started to increase
livestock prices decreased. As a result the terms of trade between grain
and livestock are poor, especially in pastoral areas.
At the end of September 2002 the DPPC issued an appeal for immediate food
needs and the scenario of likely emergency needs in 2003 (DPPC, September
30, 2002). In the appeal, three contingency planning scenarios were
presented. In the best case scenario 6.8 million people, the mid scenario
10.2 million people and the worst case scenario 14.3 million people will
need food assistance. It was also indicated that due to early cessation of
the rain in September the best case scenario will not be the most likely.
Therefore there will be enormous relief need from early 2003 based on the
mid-case scenario.
Table 2: - Scenario of the likely emergency needs in 2003
Scenarios
General Ration
Supplementary Food
Beneficiaries
Cereals (Mt)
Vulnerable Groups
Veg.Oil (Mt)
CSB (Mt)
Best Case
6.8 million
850,450
1.7 million
21,521
64,563
Mid Case
10.2 million
1,341,182
2.5 million
33,670
101,010
Worst Case
14.3 million
1,991,940
3.2 million
46,171
138,513
Source: DPPC EWS September 2002
At the beginning of the year 2002 the DPPC made some effort to separate
what is called the chronic food insecure beneficiaries from the transitory
or emergency affected beneficiaries. In the first appeal it was stated
that although chronic food insecurity is a development problem, related to
poverty and a loss of assets that prevents households from getting back on
the ladder of productivity, needs of the chronically food insecure are
real. Therefore, JRP/ACT forum members consider linking relief with
rehabilitation and development programmes. It is anticipated that the
activities will contribute to long-term development and poverty
alleviation efforts in the country.
As stipulated in the government policy for disaster prevention and
preparedness, the implementation modalities of the emergency programme
will be based on Employment Generation Schemes (EGS). Up to 80 % of the
beneficiaries have to participate in different activities while the
remaining receive gratuitous relief. However the EGS implementation as
high as 80% will depend on the capacity that exists at woreda level. Areas
identified by JRP/ACT members are those areas where member organisations
have ongoing rehabilitation or development programmes. Therefore the
implementation modalities will be EGS and all possible means will be used
to integrate with the ongoing rehabilitation and development programmes.
ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OPERATIONAL AREAS
Wogera woreda /N.Gondar in Amhara region
Wogera woreda is one of the chronically food insecure areas of N. Gondar
administrative Zone. The average food that can be made available through
own production per household is not more than three months and the gap is
usually covered from food aid, food for work programs or free distribution
from government and NGOS.
For a long time EOC/DICAC has been distributing relief food in the areas
as a partner of the Joint Relief Partnership (JRP). In addition to this,
it is implementing an integrated Rural Development Programs (IRDP) and
rehabilitation programs funded by EOC Round Table partners and ACT
International in Geneva respectively.
As per the report of the EOC/DICAC co-ordinator, the belg rain was late by
6-8 weeks and has highly affected land preparation for long cycle crops
coupled with late on-set of meher rain resulted in reduced area planted.
According to reports from the agriculture bureau only 30% of the land
planted in 2001 has been utilised for this year meher season. This has
seriously affected yield of long cycle crops like maize and sorghum in
most low land areas of the zone (Gebrehiwote August 2002).
On the other hand, excessive rain, flood and hailstorm in some localities
caused substantial damage to crops like barley, wheat, bean, chickpea,
maize, and potato. Scarcity of water in the low land area is also
reported. Unless, the rain continues throughout September, the problem in
Wogera woreda will further deteriorate.
The special Alert issued by DPPC on July 12, 2002 and the multi-agency
assessment report in September regarding the current food situation in
Ethiopia indicates that because of the poor belg rain most farmers planted
late and the poor rain since April has damaged the planted crops. This has
highly affected the current food prospect of the woreda causing the food
shortage to be very acute. There is also a need for rehabilitation inputs
and livestock restocking especially in the lowland areas.
In addition to this, the assessment made by EOC/DICAC development office
in the area has confirmed a similar situation. Furthermore, the woreda
administration has requested the EOC/DICAC field office for food
assistance. The federal and regional DPPC has confirmed that no other
agency has been involved in food distribution and has given the go ahead.
Dabat woreda /N.Gondar, Amhara Region
Dabat woreda is located 50 kms north west of Gondar town and adjacent to
Wogera woreda. It is one of the chronically food insecure woredas in the
country.
EOC/DICAC has been distributing relief food in the areas as a partner of
the Joint Relief Partnership (JRP). In addition to this, it is
implementing an integrated Rural Development Programs (IRDP) funded by EOC
Round Table partners and a Rehabilitation program funded by ACT
International in Geneva.
As per the assessment made by the relief staff of EOC/DICA, because of the
poor belg rain and delay onset of the meher rain, the area planted has
decreased considerably. Most farmers planted late and the poor rain since
April has damaged the planted crops. Cereal market supply also indicates
that there is a food shortage in the area. Furthermore, the woreda
administration has requested for food, seed, and hand tools, restocking
assistance, which is considered in this appeal as a rehabilitation
component.
The special Alert issued by DPPC on July 12, 2002 and the multi-agency
assessment report in September 2002 indicated the need for food assistance
in the woreda. The DPPC has confirmed that no other agency has been
involved in food distribution.
Debark woreda /N.Gondar, Amhara region
Debark woreda is also one of the chronically food insecure woredas in N.
Gondar. EOC/DICAC has been distributing relief food in the areas as a
partner of the Joint Relief Partnership (JRP) for a long time.
In addition to the food distribution, EOC/DICAC is implementing
agricultural rehabilitation programs funded by Action by Churches Together
(ACT) International and Integrated Rural Development Programs (IRDP)
funded by EOC Round Table partners. The program mainly focuses on soil and
water conservation activities, water development, schools construction and
maintenance, health and animal husbandry.
The relief staff of EOC/DICAC visited N. Gondar in August 2002 and carried
out an assessment on the current food status of the woreda. According to
the report, poor belg rain and delay onset of meher rain has greatly
affected land preparation and has shown considerable decrease in crop
production. The problem of hailstorms has also damaged the crops planted
on about 2,534 ha of land. The EOC/DICAC in the area has distributed seeds
to cover 114 ha of land. To get good yield there is a need for
continuation of the current rain throughout September, however the
indication from meteorological reports is that it is not likely to happen.
Findings are similar to that of the DPPC issued on July 12, 2002, and
September 2002. Furthermore, the woreda administration has requested the
field office for food and non-food assistance. The DPPC has also indicated
that no other agency has been involved in food distribution.
Mekdela woreda /S. Wollo Zone in Amahara Region
Mekdella is one of the woredas of S.Wollo and the woreda town Masha, is
located at 554 Kms N. West of Addis Ababa. The landscape is characterised
by rugged mountains and deep gorges. The total size of the Woreda is
152,100 hectares with a population of about 140,237.
The communities of Mekdela are making their livelihood 88% from farming,
7% from non-farm, 3% from wages and 2% others. Artisanship such as
blacksmithry, weaving and pottery are practised traditionally. Petty
trades like purchasing of grains and livestock from and to the woreda is
one of the potential areas of income generating activities for many
farmers.
Natural resource degradation is prevalent in the area and considered to be
one of the problem causing low crop production. The belg rainfall has
failed for almost 15 years while the rainfall was uneven and insufficient
for crop production in the area. For the past ten years the main (Kiremt)
rainfall was characterised by late onset and early cessation. Though the
woreda has two cropping seasons, belg and meher, the main production is
expected from meher production. Thus, the production from only one season
is not adequate for a household.
The Ethiopian Orthodox church has been involved in development programmes
which comprises: soil and water conservation, area closure, reforestation,
forage development and supply of improved seeds as well as construction of
health institutes since 1998. Th programme was supported by USAID Title II
regular food security programs.
The special Alert issued by DPPC on July 12, 2002 and the multi-agency
assessment report in September 2002 EOC/DICAC assessment report indicates
that because of the poor belg rain most farmers planted late and the poor
rain since April has damaged the crops. This has aggravated the food
shortage in the area. Furthermore, the woreda administration has requested
the field office for food assistance.
As per the discussion with head of Aid Programs Co-ordination and
Monitoring Department, the woreda needs the food assistance as of October
2002. The DPPC has also confirmed that no other agency has been involved
in food distribution.
Wadla woreda /N. Wollo: Amhara Region
Wadla is one of the woredas of North Wollo administrative zones of the
Amhara National Regional State. The woreda town Kone Abo is located at
640Kms north west of Addis Ababa and the woreda has a total size of
114,335 hectares with an estimated population of 122,579.
The livelihood of 91% of the rural population depends on agriculture. The
woreda has two cropping seasons belg and meher. The belg has failed for 10
years. The yield of major crops in the area during good harvesting season,
as reported by farmers is 8 quintal (q)/hectare (ha) for wheat, 7 (q)/ha
for barley, 6 q /ha for teff, 7q /ha for oats and 6 q/ha for beans. Loss
of soil fertility and water logging are problems in the area for crop
production.
The amount and distribution of rainfall was uneven and insufficient for
crop production. Rainfall record in the past ten years indicates that the
rain usually start late and ends early in September.
The special Alert issued by DPPC on July 12, 2002, and the multi- agency
assessment teams indicated that that Wadla woreda is one of the woredas
affected by failure of 2002 belg rain and additional crop damages by frost
and disease. The DPPC has confirmed that no other agency has been involved
in food distribution.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has been involved in development programmes
which comprises, soil and water conservation, area closure, afforestation,
forage development and supply of improved seeds as well as construction of
health institutes since 1998. The programme was supported by USAID Title
II regular food security programs. This programme is expected to continue
until the end of 2007.
The proposed project will cover the emergency food need and through the
EGS the programme will be linked with the ongoing activities.
Endamehone Woreda /S.Tigray , Tigray region
Endamehone is one of the 8 woredas of the zone located at 668 Kms North of
Addis Ababa and 120 Kms South of Mekele, the regional capital. The total
size of the woreda is 27,665 ha. The people in the woreda live from arable
farming.
The amount and distribution of rainfall was uneven and inadequate for crop
production. For the past ten years, the rain usually starts late and
ceases early. However, the intensity of the rain, even in a short period
of time, was high and caused severe erosion. About 66% of the total
farmland is subjected to serious erosion. Since most of the farm plots are
found on the hillsides and at a bottom of the mountains, vulnerability to
erosion is very high.
The woreda has two cropping seasons' belg and meher. However the belg
season, which normally starts from November to March, has been recorded as
a total failure or absent for the last decade. The meher rainfall from
March to October in the only rain received in the area during the last
decade. Thus, food production in one season has been unsatisfactory and
insufficient. Loss of soil fertility is one of the factors causing low
crop production. The average yields of major crops in the area for the
last five years, as reported by farmers and the woreda agricultural office
was with-out fertiliser, barley 10 q/ha, and, teff 6 q /ha and with
fertiliser 20 and 25 q / ha barley and teff respectively.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has been involved in development programmes
which include, soil and water conservation, area closure, afforestation,
forage development and supply of improved seeds and construction of health
institutes since 1998. The USAID Title II regular food security programs
are under implementation and it is expected to continue up to year 2007.
The assessment made by EOC/DICAC field office concerning the current food
need in the woreda has shown that the food shortage is very severe. This
is also confirmed by a multi-agency assessment mission that visited that
area in August 2002. Furthermore, the woreda administration has
established a task force to solicit and co-ordinate any possible
assistance. The committee has requested partners including EOC/DICAC for
assistance.
ECC AREAS OF OPERATION
As part of the Joint Relief Partnership (JRP) coalition, the Ethiopian
Catholic Church proposes a 9-month humanitarian response to be made in
famine-affected woredas from November 2002 to July 2003. The five target
woredas are Zeway Dugda and Dodota Sire in Arsi zone and Hombo and Kindo
Koisha in Wolayita and Omo Sheleko in Kembata zones of Ormia and SNNPRS,
respectively. This proposal briefly describes the country situation, the
specific conditions of these target woredas, the strategies to be adopted
and the overall resources required to run the program.
Following is a brief presentation of the emergency situations existing in
the five proposed woredas:
Zeway Dugda
Zeway Dugda is situated in the Rift Valley and has only one rainy season
in a year - April to September with a brief respite in May. Again it has
been constantly erratic for the last nine years, particularly affecting
wheat and teff crops. The district is also known for maize production, but
due to the late start of meher rains in April this crop has been severely
affected this year. As one coping mechanism, deforestation has become a
serious problem as people cut trees to produce charcoal in order to
finance their daily subsistence. Other forms of adaptive means are also
being carried out as in the other proposed areas.
According to the assessment of a Federal and Oromiya Regional team who
visited the area in July and September 80-100% harvest failure is expected
in the two woredas because of the current moisture stress, exposing them
further into 2003.
An estimated 159,619 people live in Omo Shalako, a district with very poor
infrastructure and social services as compared to the other woredas in
Kembata and Tembaro zone. While about 93 percent of the population of this
woreda live in rural areas, communication within these people is severely
hampered by lack of communication infrastructures. As in other parts of
the country, failed rains primarily caused the current food shortage. At
the same time, the hilly terrain causing severe soil and environmental
degradation, very fast population increase, poor social services and
malaria epidemic have been contributing to the socio-economic
vulnerability of the people.
Maize, sorghum, haricot beans, wheat, teff, vegetables and root crops are
widely grown. In addition to the shortage of rains, crop diseases and
pests, with stock borer particularly affecting maize and sorghum have
caused severe damages to some crops surviving the moisture stress. In
this district, the shortage of rain is compounded by a massive infestation
of stock borer affecting maize and haricot beans as well as and crop
diseases.
Found in Wolayita zone, Kindo Koisha is home to 167,756 people. While the
same crop varieties as in Omo Shalako are cultivated here, the failed rain
has severely affected the woreda as its 55% of agricultural production
depended on belg rains. Crop diseases and pests have caused tremendous
damage here as well. The destruction caused by flies' infestation on sweet
potatoes is very dramatic. Over population and small land holding sizes
per household contribute to the chronic food shortage problem.
The third woreda proposed by SHCS is Humbo in Wolayita with its population
of 118,224. 76% of its agricultural production depends on belg rains.
Hence, in terms of annual harvest, the failed belg rains have severely
affected this woreda. Sweet potatoes, haricot beans and teff are main
crops cultivated in the area.
Both in Humbo and Kindo Koisha woredas, there was a complete failure of
belg rains. Though compensation seeds were made available and many fields
were replanted, particularly in the low lands, at present most of the
plants on these fields are wilting due to constant moisture stress. The
problem is more severe in the low land parts of the districts. Hence,
according to assessments made, a significant meher loss is expected in
both districts. The rehabilitation parts of the programme in Kindo Koisha
will be implemented by CA and SOS Sahel (UK). While the programme by ECC
will focus on food distribution on EGS basis. For detail information on
the type of EGS activities refer annex - 2.
The intervention districts for Meki Catholic Secretariat will be Zeway
Dugda and Dodota Sire in Arsi zone of Oromiya National Regional State.
Soddo-Hosanna Catholic Secretariat has proposed to provide humanitarian
response in Humbo and Kindo Koisha in Wolaita and Omo Shalako in Kembata
Tembaro zones of SNNPRS, respectively.
LWF/EECMY AREAS OF OPERATION
Bale Zone Oromia Region
Sawena, Beltu and Rayitu woredas are located about 610 km, 660 km and 585
km southeast of Addis Ababa respectively. The three woredas are located in
the south eastern parts of Oromia regional state where infrastructure and
basic service delivery are extremely poor. According to the 2002
population count, 58,463, 44,560 and 36,194 people live in Sawena, Beltu
and Rayitu woredas respectively. The main livelihoods in the three woredas
are dependent on livestock. The main herd constitutes camel, cattle,
goats, sheep and donkeys.
All the three woredas have a similar bimodal weather. The main (meher)
rain season called ``Genna`` in Sawena and Beltu fall between March- May,
while the short season called ``Hageya`` fall between August to
October/November. In Rayitu the main rainy (meher) season 'Genna' falls
between September to October/November, while the short rain (Belg) locally
called 'Arfasa' fall between March to end of May'.
Reports from the three woredas revealed that during the last 7 to 8 years'
rainfall in these areas was highly erratic. As a result, the number of
livestock gradually decreased either through death due to lack of pasture
and water, or sale to meet the daily food needs. During the year 2000 the
agro-pastoral population of all the three woredas lost the major part of
their livestock (Melkamnesh, et al September 2002). In response to the
recurrent drought and loss of a large number of livestock they have
started small-scale farming. Even during normal time, the food produced in
all the woredas is not in a large quantity but mainly to supplement the
food needs of the family.
The rainfall situation during the last 3 to 4 years and particularly the
last two consecutive seasons was the worst. The genna rain in the woredas
was characterised by late start and early cessation that has severely
affected the crop production, pasture and water2 Women are walking 8-10
hours to collect water for domestic consumption.
2 availability for domestic and animal consumption. Belg season (Arfassa
or Genna) rain in 2002 was a total failure. Most crops planted wilted due
to long dry spells and lack of moisture during the flowering stage. It was
reported that most of the crop planted did not even reach flowering stage.
Few reported that they have managed to produce some teff using the seed
they received from LWF (ACT 2001 donation).
Livestock condition in the three woredas does not look very bad at this
time. Carcasses have not been observed in all the places visited. However
cattle are moving desperately from place to place in search of water and
pasture. It was reported that watering cattle is done every third day, due
to scarcity of water and distance between water points and pasture. Due to
the worsening drought situation the prices of animals have started
falling. The number of animals in the market for sale is very high while
the demand is almost none.
Lack of food in the areas has been a serious problem since 1999. A
critical situation in terms of malnutrition was not observed in children
as a result of relief food distribution by EECMY/LWF since October 2001,
though it was erratic. The need for food in all the three woredas is very
serious at this moment, as the EECMY/LWF food distribution programme
phased out starting from August 2002 due to lack of food. The government
has allocated food that will cover only the need in September. People have
already started eating wild fruits (such as cactus). It is highly likely
that the nutritional status will deteriorate unless food is made
available.
Dahena woreda Wag Himera Zone
Dahana woreda is known in general for its chronic food insecurity,
degradation and remoteness. It is about 760 km north of Addis Ababa. The
road up to Sekota is good an all weather road, while the last 70 km road
up to Amdework the main town is a very rough, dry weather road.
The Woreda is highly food insecure due to a variety of reasons including
diminishing landholdings and land productivity, a lack of productive
assets and/or household labour and unproductive technologies and farming
practices. The number of chronically food insecure households has thus
continued to rise in response to the above reasons.
The farmers in the area reported that fertility of the land has declined
alarmingly, the weather condition has not been stable and occurrences of
pest and livestock diseases have become more frequent and damaging. The
farmers describe their situation with the following comments: the land and
the crops have been in conflict - the land is tired of the people3
Getachew November 2001 3.
Because of the low and insufficient agricultural produce the impact of the
relief food on the local market prices will mostly benefit the communities
and keep them from selling their assets such as their livestock to cover
their food needs.
EECMY/LWF has for several years assisted the needy beneficiaries in this
chronically food insecure woreda. Besides the relief operation, EECMY/LWF
in 2000-implemented a pilot project called the grey zone study, which
attempted to link relief with development through the provision of seeds
and tools, support to water development and environmental protection
training. In this pilot project, 5 spring developments, 2 hand-dug wells
and 2 pond were constructed. Water developments like this are highly
valued and will be further expanded during this operation. EECMY/LWF in
2001 conducted a health and sanitation workshop, which was appreciated by
the participants from the woreda, the PA's and the farmers. It was
recommended to continue these workshops in other areas of the woreda as
well. LWF/EECMY in August 2002 distributed food obtained from the EU for
31,500 beneficiaries based on EGS. LWF/ EECMY is applying for food to
reach the people to meet their needs and as a continuation to strengthen
the already initiated activities.
In the period from July to December, each year more than 50% of the
population depends on food aid distributions. The total number of people
who need immediate assistance in Dehana woreda are 54,800 (DPPC/EWS August
2002). Because of the severe nutritional status, supplementary food
including vegetable oil should be supplied for all beneficiaries.
Chifra and Mille woredas (districts), of zone 1 Afar Region
Afar region is situated in the north-eastern part of Ethiopia. It is
divided into five different administrative zones. The whole region is
found in the great east African rift valley, which is entirely low land
and inhabited, by pastoralist. In general, the region is at present
experiencing the effect of very severe drought. The February- May 2002
rains completely failed and the rainfall situation in the preceding
seasons was poor. Therefore, water and pasture are seriously short in
almost all parts of the region.
In the two woredas (districts), Chifra and Mille of zone 1, LWF Soil and
Water Project (SWCP) are currently constructing a small-scale river
diversion and irrigation scheme. In these areas the water points have
dried up while pasture are seriously short. The water levels in the
perennial rivers like Mille are very low and many livestock have died -
about 50 percent livestock death was reported. A lot have migrated to the
nearby semi-high land Amhara and Tigray regions in search of pasture and
water. The rest are physically weak (weight loss) in bad shape and cannot
give birth to calves and produce milk before one year. In addition to the
water and pasture shortages serious livestock diseases have been reported
from all areas.
The implementation modality is food-for-work. Relief food, which will be
distributed through EGS, can be used to expand and strengthen the SWCP
activities and ensure that the communities can utilise the irrigation
schemes. During a monitoring visit to the areas in June 2002, the local
administration urged LWF to finalise the irrigation schemes as soon as
possible, so that the communities could benefit immediately. At present
and for the next one-year, 20,600 and 19,150 people living in Chifra and
Mille woredas respectively are in a desperate need of food for their
survival. As these needy people are living along the rivers on which the
river diversion schemes are being conducted, the plan is to distribute the
food on an EGS basis so that the beneficiaries can participate in the
project.
In light of the serious situation, the country is facing, LWF/EECMY would
recommend that the operation to cover the period from November to June
2003.
NCA/EECMY AREAS OF OPERATION
Filtu woreda, Liban Zone Somali region.
Filtu is one among other woredas in Liban Zone of Somali Region. It is
located at about 725 kms south east from Addis Ababa. Inhabitants of the
woreda are mainly pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. The woreda is
characterised by arid & semi-arid climatic conditions. It has two rainy
seasons, the main rain (ganna) from March to May and the short rain
(hagaya) from September to November. The seasonal rainfalls have been
erratic and insufficient for the last three to four consecutive years.
The water sources in the woreda include boreholes, Birkas (traditional
cisterns), surface water (ponds), and two rivers (Genale & Dawa) flowing
across at the bordering areas of the woreda. Due to the abnormality of
seasonal rainfalls, the surface water points usually get dried up leaving
many inhabitants without water. Those areas like Haysuftu, one of the
rural town in the woreda, which received insufficient/poor 2002 main
seasonal rains are now facing water shortage for human and livestock
consumption.
The Belg rain are also used for production of some short maturing
varieties of sorghum and maize, and for land preparation and planting of
long cycle crops. This year however, due to inadequate rainfall, little or
no harvests are expected from most areas. As a result food shortage is a
major problem. Livestock conditions are also deteriorating due to
shortage/ lack of pasture and water. Most affected people are the
Internally Displaced People (IDPs) residing in temporary shelters in Filtu
and Haysuftu towns. These people were displaced from Bale and Borana Zones
of Oromia and from Filtu surrounding localities, in 1999 & 2000, due to
ethnic conflicts and drought. As they have no assets and are dependant on
humanitarian agencies, the relief assistance needs to continue until the
resettlement programme is completed and the people become self-supporting.
NCA/E with its partner EECMY/SES has been providing relief food and
drinking water for these needy people since 2000, and provided shelter &
household materials in November-December 2001. UNICEF has also contributed
funds for covering the February to March 2002 water tanker programme. At
the moment NCA/EECMY-SES are in the process of repatriating and
rehabilitating 11,864 IDPs in Filtu Woreda and Bale Zone (Meda Wolabu &
Mena HHangetu Woredas), with rehabilitation packages such as relief food,
assorted farm tools & seeds, and restocking with goats. The allocated
relief food has already been distributed starting from July 2002.
According to the DPPC August 2002 Early Warning Report, including the IDPs
there are 16,700 (6,012 men, 6,513 women and 4,175 children) needy people
in the Woreda. As NCA and EECMY are in the process of rehabilitating
11,864 IDPs in Bale and Liben Zones, there is a continued need of relief
food distribution up to June/July 2003, so that they will be able to
continue their sustained life in their places of origin. The relief food
distribution will be linked directly with the on going rehabilitation
program. The able-bodied beneficiaries, after moving to the identified
resettlement areas, will construct their houses from local materials and
prepare their fields for the next planting season on an EGS basis.
Liben woreda, Borena Zone, in Oromia region.
Liben is one of the woredas in Borana Zone the capital of which is
Neghelle about 600 kms south east of Addis Ababa. Liben woreda is adjacent
to Filtu woreda in Somali region. The rural communities of Liben woreda
are pastoralist while those living in towns and in the surrounding are
agro pastoralits.
The two rainy seasons in the area are the main (gana) from March to May
and the short (Hagaya) from end of September to November. The main water
sources in the area are bore-holes, cisterns, ponds and shallow
traditional wells (Ellas). Due to the abnormality in distribution and
quantity of the rainfall, the surface water points usually get dried up
leaving many inhabitants without water.
According to EECMY- South Ethiopia Synod report, the 1999/2000 severe
droughts period in the area had left many families with very few herds and
they have not recovered even from the impact of the drought. Those who
lost their livestock such as milking cows, oxen, seeds and farm tools were
not restocked and rehabilitated. As a result many were left destitute and
a significant size of cultivable lands not farmed due to lack of draught
power and failure of the rains. The price of livestock was also very low
compared to the price of grain at the same period. During normal periods
the price of grain at this time would have been low while animal price
relatively lower.
Therefore, though the main rainy season in 2002 was not bad compared to
that of 2000, as a result of lack of core assets (oxen) consequently
insufficient crop production, there are people who require relief
assistance. According to the DPPC August 2002 EWS report about 4,600
(1,748 men, 1,794 women and 1,058 children) people need relief food
assistance up to December 2002. Failure or insufficient rainfall of the
short rainy season, from September to November, may necessitate the
continuation of the programme up to March 2003 or even to June/July.
NCA with EECMY has an ongoing water points rehabilitation program in the
area. The able bodied target groups will be engaged in collecting the
required raw materials, clearing and repairing the surface water points
through EGS.
Konso Special woreda, Souther Nations and Nationalities Peoples Region
(SNNPR) Konso is one of the special woredas in SNNPR. It is located at
about 595 kms south of Addis Ababa. The inhabitants are sedentary farmers
and the main crops grown are maize, sorghum and millet.
Konso has two rainy seasons. The main rainy season from end February to
end May and the short rainy season from mid September to November.
According to the August DPPC EWS and EECMY/SWS report the onset of the
2002 belg rains was reported to be on time in the special woreda, and its
distribution was said to be fair till end of April. However, from May to
the first week of July sufficient rain had not been recorded. In general
the performance of the 2002 Belg rain was very poor and much below average
from the previous two years. The prospect for crop production in Konso was
also affected by severe dry spells that occurred at growth and flowering
stages of the crops. Thus the production performance was a total failure
in the lowlands of the woreda. In the mid high lands, the production
prospect would have been better had there not been shortage of
agricultural inputs particularly fertilisers and improved seeds. Farmers
could not get inputs on credit due to previous years-unsettled debts.
The general condition of livestock was found to be good. However, water
and pasture shortage is prevailing, until the next short rainy season that
is expected to start in October. Even if it rains, production from this
season will be much lower relative to the main season where high-yielding
long-cycle crops are usually planted. An outbreak of lump skin disease was
reported in 20 peasant associations.
Due to the failure of belg rain 65,000 (24,700 men, 26,000 women and
14,300 children) people need relief assistance. NCA is currently involved
in a drinking water development program. The assistance requested is for
the people through an EGS where the beneficiaries are expected to
participate in the water development program, like developing springs,
collecting materials for construction, road construction etc. The proposed
assistance period is from November up to July 2003.
Amaro Special woreda, in SNNPR
Amaro is located about 485 kms south of Addis Ababa. The inhabitants of
the Amaro special woreda are subsistence farmers. Main crops produced for
food in the woreda are mainly maize, wheat, teff, barley, haricot bean,
pea, bean, vegetable crops, etc. Enset (false Banana), chat (a stimulant)
and coffee are also the popular perennials produced for food and cash. The
farmers also rear animals like cattle, sheep, goats etc. There are two
cropping seasons in the area, belg rain from September to November and the
meher rain from February to May. The belg rains are mainly used for land
preparation (for coffee) and planting of long cycle crops such as maize
and sorghum. The meher rains are used for planting crops like barley,
teff, wheat, bean, pea, haricot bean, and vegetable crops. Besides, meher
rains are also important for the growth and development of perennial crops
such as enset, coffee and chat.
According to the August DPPC/EWS report, onset of the 2002 Belg rains was
reported to be on time in the special woreda, and its distribution was
said to be even till end of April. However, from May to the first week of
July sufficient rain has not been recorded. In general the performance of
the 2002 belg rain was very poor and much below average from the previous
two years. The prospect for crop production in Amaro was also affected by
severe dry spells that occurred at growth and flowering stages of the
crops. Also due to total failure of meher rain, seeds planted could not
generate, and practically nothing is expected to be harvested both in high
& lowland areas. Thus the production performance was and is a total
failure in the woreda. The production prospect would have been better had
there not been shortage of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers
and improved seeds when it started raining. Farmers could not get inputs
on credit due to previous years' unsettled debts.
The general condition of livestock was found to be good. However, water
and pasture shortage is prevailing even in the highlands. According to
reports from the special woreda officials, perennial rivers and springs
are drying up even in the highlands. There was an out break of malaria in
the lowlands, which was controlled according to the report. The cumulative
effects of unfavourable climatic conditions causing total failure of crop
harvest, a significant decrease in coffee price, and other chronic
problems (like land degradation, deforestation etc), have exposed 35,000
(12,250 men, 13,300 women and 9,450 children) people to severe food
shortages.
The next planting period will be March - April 2003 (belg) and will be
harvested in June/July, if the weather is favourable. Therefore, the
relief assistance (grain, supplementary food & edible oil) should continue
up to the expected harvest time (June/July). EECMY/ South Central Ethiopia
Synod (SCES) has development activities in the area such as; tree
nurseries that provide seedlings to farmers, spring
protection/development, hand dug wells, health & sanitation work etc. The
beneficiaries will be engaged in reforestation (preparing places for trees
planting), clearing & developing/protecting springs and hand-dug wells
preparation.
Alata Wondo woreda in Sidam zones of SNNPR
The woreda is one among ten woredas in Sidama Zone of SNNPR. Alata Wondo
woreda is known for its diverse, intensive and well-established
traditional agro forestry systems in which a diversity of perennial and
annual crops are grown together. In the two woredas mixed agriculture is
practised. Major crops grown include enset, coffee, maize, wheat, teff,
barley, haricot bean, and chat. Enset is the main staple food while coffee
and chat are cash crops. There are two cropping seasons in the areas, Belg
& Meher. Belg rains (September to November) are mainly used for land
preparation and planting long cycle crops such as maize and sorghum and
bed preparation for meher crops. The meher rains (from February to May)
are used for planting of cereal crops like barley, teff, wheat, and
vegetable crops. Besides, meher rains are also responsible for the growth
and development of perennial crops such as enset, coffee and chat.
Although, population pressure, land shortage and soil erosion are the main
problems, farmers used to be self-sufficient and food secure.
According to the March 2002 Regional assessment team report, the food
security situation in the area has deteriorated rapidly since the 1999
drought that struck most parts of the country. Following the poor harvest
of the same year, the drastic decline of coffee and animal prices and
incidences of hailstorms in some pocket areas in 2000 and 2001 further
deteriorated the situation. As per the August 2002 DPPC EWS reports, the
onset of Belg rains was reported to be late by 4-5 weeks. Its amount and
distribution was much below normal in the months of March and April.
Starting from end of April up to June a dry spell was reported in the
lowlands of the woreda.
In general the performance of the 2002 Belg rain was very poor and much
below average from the previous two years, particularly in the lowlands.
Due to late on set of rains, planting time was delayed by about a month,
and the planted area less than the previous year. Performance crop
production, particularly in the lowlands, was severely affected by weather
adversities such as long dry spells and hailstorms. In addition to weather
adversities pest infestation was another cause for production loses. In
the mid high lands the production prospect would have been better had
there not been shortage of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers
and improved seeds. Reportedly farmers could not get inputs on credit due
to previous years unsettled debts. Shortage of water and pasture,
particularly in the lowlands, as well as increased malnutrition in lowland
areas of Alata Wondo were also reported. Since April, the price of grain
has increased mainly due to the failure of belg crop production.
The cumulative effects of the chronic problems in the area plus the
current belg adversities have exposed 45,700 (16,452 men, 17,823 women and
11,425 children) people in Alata Wondo to relief food assistance. These
people require relief food (grain, edible oil & supplementary food) at
least to December2002. As the next harvest is expected in June/July, it is
very important to consider the continuity of relief assistance up to July
2003. The farmers also require assorted seeds for the coming rainy season.
As EECMY/SCES has development activities like; spring
protection/development, hand-dug wells construction, education & health
works, the beneficiaries will be engaged in spring protection,
construction of hand dug wells, farm land preparation etc on an EGS basis.
Dale woreda, in Sidama zone SNNPR
The Dale woreda is one among ten woredas in Sidama Zone of SNNPR. Dale
woreda, as other woredas in the Zone, is known for its diverse, intensive
and well-established traditional agro forestry systems in which a
diversity of perennial and annual crops are grown together. In the woreda
mixed agriculture is practised with major crops including enset, coffee,
maize, wheat, teff, barley, haricot bean, and chat. Enset is the main
staple food while coffee and chat are cash crops. There are two cropping
seasons in the area, Belg (short rainy season) from July to August & Meher
(main rainy season) from February to May. Belg rains are mainly used for
land preparation and planting long cycle crops such as maize and sorghum
and bed preparation for meher crops. The meher rains are used for planting
of cereal crops like barley, teff, wheat, and vegetable crops. Meher
rains are also responsible for the growth and development of perennial
crops such as enset, coffee and chat. In spite of population pressure,
land shortage and soil erosion farmers used to be self-sufficient and food
secure.
According to the March 2002 Regional assessment team report, the food
security situation in the area has deteriorated fast since the 1999
drought that struck most parts of the country. Following the poor harvest
of the same year, decreases in coffee and animal prices and incidences of
hailstorms in some pocket areas in 2000 and 2001 further deteriorated the
situation. As per to the August 2002 DPPC EWS reports, the onset of belg
rains was reported to be late by 4-5 weeks. Its amount and distribution
was much below normal in the months of March and April as in Alata wondo.
Starting from end of April up to June a dry spell was reported in the
lowlands of the woreda.
In general the performance of the 2002 Belg rain was very poor and much
below the average of the previous two years, particularly in the lowlands.
Due to late on set of rains, planting time was delayed by about a month,
and area planted decreased compared to the previous year. Crop production
particularly in the lowlands was severely affected by weather adversities
such as long dry spells and hailstorms. In addition to weather adversities
pest infestation was another cause for the loses. In the mid high lands,
the production prospect would have been better had there not been a
shortage of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers and improved
seeds. Farmers could not get inputs on credit due to previous years
unsettled debts. Shortage of water and pasture particularly in the
lowlands was also reported. Since April, the price of grain has increased
due to failure of belg crop production.
The cumulative effects of the chronic problems in the woreda plus the
current Belg adversities have exposed 30,000 (11,400 men, 11,700 women and
6,900 children) people to relief food assistance. These people require
relief food (grain, edible oil & supplementary food) at least up to
December 2002. As the next harvest is expected in June/July, it is very
important to consider the continuity of relief assistance up to July 2003.
As EECMY/SCES has development activities like: spring
protection/development, hand-dug wells construction, education & health
works, the beneficiaries will be engaged in spring protection,
construction of hand dug wells, etc. on EGS basis.
CHRISTIAN AID & LOCAL PARTNERS (EECMY/SCES, SOS/SAHEL, AFD, GTF) AREAS OF
OPERATION
Christian Aid in not an implementing partner of JRP/ACT forum, however
programme implementation will be undertaken with local partners who have
presence at grass roots level and who have worked with CA for many years.
Meda Wolabu woreda in Bale zone, Oromia region
Meda Welabu is one of the 18 woredas in Bale Zone and has an area of
8,726.72 km2, making it one of the largest woredas in the zone. It has a
total population of 77,638 (DPPB, 2001). Most of the inhabitants are Arsi
Oromos, although there are significant numbers of Somalis in the area
adjacent to Somali Region. The majorities are agro-pastoral, earning their
living mainly from livestock production and some crop husbandry.
Mada Wollabu is mainly lowland with some parts of medium altitude. The
main rainy seasons are March to May (Haggeya) and the smaller rainy season
is between September and November (Genna). As a result of low and erratic
rainfall, crop performance was poor and loss of crops and pasture was
substantial.
Problems of remoteness and lack of infrastructure hamper the rural
economy. Depletion of assets has reduced the purchasing power of the
community and the death of livestock has caused shortage of oxen for land
preparation as well as reduced milk supplies.
Meda Welabo woreda has been repeatedly hit by drought and large-scale
deaths of livestock which have depleted household assets and eroded
traditional coping mechanisms, that are based mainly on livestock sale.
Diminishing water sources due to drying out of ponds, decreasing
agricultural productivity coupled with decreasing pasture due to bush
encroachment have threatened food security. Shortage of livestock feed and
poor veterinary services have crippled the performance of the livestock
sub-sector, which is the main source of livelihood in Meda Welabu woreda.
The livestock market in the area remains very depressed due to poor road
communications and the distance of the woreda from large livestock markets
such as those in Nazareth, Shashemene or northern Kenya. Asset depletion
and lack of purchasing power mean that there are few local buyers.
Although the medium altitude areas of Meda Welabu have received relatively
better rain in the past genna and hagaya rainy seasons (2001), in lowland
areas the distribution of rain was low and erratic. Crop performance in
the lowlands was therefore poor and loss of crops and pasture was
substantial. In addition to the shortage of rainfall other agronomic
problems also affect crop production. According to Agricultural
Development Office, up to 40% of expected yield is lost through insect
pests (grasshoppers) and weeds - pest attacks increases particularly with
the shortage of rain. This again threatens the food security situation in
the woreda.
The first (baseline) Household Food Economy Survey (HFES) notes that,
"Meda Welabu is an area in transition. Two decades ago, the people of Meda
Welabu were primarily pastoralist. Today, most combine livestock and crop
production. The spread of agriculture into grazing areas is a sign of
poverty. Most households can no longer survive with their livestock alone
and have been forced into cropping to protect their core herds. Not only
are average herd sizes reportedly lower but there are also more poor
households, that is, households with herds below a survival minimum
(households with fewer than 10 cattle). Thus, impoverishment has created
new economic patterns. For detailed information refer to Bush and Konde
2001. As an adaptation to gradually more impoverished circumstances,
agro-pastoralism provides an interim solution to a society in transition.
Erratic rainfall, resulting in drought and food shortage, has a long
history in the project woreda. The magnitude of the problem has become
more serious over the past five years. As a result, the size of cultivated
lands has decreased owing to poor distribution of rainfall and shortage of
draught oxen for timely preparation of the land. Studies carried out by
Woreda Agricultural Development Office (WOA) in 2000 and 2001 revealed
that only 89% of the cultivated lands in Meda Welabu were planted.
The baseline HFES assessment notes, "There are two fundamental weaknesses
in the local economy: (i) rain-fed agriculture does not now, and probably
never will, provide a dependable supply of food because the norm for this
lowland area is highly erratic rainfall over space and time; (ii)
livestock acts as a dependable and sufficient buffer only in multi-year
droughts when herd sizes are large, stock types are varied, grazing areas
are broad and access assured, and there is sufficient labour to practise
transhumance."
There are also indications that the situation in 2002 will not be greatly
improved as the large-scale deaths of livestock in 1999-2000 cannot be
rehabilitated in a short period of time and food shortage still prevails
in the woreda. From nutrition surveys conducted over a one year gap, it
was indicated that deaths due to malnutrition had been reduced and the
rate of Severe Acute Malnutrition had been brought under control, though
the rate of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) remained high (24.9 percent).
Meda Welabu woreda, remained food insecure in 2002 due to failure of the
belg rain. According to the DPPC appeal document for September 2002,
17,500 need food assistance until the end of 2002.
Kindo Koisha and Ofa woredas in Wolayta Zone, SNNPR
With similar topographic, climatic and socio-economic features Kindo
Koysha and Ofa are two bordering woredas located in Wolayta zone of the
SNNPR, Ethiopia. Both Kindo Koysha and Ofa have been categorised among
chronically food insecure areas in the country and have experienced a
progressive increase in the number and proportions of food insecure
households, and a decrease in the per capita production of food crops.
Kindo Koysha in particular, with an area of 68,400 ha and a population of
173,657, has repeatedly appeared in the national and international media
and is known as a green famine area. It has received massive relief aid
from outside for many years.
SOS Sahel's Food Security Research in 1992/93 showed that, even in a good
year, more than 40% of the total population in Kindo Koysha suffers from
food shortage for up to four months. And up to 90% of the population faces
food shortage in a bad year.
The underlying causes of food insecurity in these woredas are population
pressure, natural resources degradation, crop pests and diseases, erratic
rainfall and drought, human and livestock disease, and poor asset bases 4
Ofa woreda has total population of 143203 and total land area of 54372ha.
There are three agro-ecological zones: highland (15%), midland (55%) and
lowland (30%). Average household size and landholdings are 5 and 0.48ha
respectively. 4.
The increase in population density has reduced many smallholdings to a
size that can barely support a family. Farmers have developed a complex
and diversified agricultural system, which, until recently, produced an
acceptable standard of living. Mixed cropping developed in response to the
shortage of land, lack of draught oxen and steepness of slopes. Perennial
crops (enset and coffee) are inter-cropped with annuals around the house.
Further from the house, maize, sorghum, haricot beans and kale are
inter-cropped. The typical agricultural system can be described as
gardening rather than arable farming; small quantities of a wide range of
crops are produced close to the home, with inter-cropping of annuals,
bi-annuals and perennials, in an intensive system of frequent cultivation
mainly using hand tools.
Animal disease (trypanosomes), lack of cash for and access to veterinary
drugs, a reduction in grazing and forage resources, and lack of cash for
livestock purchase have become major constraints on livestock rearing with
profound implications for household food security. In Kindo Koysha about
85% of farmers have no access to draught oxen and land is mostly
cultivated by hand using the ayile, a small-hinged hoe made of rope and
wood with metal points.
Under normal situation, the rains fall over two seasons. The short rains
(Belg season) occur between February and May, and the heavy rains (Kremt
or Meher season) fall between June and October. However, for the last two
decades, the rains have become increasingly unreliable, and have reduced
in duration. Farmers are often unsure of the correct time to sow crops,
which are at risk of moisture stress throughout their growth. Dry spells
during the rains or an early end to rains causes crop failure. Such
drought induced crop failures caused famines that required a massive
mobilisation of food and humanitarian aid in the past. Drought has, in
most cases, been only the trigger of a situation that is compounded by
other biological and socio-economic factors.
Land degradation is particularly a problem in the intermediate and
highland zones due to soil erosion that has occurred over many years.
Fertility of the red acidic soil (which is naturally low), has been
reduced by intensive farming practices. The decrease in livestock holdings
and the lack of manure threatens the fertility of the soil for the
production of other root crops. Livestock disease also inhibits greater
exploitation of the lowlands for cereal production. Farmers' cash incomes
are extremely low and cash expenditure normally exceeds cash income so
that most households are in debt. Options for generating cash resources
are limited. Major sources of income include sale of teff, maize, sweet
potato and honey, livestock, milk products, poultry and eggs. Productivity
is very low, and few farmers generate enough from their farms to feed
themselves and farmers have limited opportunities for off-farm employment.
Recent research result on EGS/EBSN impact in Kindo Koysha show that the
livelihood assets base of the communities has deteriorated or gradually
declined from year to year, even in the presence of external assistance
during food deficit periods.
Problem of food insecurity in the area was aggravated by the failure of
this year belg rain. The short season rain started at the normal time
(February), but stopped in April and May resulting in a prolonged dry
period and a significant failure in belg crops grown. Early Warning and
crop and livestock situation assessment reports show that in Kindo Koysha
more than 83,744 people or 19,429 HHs in the lowland PAs and further
63,907 people/ 10320 HHs in the highland and midland PAs have been
affected due to the failure of the belg rain.
The sharp drop in price of crops in the first quarter of 2002 (Annex 3-a)
has forced farmers to sell more of their crop produce to make government
tax and agricultural input debt repayments. This has eventually reduced
not only the amount of food available for home consumption but also
farmer's capacity to invest on emergency seeds for meher production. Also,
meagre income due to lower crop prices means that farmers were not able to
make long term investments that can reduce household vulnerability or
improve resilience and coping ability of households. Although the price of
major crops (such as Maize) was low during harvest, crop prices have shown
a sharp increase following the belg rain failure. The over all impact of
loss of income either due to crop failure or low prices of livestock, and
sharp increase in food price means that there will be food shortages and
many more households will continue to starve at least until mid of 2003.
It was reported that the clinical record of outpatients in the health
centre indicates an increase in the number of cases of malnutrition in the
woredas. According to the head of the Inter Aide Health Centre in Kindo
Koysha, malnutrition in the woreda will be expected to increase
significantly given the future problems of food supply in the area.
The purpose of the programme in both woredas will be provision of
emergency sweet potato planting materials for farmers who lost their seed
/ planting stock due to the drought. A total of 11,000 households in Kindo
Koysha and Ofa woredas who are unable to carry out replacement planting
due to lack of seed and planting material stock are expected to benefit
from this project.
The emergency food assistance is excepted to be covered by another NGO or
the Government. SOS/ Sahel (UK) will be the implementing partner of the
programmes in Kind Koysha and Ofa woredas.
Boloso Sore in Welayta and Boreda woredas in Gamo Gofa zone, SNNPR.
Boloso Sore woreda in Wolayta zone, and Boreda woreda in Gamo Gofa zone,
both in the SNNPR, are about 450 km to the south west of Addis Ababa. The
two woredas have a population of 508,045, constituted mainly of ethnic
Wolayta in Boloso Sore and Gamo in Boreda. Population pressure is a major
problem in the project area, particularly in Boloso Sore.
Boreda has a land area of 34,229 ha. while Boloso Sore has 57,000 ha.
Average land holding is less, than 0.5 ha in Boreda while it is estimated
to be less than 0.3 ha in Boloso. The major means of livelihood is mixed
farming where crops such as teff, maize, sweet potato, haricot bean,
wheat, coffee, etc. are grown along with the rearing of livestock.
Agriculture is mainly rain-fed benefiting from the 'belg' rains between
February and May, and the main rains that occur in July-September.
According to the local authorities Belg rains contribute to 45% of annual
production in Boloso Sore and about 75% in Boreda.
A characteristic feature of the project area is the recurrence of drought,
which accentuates the food insecurity of the people. Social and economic
services are inadequate, levels of productivity are limited, institutional
capabilities are ineffective, and the people subsist on a narrow
livelihood base in a fragile environment.
The two project woredas are usually food insecure and rely on relief
assistance from the government and NGOs. The situation is likely to be
made worse this year due to the erratic nature of rainfall. The 'Belg'
rains started this year on time having reasonably good intensity and
distribution but ceased much earlier than normal, severely affecting the
planted crops. The main rains were also delayed by over a month
obstructing the main season agricultural activities.
The worst affected PAs in the woredas are located in both lowland and
highland climatic zones. The four service co-operatives, Gaga Gocho and
Zefano Service Co-operative areas in Boreda woreda, and the Anchucho and
Woybo Service Co-operative areas in Boloso Sore woreda are among the worst
affected.
In Boloso Sore lack of improved farm inputs such as seeds and fertilisers
is observed to be an additional dimension to the crisis. Farmers who had
been covered by the extension package programme in earlier years were not
able to obtain inputs this year due to their indebtedness partly caused by
low market prices for their agricultural produce from the previous
seasons. In Boloso Sore, only 25% of the farmers that use improved inputs
had access to them this year. This has led the rest to sow 2nd or 3rd
generation hybrid seeds, which are expected to yield little with or
without fertiliser.
Crop pests such as sweet potato butterfly and stock borer have also
affected the remaining crops. The combined effect of the above factors is
the reduction of agricultural yield by about 40% in Boreda, and 62%
(maize), 44% (haricot bean), and 33% (sweet potato) in Boloso Sore. The
erratic nature of rainfall has also entailed the need to replant about
9,550 ha in Boreda, and 4,348 ha worst affected areas in Boloso Sore, with
early maturing varieties.
According to the local authorities, AFD and CA staff reports about 8,272
households with 41,360 family members, and 12,488 households with 69,356
family members as most affected by the problem in the Boreda and Boloso
Sore woredas respectively.
It is essential to assist all or part of the most affected households in
both woredas so that they may make up their 'Belg' losses in the 'Meher'
season. Enabling them to produce crops will limit the number of people
that would need relief assistance towards the end of the year. This can be
done by providing them with planting materials such as sweet potato
cuttings.
Therefore the rehabilitation project will focus on supply of sweet potato
cuttings and measures to control sweet potato butterfly, such as spraying
chemicals (Malathine 50% E.C). 10,000 drought-affected households in both
woredas will be able to replant 250 ha land in the 'Meher' season through
the provision of 12,500,000 sweet potato cuttings. The government or
other NGOs are expected to cover the emergency food need in the area.
Action for Development has been operating integrated rural development
programmes in the areas for the last 14 years in both woredas. Given its
knowledge, experience and its existing infrastructure in place AFD will be
the implementing partner in collaboration with CA field office in
Ethiopia.
Fantale woreda in East Shewa Zone, Oromia region
Fantalle is one of the 14 woredas of eastern Shoa Zone, comprising 18
kebeles. The total population in the woreeda is estimated at 60,084 people
(with just 12,000 living in urban centres)5 Population and Housing Census
of Ethiopia 1994: Results at country level, June 1998, Volume I:
Statistical Report. Addis Ababa. 5. The area usually gets an annual
average rainfall of 600-700 mm. The livelihood of the rural community is
based on livestock. The heard comprise of cattle, camels, goats, sheep and
donkeys. Livestock is not only the source of income but also the major
source of food. The mean annual precipitation for nine years (1986 -
1995) at Metahra meteorological recording stations is 520 mm. The main
rainy season starts in May and extends to the month of September and the
small rainy season extends from February - April with mean precipitation
of not more than 45mm per month.
The last three years have seen unprecedented drought in the Fantalle area
leading to increasing shortage of forage and water supply for the
livestock population estimated at 150,000.
In first half of 2002, some forage was brought in from other areas, but it
was highly inadequate. Sugar cane leaves from the Matahara Sugar
Plantation were also made available, but that too ran out. UN reports
(2002) quoting local officials state that some 39 percent of the 150,000
heads of cattle owned by the Karayu people (the local tribe name) had
died6 IRIN 2001. ETHIOPIA: Focus on looming drought in East Shewa. UN
Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 6.
Rapid assessment was carried out by Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF), the
implementing partner of CA. The assessment in a sample of villages in
September 2002 showed that an estimated 80-90 percent of the cattle and
30-40 percent of the goats/sheep had died as a result of the drought
during the last two years. Discussion with community groups revealed that
most of cattle death occurred between April and June 2002.
The UN reports note that signs of malnutrition are already appearing among
children, with some 80 percent estimated to be stunted. GTF's assessment
has shown that the health status of the population is deteriorating with
pregnant women reported to be suffering from anaemia, body swelling and
increased incidence of mortality in mothers and new-born babies. Children
were reported to suffer from diarrhoea and lice infestation. The rest of
the population is suffering from weight loss, fatigue, respiratory
ailments, night blindness and inability to withstand the symptoms of
malaria.
The prolonged drought has put severe strain on the local environment.
Firstly, the regulated pattern of migration has been abandoned as people
were left with no option but to search for the little forage that existed
by herding their livestock all over the rangelands of Fantalle and beyond
extending to Shashemene. The effect of this has been that the rangelands
were not allowed to recover sufficiently before livestock were brought in.
Secondly, a number of households resorted to selling firewood and charcoal
to sustain their food security. The few remnant patches of acacia woodland
and bush are gradually getting cleared as people turn to such activities
as a last resort for survival. If this trend is not reversed as soon as
possible, the environment will be at risk of being irreversibly damaged.
The proposed intervention in the area includes emergency food assistance
for six months between November 2002 and April 2003. The intervention is
aimed at assisting the highly affected population, mainly pastoralists of
the eight Kebeles. The rehabilitation component of the project comprises
minimum amounts of forage provision to breeding cattle and goats and
restocking of cows and she goats to male and female headed households who
have lost all their livestock. In addition to these rehabilitation
interventions the employment generation scheme (EGS) component will
undertake long term preparedness measures through pond construction (10
ponds) and forage development activities. This intervention is expected to
directly benefit about 2,850 households (60 percent of the relief
beneficiaries) in Fanttale woreda.
Mana Hangetu woreda in Bale zone, Oromia region
Mana Hangetu woreda, formerly Dolo Mena Awraja, is situated in Bale zone,
Oromia Region. The population of Mana Hangetu is estimated to be 92,967
inhabitants in 25 peasant associations (PAs). The target beneficiaries are
15,000 displaced people from various weredas of east and west Hararghe
zone and Gololch woreda of Arsi zone.
These internally displaced people are living in camps in a place called
Chiri, Shawe and Hangetu, in Mena Hangetu woreda, which is located in the
outskirts of the natural forest in the Bale Zone. Their settlements are 14
and 38 km away from Dello, the woreda town. The people are settled in an
area where the local communities themselves depend on relief food,
therefore support from local community is limited.
According to zonal DPPB, the people have started coming to Bale zone since
September 2001. However, this has increased in the last 2-4 months. The
displaced people `belong to Oromo nationality (Barentu tribe) and the
majority Muslims.
The Christian Aid/EECMY team which was on an assessment mission to Meda
Wolabu woreda on its way back to Addis via Robe met in mid September a
large colony of the displaced people at Shawe - a former military training
camp. The IDPs informed the team about their problem. Insufficient food,
inadequate or no shelter, no water and sanitation facilities, no medical
assistance, insufficient clothing, especially blankets, etc. It was
reported that signs of malnutrition among children under 5 years of age
were observed. The team was informed that nearly one third of the
displaced were children, the majority of whom are children under the age
of 5 years. It was reported that while the team from CA, was talking to
these people a one- year old child weakened by starvation died. The team
was told that another 9 children had died from the same cause.
According to the findings of the assessment team, the IDPs have lost all
livelihood assets and are forced to leave their living areas. The reasons
(the major pushing factors) for their displacements are:
Shortage of land, less than 0.5 ha of land per family size of people.
Recurrent drought for the last 3-5 years, which severely affected crops
production and livestock.
Land degradation and depletion of natural resources (deforestation)
Limited livelihood basis in Harrarge and Arsi area (e.g. lack of off-farm
employment, less opportunity for share cropping due to land shortage)
Weed infestation: manifestation of parasitic plant weed, which totally
affected planted maize and sorghum.
The success of the community who came from the same area in 1988/89 EC
might have also contributed as a pulling factor to some of this community.
Some of the IDPs came by public transport and mini-trucks while most
others came on foot walking for about a month. Among the displaced that
came on foot, some died on the road and others are suffering from swelling
of the feet.
The displaced, particularly the children are at high risk, due to
malnutrition. Therefore immediate assistance is needed such as food aid
(dry rations and supplementary food), shelter, clothing, health services,
utensils, and others sanitation materials such as soap.
The assessment team as well as the wereda administration suggested that at
least 1,680 IDP households should receive a plastic cover that completely
protects their huts from rainwater. The average size of the plastic sheet
for one household is estimated to be 15m2. Plastic sheeting of 25,200m2 is
needed for 80% or 1,680 households taking into account 20% of the
households have already made proper peasant shelters
The team also observed a number of huts where there is not a single night
cloth. Some of the displaced people sold many useful materials and clothes
such as blankets and other day clothes to buy food on their way to Manna
Hangetu or after they arrived. Purchase of 2,100 blankets is proposed for
distribution to the households (one blanket for a family with 1-4 members
and for households with more than four people' two blankets). The
distribution of blankets is expected to cover only 80% of the households.
The IDPs live in a very congested camp where there are no toilets and
garbage pits. They are settled in an area of high incidence of disease
such as diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia. Personal hygiene and
environmental sanitation is also too poor. People do the washing near
their huts and personal hygiene conditions are deplorable. The project
will distribute 2 bars of soap per household per month. Therefore 21,000
bars of soap are to be purchased and distributed to the needy community in
5 months.
Some displaced people have brought cooking utensils with them however the
majority lack such utensils as dishes, pots, pans, plates, kettles and
cups. Either they have been sold or broken on the way. The assessment
team has proposed one casserole, one kettle and 4 plastic cups and three
plastic plates for each household.
The Internally displaced people are not officially declared as needing
food or any other assistance by the federal DPPC. However given the
situation in the area the JRP/ACT partners are in the process of getting
official approval from the federal and regional government officials, so
that assistance can be provided to avoid further deterioration in
nutritional status among the IDPs. Moreover, unless these people are
assisted there will be risk of deforestation in efforts to construct
shelters and sale of firewood to increase household income. JRP/ACT forum
members raised their concern about the IDPs to the federal and regional
government officials for which an agreement was reached to provide the
necessary assistance if donations are obtained.
The proposed activities constitute emergency assistance to 15,000
individuals (2,100 IDP HH) for 5 months, from November 2002 to March 2003.
It also includes distribution of basic necessities such as clothing and
utensils. CA and the implementing partner EECMY had several meetings with
federal and regional government officials to move these people to a
permanent resettlement area. It is hoped that a resettlement programme
will be within the project period.
The local counterpart EECMY/SEAW has been involved in agricultural
development, natural resource conservation, water development, livestock
and forage development, provision of veterinary services, access road
construction and provision of credit services. EECMY/SEAW will implement
the proposed project.
Impact on Human Lives
The total number of drought-affected people in Ethiopia at the beginning
of the year was above 5,181,700 people. By the end of September the number
of beneficiaries identified increased to 6,282,9527 The number of people
affected vary between months, for the month of October 6,261,842, November
5,605,973, and December 4,473,064. 7 and another 1,550,899 are vulnerable
to food insecurity. In 20 woredas where JRP/ACT forum members intend to
operate the number of drought affected people who need assistance from
November to December 2002 are 543,186 and 372,486 beneficiaries
respectively. Given the situation in most programme areas the same level
of beneficiaries are projected to need assistance every month until the
end of the next rainy season (harvest) which will be in July 2003. The
poor level of nutritional status and deaths due to malnutrition (in Mena
Hangetu about 9 children) was also reported. Therefore both relief and
rehabilitation activities are important to get those communities back to
their situation before the drought in 2002 and build their capacity,
consequently reducing their vulnerability to future disasters. In four
woredas (Boloso Sore, Boreda, Kindo Koisha and Ofa) 21,000 chronically
food insecure people will also be assisted through rehabilitation
programmes.
Description of Damages
All woredas JRP/ACT forum members intended to operate are the most food
insecure woredas in the country. These areas are vulnerable to shocks
especially to recurrent drought. Rainfall in many areas has been
insufficient, minimal and at best erratic. Due to this change in the
weather, it has been impossible for the farmers living in these vulnerable
areas to prepare their farmland and produce enough food. As a result crop
production has been declining and in some place it was a total failure. In
some parts of the country environmental degradation and soil erosion was
reported as the major problem.
The total or partial failure of the year 2002 belg rain and delayed onset
of the meher rain have significant damage on food production in many parts
of the country. In Kindo Koisha and Ofa woredas in SNNPR it was reported
that the level of damage by crop type, with estimates of 90% failure for
maize crop particularly in lowland and midland, 90% for haricot bean, 54%
for Sorghum and 75% for sweet potato. In Ofa 57,000 people will suffer due
to failure of the belg rainfall (detail information provided on annex
3-b).
Livestock size in many pastoral and agro-pastoral communities
significantly reduced due to recurrent drought and sale to cover daily
food need. Moreover the situation in many agro-pastoral areas will not be
improved since most did not recover from the large-scale livestock deaths
that occurred in 1999-2000. Failure of the rain also affected water
availability for both human and animal consumption in the woredas where
the JRP/ACT forum members are operational and intend to operate. The most
affected areas due to water shortage are the pastoral areas in Afar, low
lands of Bale zone in Oromia region and in Somali region. In Afar region
it was estimated that about 44% of cattle died due to insufficient
rainfall during year 2002 belg season.
Location of Proposed Response
JRP/ACT forum members intend to operate in 24 woredas (districts) in
Ethiopia during the last three months of year 2002 and it is projected
that the need for assistance will extend until July 2003. Both woredas are
among the most food insecure woredas in Ethiopia.
JRP/ACT forum members have been operational in these woredas for many
years, working on relief, rehabilitation and development programmes. It is
intended that the emergency intervention in these woredas will be
integrated with the ongoing development programmes to increase community
capacities and reduce their vulnerability to future disaster.
In all woredas, JRP/ACT members have contacted local government officials
and other NGOs working in the area. There is an understanding that the
implementation of the program will be co-ordinated when the food and other
rehabilitation resources (kind and financial) are made available.
Therefore duplication could be avoided.
Details on intended areas of operation, number of people needing
assistance, food requirement from November - December 2002 and the need
from January 2003 to July 2003 are on Annex 4a, 4b, and 4c.
Disaster and Emergency Statistics
The DPPC in its 2002 appeal has attempted to make a distinction between
the transitory and chronic food insecure communities in Ethiopia. This is
also the first time that the appeal has been recognised and fully
supported by the UN organisations and the major donors. In previous years,
the UN organisations and especially FAO and WFP have conducted their own
assessment of the situation and provided an estimation of the number of
beneficiaries. The nine assessment teams which constitute UN agencies,
NGOs, donor community and the government had made an assessment before the
revised figure issued at the end of September. In this report (September
2002) the DPPC indicated that 6.8 million people will need assistance and
additional 1.5 million are vulnerable. The food requirement until end of
December was estimated at 173,970 Mt. Resources available end of August
are 28,387 Mt on hand and 42, 000Mt donations from US/WFP (total 70,387
Mt). The remaining 103,583 Mt are for unmet needs. Shortfall in food
availability for needs until end of December 2002, lack of carry over food
stock (government or NGOs) from year 2002 to year 2003, and greater
shortfall in meher production will extend the needs for relief assistance
from early months of 2003 up to June 2003. According to the DDPC appeal
about 10.2 million people will need assistance and if the situation
worsens the number of people needing assistance will increase up to 14.3
million people.
However, JRP/ACT local partners and local government officials indicted
that the number of people needing assistance in their respective woredas
is higher compared to official figures declared by the federal DPPC.
In the JRP/ACT forum members, areas of operation the need from November to
end of December is estimated at 13,278Mt of assorted food (11,446 grain,
1374 Mt. supp.food and 458 Mt oil). Based on the mid-case scenarios the
number of beneficiaries needing assistance in the first half of 2003 will
be average 496,600 beneficiaries every month. For detailed information
please refer on annex 4a, 4b, and 4c. Given the level of nutritional
status in many areas the JRP/ACT forum members have planned to distribute
supplementary food to the most vulnerable groups if donations are
obtained. JRP/ACT forum members have submitted their request to USAID for
100,126 Mt food, which is expected to cover the need up to July 2003.
However it is not a confirmed pledge.
Current Security Situation
Conflict between Afar and Karayu, and Isa and Afar community over grazing
land and water sources for livestock consumption was reported early this
year. The community leaders from the three ethnic groups and the
government settled these conflicts. At the moment there is no security
problem that hinders access to the area or programme implementation. The
security situation in the programme areas is not a major concern and it is
not expected to deteriorate during the project period.
GOAL & OBJECTIVES
Goal: The overall goal is to ensure household access to food; increase
household capacity and consequently minimise vulnerability to food
insecurity.
Objectives:
To prevent deterioration in the nutritional status and prevent famine in
the target groups. One of the objectives of the food distribution in the
target areas is to avoid deterioration in nutritional status, especially
among the most vulnerable groups, such as children of under 5 years,
women, and the elderly. The availability of food will also overcome the
deterioration of balance of trade between agriculturists and pastoralists
which happens frequently during periods of food shortages/droughts. In
some areas the government has distributed food - only cereal, for the
month of September. However it was indicated that unless the government or
NGOs, secure resources it is unlikely to continue.
To prevent/ stop abnormal migration of farmers in search of food. Timely
distribution of relief food is expected to prevent abnormal migration. It
is also hoped that by meeting the food need farmers will stay in their
village and continue their normal productive activities.
To minimise/ reduce sale of assets by avoiding distress sale. Sale of
productive assets is one of the coping strategies that farmers or
agro-pastoral adopt in times of disaster. Therefore the food distribution
programme is expected to minimise further depletion of livestock and other
productive assets.
To build community capacity through activities such as Employment
Generating Schemes. Linking relief with development is one of the
implementation modalities of the projects. The food distribution will be
on an EGS bases. This means all able-bodied member of the beneficiaries
household (in some areas all community members) will work in selected
public works in a given woreda. The activities will include, water
development, feeder road construction and maintenance etc. For detail
information refer annex 2 and 5. It is hoped that the EGS activities will
contribute to natural resource conservation and development of the area.
To rehabilitation chronically food insecure families through provision of
rehabilitation inputs.
The rehabilitation-input provision will enable households to increase
their food production in the following season. Distribution of crop seeds,
farm tools, sweet potato cuttings, provision of anti-sweet potato
butterfly chemicals, restocking (she-goats), provision basic veterinary
services, fodder and water supply for surviving livestock is expected to
contribute to the reduction of the families vulnerability. Some of these
rehabilitation activities are integrated with food distribution while the
rehabilitation programmes in Kindo Koyisha, Ofa, Boloso Sore and Boreda
woredas implemented by Christian Aid partners have only a rehabilitation
component.
In general the objectives of the proposed projects fully comply with
Federal and Regional food security policy, in particular the three pillars
of the national strategy (increase the availability of food through
increased domestic production, ensure access to food for food deficit
households, strengthen emergency response capabilities).
TARGETED BENEFICIARIES
The Peasant Association (PA) disaster prevention and preparedness
committees are composed of women, local elders and members of the PA
administration. These committees are responsible for identifying targeted
beneficiaries at peasant association level. Targeted beneficiaries include
the most food insecure members of a given peasant association. Priority
will be given to the most vulnerable groups such as female headed
households according to the criteria set by the community/ committee. The
JRP/ACT forum proposed/ intended relief and rehabilitation programme will
have two types of beneficiaries:
Direct Beneficiaries - An estimated 100,000 beneficiaries (20 percent of
the target groups) will benefit through gratuitous food. The remaining
400,000 beneficiaries (up to 80 percent) depending on their physical
strength and nutritional status, will participate in EGS and receive
relief food. In addition, in some of the areas about 100,000 beneficiaries
will receive rehabilitation inputs such as seed, tools distribution and
livestock restocking. It is expected that about 90 percent of the
rehabilitation assistance, specifically goat distribution, will be
directed to female-headed households.
In many areas the number of beneficiaries identified as needing assistance
is much higher than the official figure which is used in this proposal.
The un-meet need is usually covered by the community social networking
system that ensures sharing of the available food resources. Therefore it
is expected that there are other indirect beneficiaries who will benefit
from these programmes.
The EGS activities planned are expected to benefit non-participant
beneficiaries through improvement of infrastructures. EGS activities are
also meant to improve and develop community assets. Therefore the
community in general will benefit from these projects indirectly.
Part of the rehabilitation programme especially in Kindo Koyisha and Ofa
woredas, spraying anti- sweet potato butterfly are expected to benefit the
community in general by reducing or avoiding the spread of the pest.
Criteria utilised in beneficiary selection
Targeting in the proposed areas of intervention is a mix of administrative
and community targeting. For the food aid the DPPC has, during the two
crop assessments in November/December 2001 and in August 2002, identified
a certain number of needy people in each district. This number can be
found in the DPPC appeal document, which was launched in January 2002 and
August 2002. The local woreda (district) council receives the information
from the zonal administration or disaster prevention and preparedness
committee. Then each woreda estimates the need in each peasant association
and allocates a quota based on their field assessment and information on
the need. This number is later communicated to the local official- PA
committees who then use different local criteria to select each person
qualified for food aid. This is done through a careful and open process,
in which the communities participate and approve the final list, which is
then send back to the district council8 It should be mentioned that there
is a wide spread problem regarding number of beneficiaries. In many
distribution centres the community redistribute food after the official
distribution which means the actual beneficiaries is higher that the DPPC
figure (Getachew 2002).
8. JRP/ACT forum members at different woredas are member of the local
/woreda disaster prevention and preparedness committee, where they can
contribute with valuable information for the selection. In some areas
JRP/ACT forum members provide information and orientation to local
officials on the importance of targeting and suggest criteria based on
their experience working with the community.
Targeting for the technical input like seeds and tools and for restocking
will be done following the same procedure. But the local authorities
especially the PA and woreda committees have a greater role in determining
the criteria and the type of the beneficiaries that will benefit from the
rehabilitation inputs. The participants to the different capacity building
activities e.g. workshops and seminars will also be selected in close
co-operation with the community leaders, government officials from line
departments and JRP/ACT forum members and partners at local level.
Number of targeted beneficiaries according to proposed assistance.
The proposed programmes have three components. The first, constitutes food
distribution on gratuitous and EGS basis. The second, rehabilitation input
supplies which are expected to be the component of the relief /EGS
activities and the 3rd rehabilitation programmes in the four woredas which
will benefit 21,000 households. The proposed relief programmes have three
parts. The first one will indicate the relief need from November 2002 to
December 2002. The second part will indicate the need for the first
quarter of year 2003. The third part is the need in the second quarter of
2003 (April - June) which will be revised depending on the outcome of the
2002 meher harvest assessment and forthcoming revised DPPC appeal for the
period from the second quarter of year 2003. The rehabilitation components
for many areas are envisioned to continue through 2003.
The number of beneficiaries targeted by each JRP/ACT forum members and the
type of activities are summarised below:
EOC operations
Food Aid Beneficiaries -135,000 (Oct-Dec, 2002 from Wadla, E.Mehone,
Wogera, Dabat, Dahena Mekdela).
Seed beneficiaries 4,800 households in five woredas
Farm tools Beneficiaries 4,000 households in five woreda
Livestock restocking 550 households in five woredas
ECC areas of operation
Food Aid beneficiaries = .17,000 (from Dodota Sire, Z. Dugda, Omo Sheleko,
Humbo and Kindo Koisha woredas)
Tools beneficiaries =2,500 people (from Dodota Sire, Z. Dugda, Omo
Sheleko, Humbo and Kindo Koisha woredas).
EECMY/LWF operations
Food Aid beneficiaries = .132,000 (from Sawena, Beltu, Rayitu, Dahana,
Mile and Chifra)
Seeds beneficiaries = 10,200 households ( 25 kg/HH in all the five areas)
Tools beneficiaries = 30,000 people
Goat restocking = 900 women beneficiaries (Sawena, beltu and Rayitu)
EECMY/NCA operations
Food Aid beneficiaries = 195,400 beneficaries. (from Filtu, Liben, Dale,
Alata Wondo, Konso and Amaro woredas)
Seeds beneficiaries = 12,120 households (25 kg/HH in all the six areas)
Tools beneficiaries =12,120 households (in the six woredas about 30 % of
the HH from each woreda)
EECMY/CA operation
Food Aid beneficiaries = 61,516 each month (from Meda Welabo and Mena
Hangetu and Fentale woredas).
Shelter beneficiaries = 1,755 HHs (from Mena Hangetu woreda IDPs).
Kitchen utensils beneficiaries = 1,755 HHs (from Mena Hangetu woreda IDPs)
Blanket beneficiaries = 1,755 HHs (from Mena Hangetu woreda IDPs).
Construction of Toilets and other sanitation facilities = 1,755 HHs (from
Mena Hangetu woreda IDPs).
Essential drugs beneficiaries (1,755 HHs (from Mena Hangetu woreda IDPs)
CA/ SOS Sahel operation
Sweet potato cuttings beneficiaries = 11,000 HHs (from Kindo Koyisha and
Ofa woredas, 2355 cuttings/ HH in 4 months period).
Anti sweet potato butterfly chemical beneficiaries = 11,000 HHs Sweet
Potato planting materials (in the two woredas).
CA/ Action for Development
Sweet potato cuttings beneficiaries = 10,000 HHs (7,000 HH from Boloso
Sore and 3,000 HH from Boreda woredas, 1,250 cuttings for each HH).
Anti sweet potato butterfly chemical beneficiaries = 10,000 HHs (in the
two woredas).
CA/ Gudina Tumsa Foundation
Food Aid beneficiaries = 100,0009 The actual number of beneficiaries
needing assistance in the woreda as indicated in the August 2002 DPPC
appeal is 57,000 beneficiaries. Among these CA/GTF will assist 10,000
beneficiaries per month. The remaining beneficiaries are expected to be
covered by the government and GOAL Ethiopia (Irish based agency). The
later have supplementary feeding programme.
9 people each month (from Fentale Woreda)
Goat beneficiaries = 3100 families (5 goats for each family in the same
woreda).
Tools beneficiaries = 2,850 households (the same woreda).
Forage supply beneficiaries =2,850 households (the same woreda)
PROPOSED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE & IMPLEMENTATION
Description of Assistance
As indicated in earlier sections, this appeal will have three main
components. It includes a) supply of relief food (grain, supplementary
food10 Supplementary food in this case is high protein food which could be
Famix, pulses etc. 10, and Oil) and other basic necessities especially
for the IDPs. 2) Supply of rehabilitation inputs as a component with the
food distribution programme and 3) programmes that are focussed only on
the rehabilitation of the communities in four highly vulnerable and
chronic food insecure districts of Ethiopia. The proposed activities on
EGS basis and the rehabilitation component of the programme are targeted
at improving the capacity of the farmers and communities at large, to be
able to cope with future vulnerability to food insecurity.
The quantities11 It has to be noted that the projected relief /EGS need
for the period between January 2003 to June 2003 in all JRP/ACT members
areas of operations are not indicated in this summary.
11 and the type of assistance required by each of JRP/ACT member will be
shown on table .1
Table -3 - Summary of quantities and type of assistance requirement per
Organisation.
Description of items
Type of Unit
EOC
ECC
EECMY/LWF
EECMY/NCA
EECMY/CA (M. Welabo)
EECMY/CA
M.Hangetu)
CA/SOS-Sahel
CA/AFD
CA/GTF
Grain
MT
10,414
3,204
20,504
16,631
2,076
1,504
-
-
1,225
Supp.food
MT
1,250
174
2,462
1,997
251
184
-
-
147
Oil
MT
416
131
819
664
84
64
-
-
49
Assorted varieties of seeds
MT
300
255
303
120
-
-
-
-
Different types of hand tools
Pcs
12,000
2,500
30,000
36,360
3,650
4,350
-
-
2,353
Restocking (Oxen, goats etc.
No.
800
-
900
-
650
-
-
-
15,500
Forage
bales
-
-
-
-
-
--
-
-
279,000
Sweet potato Cuttings
Million PCs
-
-
-
-
-
--
25
12.5
-
Chemicals (Malatine)
Litres
-
-
-
-
-
--
1000
500
_
Shelter (plastic Sheets) materials
Mt2
-
-
-
-
-
25,200
-
-
_
Kitchen Utensils
PCs
-
-
-
-
-
23,100
-
-
-
Blankets (clothing)
PCs
-
-
-
-
-
2,100
-
-
-
Soap
PCs
-
-
-
-
21,000
-
-
-
Medical 12 For list of medical items please refers annex 7.
12supplies
USD
-
-
-
-
-
78,178
-
-
-
Training and workshops
persons
10
-
-
620
-
-
-
-
-
Note:
The assorted varieties of seed will be selected and purchased locally
according to the need in specific woredas. In most lowland areas drought
resistant seeds will be purchased and distributed.
Farm tools will be purchased and distributed to families who have no
ploughing oxen which is expected to improve land preparation of farming
households. The hand tools will also be purchased and distributed to
improve the EGS accomplishments in the targeted woredas.
Workshops and training programmes will be conducted in selected woredas.
The focus of the training will be on two levels. The first will be
training of field staff on record keeping etc. The second will be training
of local officials and beneficiaries. The topics of the training will
determine according to the need and the type of the programmes in specific
woreda. However it may include topics such as, emergency preparedness and
response, EGS implementation modalities, animal husbandry especially in
those woredas where restocking programmes are proposed, early warning, on
Gender issues, sanitation etc. The JRP/ACT partners as a step to
mainstream HIV/AIDS programming that contribute on the prevention and
control of HIV/AIDS epidemic, will undertake awareness creation programme
on HIV/AIDS in some of the woredas where there are trained staff.
The total food required for this programme is not pledged. The JRP/ACT
members through CRS have submitted their application to USAID. However
there is no confirmed pledge so far.
Implementation description per activity
The JRP/ACT forum members have many years of experience implementing
relief programmes. Since 1994, after the adoption of the national policy
on Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Mitigation, most food
distribution programmes have been implemented on EGS basis. The policy
envisaged that up to 80 percent of beneficiaries will participate in EGS
activities, however, the actual number of beneficiaries that can
participate on EGS activities will depend on the capacity of the woreda
and local partners to plan and implement the programmes. The decision of
JRP/ACT members to concentrate in woredas where partners agencies have
ongoing rehabilitation and development programmes will minimise this
problem.
It is expected that technical inputs will be provided from the ongoing
rehabilitation and development programme staff of the implementing
partners. Therefore in all woredas the programme will be implemented on
EGS bases and about 40-80 percent of the beneficiaries will participate on
EGS. The panned EGS activities in some of the woredas are indicated on
annex 2 and 5. However details of EGS activities in all woredas will
depend on the level of funding and a detailed work plan will be made as
soon as this information is given to local implementing partners and
government offices. All able-bodied beneficiaries will participate in the
selected activities. A family, represented by one person will work for
about 20 days to get the full monthly ration. JRP/ACT implementing
partners with the local DPPC will make EGS plans in such a way that will
not interferes in normal agricultural activities.
The remaining about 20 -40 % of the beneficiaries who are the most
vulnerable group will receive gratuitous relief. It is anticipated that
increased availability of food will increase the participation of the
community in on going rehabilitation and development activities. It will
also enable expansion of the activities to more areas and larger numbers
of community members, for example, more small-scale pond construction at
PA level will be attained, feeder roads, and spring protection will be
accomplished.
The implementation strategy for the agricultural input - farm tools and
seed distribution for beneficiaries will be based on input for work
(experience from EECMY/LWF areas of operation). The beneficiaries for seed
and farm tools will be identified based on the set criteria from each
woredas. Then the input provided (like seeds and tools) will be given a
value, based on the local market price. Instead of providing the input
free, the beneficiaries will work according to the value of the input they
received. The communities will also decide which type of work should be
carried out.
This implementation strategy requires storage of food and non-food items
in the working areas. The JRP/ACT forum members in the past obtained
storage facilities from local government where it is available - this will
be continued. However, given the remoteness of the woredas that will be
covered in this appeal such storage facilities may not be available.
Therefore partners will arrange storage facilities such as rub halls for
each woreda or use existing storage facilities of the ongoing programmes.
The implementation of this programme will depend on the level of funding.
It also requires a careful planning and co-ordination with different
stakeholders at local level. The implementation strategy will be followed
from identifying the type of inputs required, such as seeds, EGS
activities distribution plan etc. This will be done in close co-operation
and consultation with community leaders and different government line
ministries.
For each relief/EGS centre a team will be employed who will undertake the
distribution of food and selected agricultural inputs. Each distribution
team (for 15,000 - 20,000 beneficiaries) will be assigned. One
distribution team consists of one team leader, two distributors, one
registrar, two guards, and one storekeeper. However the number of staff at
distribution centres may differ between areas, based on the local capacity
to use already employed staff for other on going programmes. Depending on
the level of support with food aid the distribution teams will be assigned
for 4 months. EGS supervisors will be employed or members of the ongoing
rehabilitation/ development programme will co-ordinate the implementation
of the EGS and input for work activities. Because of the participatory
approach the detailed plan of each activity13 The detail EGS activities
indicated on this proposal is based on partners' plan in consultation with
the woreda DPPC. 13 and accomplishment cannot be known until the level of
funding is identified.
It is hoped that the USAID will allocate about 100,000 Mt of assorted food
to JRP/ACT through CRS. However these is not a confirmed pledge. USAID
does not provide funds to cover the cost of the relief distribution
operations. Therefore the proposed budget included funds to cover expenses
for distribution teams and other transport needs.
Goats will be distributed to households who have lost their livestock in
selected woredas (Fentale, wogera, Dabat, debark, sawena, beltu, Rayitu,
etc). Priority will be given to most vulnerable female headed households
who will also receive training in animal husbandry and marketing skills.
The experience from Rayitu woreda (EECMY/LWF area of operation) indicates
that distribution of goats to women has helped to increase household
income and empowered women. It had also challenged the tradition that
denied women right to livestock ownership. Therefore the main
beneficiaries of goat distribution will be female households.
Other basic necessities, such as shelter, clothing, and sanitation
facilities will be provided to the IDPs in Mena Hangetu woreda. The
presence of IDPs in the woreda will increase the demand for health
services. There is also a fear that epidemic outbreaks, such as diarrhoeal
disease, may occur due to lack of sanitation. Therefore health personnel
will be seconded to the government health institute in the area and
essential drugs will be given to health institute in the woreda to support
the IDPs. The health co-ordinator of the EECMY/SEAW will co-ordinate this
activities in close consultation with the government authorities in the
woreda.
In Fentale woreda (CA/GTF areas of operation) the prolonged drought has
put severe strain on the local environment. As a result people were left
with no option but to search for the little forage that existed by herding
their livestock all over the range lands. The effect of this has been that
the range lands were not allowed to recover sufficiently before livestock
are brought in. Therefore there is a great need for forage supplies to
households who have limited access to pasture land. The rehabilitation
component of the programme in Fentale woreda therefore will include supply
of 279,000 bales of forage.
Transition from Emergency
Following the recommendations from the ACT Evaluation June 2001 (John
Bennet et al, June 2001) and JRP internal evaluation in 2001 (Daniel
Kaftasa 2001), the JRP/ACT forum members have decided to focus their
operations only on a few chronically food insecure woredas. The programmes
will also aim to address the structural and long-term problems of food
insecurity in those areas. However when the intensity of transitory food
insecurity (starvation) in the country require churches involvement they
have agreed to implement emergency programmes in woredas where members
have on going rehabilitation and / or development activities. The main
reason for this is that churches can not sit back and see the suffering of
the people and the people/community may not be able to take part in the
ongoing programmes.
In all areas targeted, in this proposal, members have ongoing
rehabilitation and / or development programme. All activities will be
implemented and co-ordinated with the already existing rehabilitation and
development projects. Therefore it seeks to fulfil the overall goal of
alleviating food insecurity. In all woredas, except for Mena Hangetu where
the beneficiaries are mainly IDPs, the JRP/ACT partners will implement
rehabilitation programmes which are expected to continue after the
emergency assistance.
ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING
Administration
The JRP/ACT forum members will have the responsibility of implementing the
programmes in their respective areas of operation. Implementing partners
have the over all responsibility of implementing the programme at local
level. They will implement the programme and work in close consultation
with the local community and the sponsoring / leading partner
organisation. They are also responsible for recruiting and employment of
local staff and making the necessary arrangement to ensure storage
availability. The sponsoring / leading JRP/ACT forum members also have the
overall responsibility of co-ordinating the programme implementation with
local community, line department, local administration and other NGOs who
are working in their respective areas.
Sponsoring / leading partners also have the responsibility of regularly
monitoring the implementation of the programme, making the necessary
adjustments in the planned activities in case funding level is lower than
expected or if other problems occur. Sponsoring / leading partners also
have the responsibility to provide technical support to the implementing
partners such as logistics, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
The sponsoring /leading partner of the JRP/ACT forum in their respective
areas of operation have the responsibility of preparing interim reports,
narratives and financial and final report at the end of the programme. All
copies of the narrative reports will be sent to JRP co-ordination office.
The JRP co-ordination office will compile the narrative reports and
forward it to ACT Geneva. Financial reports will be prepared by the
sponsoring / leading partner organisation and will be forwarded to ACT
Geneva with covering letter from JRP co-ordination office.
The operation in this proposal is for a total of 9 months, from November
2002 up to end of July 2003. The actual distribution of relief food and
rehabilitation inputs, in general the duration of the programme varies
between woredas. This is reflected in the proposed budget by each
organisation.
The over all programme co-ordination with regard to information sharing
and reporting will be the responsibility of the JRP co-ordination office.
JRP co-ordination office will play an intermediary role between JRP/ACT
forum members in Ethiopia and ACT Geneva office, while JRP/ACT members and
partners have the full responsibility of implementing and co-ordinating
programme implementation in their respective areas of operation.
At the local level, the implementing partners of JRP/ACT forum members
are, EOC diocesans in north Gondar, South Wello and Tigray, ECC-MCS and
ECC/SHCS in Arsi and SNNPR, EECMY/NCES and EECMY/SEAW, EECMY/SES,
EECMY/SCES, EECMY/SWS, EECMY/NECS, SOS-sahel, AFD and GTF. They will be
responsible for the day-to-day implementation, monitoring and
participation in the targeting of beneficiaries for the programmes.
Finance
Regarding the proposed project financial management and control, the
JRP/ACT forum members will use two options depending on whether the
donation is earmarked or not.
Option 1: earmarked donations
If donations from ACT network are earmarked to specific member
organisation or area, the JRP/ACT member responsible in that area will
take the full responsibility for any donation. As indicated in this
document section 2.2, JRP/ACT member organisation in their respective
areas will take full responsibility of project management, which will
include receiving donations and disbursing donations to the implementing
partner organisations. They are also responsible for co-ordinating
programme implementation with local partners and government offices at
federal and regional level; monitoring, evaluation, reporting both
financial and narratives. The narrative report will be submitted to JRP
co-ordination office for compilation and then submission to ACT. The
financial report will be sent by sponsoring / leading partner directly to
ACT with copy to JRP co-ordination office.
Option 2: Un-earmarked donations
In the case of un- earmarked donations or donation sthat are made to
JRP/ACT forum in general, JRP/ACT form members jointly will decide on the
allocation. As soon as donations are obtained the JRP/ACT forum member
relief and rehabilitation programme co-ordinators will suggest allocation
based on needs and priorities. After approval JRP/ACT executives' approval
the information on the approved allocation will be sent to ACT Geneva so
that funds can be transferred directly to the member organisation that
will receive the donation.
The receiving JRP/ACT member organisation will then take full
responsibility of administering the programme. Specifically they will be
responsible for receiving donations, disbursing donations to the
implementing partner organisations, co-ordinating programme implementation
with local partners and government offices at federal and regional level,
monitoring, evaluation, reporting both financial and narratives. The
narrative report will be submitted to JRP co-ordination office for
compilation and then submission to ACT. The financial report will be sent
by sponsoring / leading partner directly to ACT with copy to JRP
co-ordination office.
Based on the planned activities in each areas of intervention the
necessary recourses financial and food or kind donations will be
transferred to implementing agencies through the sponsoring / leading
partner organisation.
The implementing partners will have the responsible to present financial
statement to the leading partner every month with a clear description on
how the funds were utilised supported by original documents. These reports
will be assessed and checked against the proposed budget and achieved
activities and finally approved before further payments are made.
When the project is finalised each sponsoring / leading JRP/ACT forum
members will prepare both narrative and final financial reports for
submission to ACT Geneva through JRP co-ordination office. All accounts
related to this JRP/ACT appeal will be done by external Auditing firm at
the end of the operation.
Audit Firms of the Implementing Partners:
For LWF/WS - A A Bromhead & Co, Chartered Accountants, Addis Ababa
For ECC - Getachew Kassaye & Co, POB 1432, Addis Ababa
For EOC/DICAC - Abraham Berhanu & Co, POB 1608, Addis Ababa
For CA - Solomon Gizaw & Co, POB 25701, Addis Ababa
For NCA - A A Bromhead & Co, Addis Ababa
Monitoring
Monitoring of the programme will be done at three levels. The JRP/ACT
forum members will conduct a regular monitoring of the programme
implementation. The Relief and Rehabilitation Programme Co-ordinators of
each member will be responsible. The implementing partners' programme
co-ordinators (development and/ or rehabilitation) that are responsible
for overall implementation of the programme at regional and zonal level
will do the second level monitoring.
The third level of monitoring will be done by the relief distribution team
leaders and EGS supervisors who will work at woreda and peasant
association level. They are also responsible for the day to day
implementation of the programme in closer consultation and co-operation
with the community.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
The project implementation on the ground is estimated to take 9 months,
and is supposed to start on November 2002. The level of beneficiaries
expected to benefit from this project will increase from the period
starting January 2003. The detail implementation table will be reviewed
when funding is made available and if situation changes, improves or
deteriorate.
Month
Description of activities
Resources needed
Financing
1
Transportation of relief food; preparation of distribution plans;
preparation of EGS plans, including identifying source of rehabilitation
inputs, procurement and transportation of technical input (tools, seeds,
sweet potato cuttings, chemicals, goats etc)
Food Grain. from USAID, ACT.
Distribution teams in place. Technical experts for EGS planning.
USAID, ACT donation of food aid including supplementary food. ACT network
financial support for running of operation including funds for additional
EGS Inputs (tools etc.) and workshops.
2
Distribution of Grain, and suppl. food and Oil; preparation of EGS plans,
including conducting Training programmes, Transportation of rehabilitation
input (tools, seeds, sweet potato cuttings chemicals, goats etc); EGS
activities to start; Implementation of input-for-work approach; Technical
assistance for EGS activities; Monitoring of activities.
Grain, suppl. food and oil.
Distribution teams in place. Technical experts for EGS implementation.
Rehabilitation inputs, and technical experts.
USAID, ACT donation of food aid including supplementary food. ACT network
financial support to cover the running of the operation. In addition ACT
to cover the cost of rehabilitation inputs, EGS, inputs and for workshops
and, training.
3
Distribution of Grain, suppl. food and oil; EGS activities; Implementation
of input-for-work approach; (sweet potato cuttings, seeds, tools
etc.).Technical assistance for EGS activities; monitoring of activities.
Grain and suppl. food.
Distribution teams in place. Technical experts for EGS implementation.
USAID, ACT donation of food aid including supplementary food. ACT network
financial support for running of operation including funds for additional
EGS Inputs (tools etc.). ACT network financial support for Rehabilitation
inputs and workshops/ training.
4
Distribution of Grain, suppl. food and oil; EGS activities; Implementation
of input-for-work approach; (sweet potato cuttings, seeds, tools
etc.).Technical assistance for EGS activities; Monitoring of activities.
Grain, suppl. food and oil. Distribution teams in place. Technical experts
for EGS implementation.
USAID, ACT donation of food aid including supplementary food. ACT network
financial support for running of operation including funds for additional
EGS Inputs (tools etc.). ACT network financial support for Rehabilitation
inputs and workshops/ training.
5
Distribution of Grain, suppl. food and oil; EGS activit