Jamaa Wazima Project; End Term Impact Assessment Report

Background

The project's core focus is poverty reduction, with a view to improving household livelihood security for approximately 54 400 people in 100 villages, drawn from 3 locations in Siaya and 1 in Busia districts. This 5 years project, spanning from 2000 to 2004, intervened in the water and agriculture sectors. The objects were to improve water, sanitation and hygiene education and to enhance the farmers' knowledge and practices on agricultural production and agro-forestry.

Purpose/objective

The final evaluation was carried out to determine the performance of the Jamaa Wazima project on the basis of key measurement areas.

Methodology

Some of the tolls and methods employed included; Focus Groups Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and Field Visits. A substantial number of questionnaires were administered to various respondents in addition to undertaking document analysis and review.

Key findings

By the conclusion of the project, 98% of the constructed water points were functional, though some had problems due to drought. 54% of the target population had adopted forms of water treatment to ensure safe drinking water. The project experienced a drastic reduction in the prevalence of diarrhoea, and the per capita consumption of water reached 19.5 litres of an expected 20. 1 259 latrines were built, giving the population a 72% coverage against the goal of 80%. There has also been some improvements in hygiene habits, though not adequately. This is especially regarding latrine utilisation, hand washing and safe water containment.
The agricultural components were reasonably successful. There is still a long way until families can sustain themselves from their own production, but an encouraging 92% of the target population managed to maintain an average of 2 meals a day throughout the year. Most farmers in the project areas, especially widows, had adopted mixed cropping of main staple foods with drops that can enrich the quality of their diets (fruits and vegetables). This has made a substantial contribution to the nutritional security of the communities.

Recommendations

The target population of 54 000 was very big, and required more time, staff and funds. In future programs one should limit them to a specific group, like widows, and to a smaller area. This makes the work more effective.
Because of socio-cultural beliefs and practices on sanitation hygiene promotion is difficult, and needs stronger focus and planning.
In agriculture one should do more to promote drought resistant crops, like cassava and sweet potatoes. One should also promote commercial crops, now unpopular, in order to increase family income.
More resources should be invested into organising the widows' groups into associations that can actively protect and champion their interests.