Food Crisis Emergency and Recovery Project Joint Evaluation by ACT Members

Background:
NCA & ACT partners implemented the “Food Crisis and Recovery Response” project.  This was in immediate support of the ppopulation at risk of Food insecurity. The project sought to contribute towards improving and enhancing nutrition and skills to households direct beneficiaries based on the 6 people per household)  farming households through offering a variety of livelihood options to those affected by the dry spell and floods to enable them attain self reliance and independence.

This final evaluation report focused on those activities that were implemented between April, 2011 and October, 2011 by the partners: Synod of Livingstonia Development Department (SOLDEV) in Rumphi,  Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS) in Chikwawa and Phalombe, Blantyre Synod Health Development Commission (BSHDC) in Balaka  and the Churches’ Action in Relief and Development (CARD) implemented activities in Nsanje and Thyolo,  whereas CHAM implemented Nutrition and Supplementary feeding activities in its Nutritional Rehabilitation Units in the same districts where other members  implemented their programmes.
 
Purpose/objective:
The purpose of this evaluation was to assess how relevant the project was to the communities and the beneficiaries in general, whether it was effective in addressing the original problems, and how efficient the partners and stakeholders were in the exercise.  It was also to point out demonstrable indicators leading to sustainability and achieving the desired impact, from whose lessons recommendations could be made.

Methodology:
The review was jointly carried out by a team of eight individuals: one representative for each implementing partner, NCA representative, ACT Coordinator, and the Consultant. The review combined a participatory approach combining Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and the most significant Change (MSC).  Interviews were conducted with the background information garnered from, key informants interviews with stakeholders knowledgeable about the project.  As need dictated, the review team would, at some point be split into two to maximize on time efficiency. Each team interviewed a different committee of the beneficiaries. The groups then meet at the end of the day and share their findings, insights and suggested improvements for the next day. 

Key findings:
The project was seen as relevant as it was meant to provide support in building Food Crisis Emergency and Recovery Response interventions to the affected communities during the critical lean period and help to build future resilience. The project has managed to provide targeted food distribution to 2,400 households translating into 14 400 beneficiaries including indirect beneficiaries based on the total household size of 6 members per family. Apart from those benefiting through targeted food aid, 2 400 have also benefited through food for Work programmes.

Recommendations:
• For meaningful implementation and outcomes from the project there is a clear need to extend it so that ideas  and concepts can fully incubate , and technologies like the solar irrigation systems can be internalized and fully operated by communities.

• Communities that have their tank towers cracked prove the  need to draw up a concise MoU that sets forth clear parameters of roles and responsibilities of ACT members and district structures as a means of ensuring political will and commitment on both sides

• Those partners who have not yet had engineers carry out feasibility studies must expedite the process

• There is need to brand NCA & ACT partners interventions by designing signposts similar to those of EU/WFP etc for purposes of visibility.