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Annual Narrative Report

May 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

December 2012, Adigrat

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Project Profile Project Title: Improving the livelihoods of vulnerable groups and communities

in Eastern Tigray

Implementing Agency: Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development

Total Project Duration: Three years (January, 2012 to December, 2014)

Total Project Budget: 5,157,591.00 ETB

Total Project Beneficiaries: 6,530 Poor Households, Women Heads of Households, Landless

Youth and Orphan and Vulnerable Children Students

Project area Location:

Region: Tigray

Zone: East

Woreda Sites: Selected Tabias of Irob, Ganta-Afeshum, and Sa-esi

Tsa-eda Emba

Project Office Address:

Region: Tigray

Zone: East

City: Adigrat

Reporting period: May 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012

Planned Reporting Period Budget: 988,694.00 ETB

Planned Reporting Period Benefic. 1100 Poor Households, Women Heads of Households,

Landless Youth and Orphan and Vulnerable Children

students

Contact person and Address

Amene Haileselassie, General Manager

Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development

P.O.Box: 140, Adigrat, Tigray, Ethiopia

Telephone: +251-344 451 901; Fax: + +251-344 451 904; E-mail: chainoflove4hed@gmail.com

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1. Executive Summary

Founded by a group of dedicated professionals in November, 2011, Chain of Love for Human

and Environmental Development commenced its Social and Development interventions, in

Eastern Zone of Tigray, in March 2012, aimed at contributing to the improvement of the lives

and livelihoods of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups mainly children, women and

youth. This commitment, first, addressing the pressing needs, aims to continue for decades,

widening the scope of implementation and areas, and building on the extensive experience to

be gained over a number of years, in support of those in need.

The three year (2012-2014) project proposal and plan describes the commitment of the

organization to work and support with the poorest and most marginalized people. In this

reporting period, various social and development activities have implemented with the aim of

serving the holistic needs of the poor.

This year’s implementation of activities focused towards the attainment of livelihoods

including, improving access to potable water and education status of orphans and vulnerable

children as well as promoting the empowerment of women, land less youth and poor families

to improve their living condition and ensure their participation in economic welfare.

The total project budget expenditure for the reporting period was 612,901.11 ETB. And, a total

of 762 poor households, women household heads, vulnerable children and landless youth were

able to benefit from the support.

This report outlines the major accomplishments and the ongoing progress made towards the

attainment of project in 2012. There is an overview of activities completed per each of the

described Outputs. Areas of key concern and future development are also highlighted under

each of the Outputs. Finally, financial statements for all activities are presented at the end of

the report pages.

2. Back Ground Information

2.1 Organizational Background

‘Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development’ is a Charity Association established

in November 2011. It is an indigenous, non-governmental, and non-religious developmental

organization founded by group of dedicated social development practicionaries and

volunteers with the aim of contributing to the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of

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most disadvantaged groups of the population mainly children, women, youth and other

vulnerable communities in Tigray Region. The head office of the association is located in

Adigrat.

Organizational Vision, Mission, Goal and Strategic Objectives

Vision

Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development envisions where poverty has been

eradicated and all people in Tigray Region enjoy livelihoods that respond to their current and

future needs.

Mission Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development works professionally, effectively and

transparently with the most vulnerable groups of the society, development partners and other

primary stakeholders to create increased access to economic and social services, empower and

build capacities of communities, and reduce vulnerability, so as to enhance food security and

eradicate poverty in Tigray Region.

General Objective

The general objective of the Association is improving the quality of peoples' lives and

livelihoods sustainably by promoting their active participation for self-reliance and poverty

alleviation.

Strategic objectives

To improve the health and educational status of people in Tigray Region

To promote socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable groups of the society-mainly

women, youth, children, people with disability, and elderly

To promote multiple use of water resources to enhance sustainable livelihoods of

households

To promote sustainable natural resource management and conservation of bio-diversity

in Tigray Region.

Major Programme Areas ‘Chain of Love…’ are summarized below:

Create improved access to education services by sponsorship of needy students,

supporting school materials and facilities, providing training and awareness raising

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Creating access to health care services by providing training to primary health workers,

supporting health facilities and services, supporting specialized eye treatment and

reduce problems of blindness, prevention and awareness raising activities

Socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable groups through income generation

activities and employment opportunities for unemployed young men and women in

urban and rural areas, supporting female headed households and child headed families

by providing skill development and business management training, providing micro-

credit, awareness raising , supporting special needs of people with disability

Development of water resources for multiple uses (drinking water supply for people and

livestock in remote and marginalized areas, irrigation development, sanitation purposes,

etc).

Environmental rehabilitation and management (planting trees, awareness raising,

providing training, recycling, preventing erosion, labeling, cleaning, composting,

introduction and promotion of alternative energy sources )

Providing emergency relief and rehabilitation during natural disasters

Conduct research for development(baseline survey, need assessment, social research,

and impact assessments)

Capacity building of stakeholders in respective programme areas

2.2 Background to the project area

With the vision, mission and objectives and programme focus areas stated above, ‘Chain of

Love’ implemented this year’s planned activities, with in its project area, in selected Tabias of

Ganta-Afeshum and Irob Woredas.

Irob Woreda

Irob woreda is located northeast of Tigray, covering total of 93,345 hectares, and is one of the

highly environmentally degraded parts of the region. It is bordered by the state of Eritrea in the

north and northeast, the Afar region of Ethiopia in the east, Sasi-tsa-ada-emba in the south,

Gulomekeda woreda of Tigray in the southwest, and the state of Eritrea and Gulomekeda in the

west. Irob woreda is divided into 7 lower level local administration units called Tabyas or

peasant associations. The estimated population of Irob woreda is 31,000.

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With the exception of very small portion of the population who are engaged in petty trading

and small cooperative businesses, the livelihood of the inhabitants of the Woreda depends

upon mixed farming system (livestock rearing and crop cultivation). The mode of agricultural

practice is archaic, highly dependent on natural factors, especially rainfall and productive

potential of farmlands, grazing land and pasture areas. In the olden days when population

density was low; natural resource base was intact; and rainfall was conducive, farmers were

obtaining higher return from livestock and crop sectors. In contrast, unlike the past all natural

factors required to cultivate crops and raise livestock have markedly been changed at the

present in the Woreda. Population density increased and it reduced landholding per household

to less than 0.25ha; vegetation cover has been reduced to scant shrubs; massive land

degradation has impoverished fodder and crop productivity of the soils; and moisture stress

due to erratic pattern of rainfall has been intensified creating crop failure and scarcity of animal

feed. The compound results of these situations has succumbed the farmers deep into poverty

and chronic food insecurity.

Other alternative means of survival is also very limited. Remoteness of the Woreda denies

casual off farm business and employment opportunities.

Ganta Afeshum Ganta Afeshum woreda is one of the eastern zones of Tigray located 1800 – 3000m above sea

level, covering total of 53,035 hectares. It is one of the seven rural weredas in the zone. Large

area of the Wereda is covered with mountains, rocky surfaces and woody hillsides. Farmland

(cropland) represents only 124.4 km2 of the total land (24 % of the total surface area). It is

bordered by Gulomekeda Woreda in the north, Sa-esi tse-ada emba woreda in the east,

Hawzen wored in the south, and Wer-e leke and Ahferom woredas west. Ganta Afeshum

woreda is divided into 20 lower level local administration units called Tabyas or peasant

associations. The estimated total population is above 100,000 (22,786 Households), out of

which 52%nare female, according to the 2012 data of the office of plan and finance of the

woreda.

With an average rainfall 450-650 millimeters and an average temperature of 12 degree Celsius,

the local economy in the Woreda is fully agriculture-based. The agricultural sector is based on

mixed farming systems, combining different crop production systems with small-scale livestock

breeding. All agricultural activities are done on small-scale family farms. Natural resources

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degradation is rampant in the wereda regardless of the concerted efforts of soil and water

conservation activities by the government, community and other development actors operating

the area. Widespread soil and water conservation activities such as hillside terracing and stone

and soil bunds, gully treatment using check-dams, hillside closures have contributed to some

extent to erosion, gully stabilization as well as regeneration of natural vegetation cover. At

present there is 12,000 hectare of rehabilitated hillside which can be allocated to landless

youth. In 2012 the total Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) beneficiaries became 64, 818

(57,662 people get their food or cash by participating in public works and 7, 156 receive for

free-direct beneficiaries).

Ganta-Afeshum, like any other weredas in Tigray Region, is drought prone characterized by

fragmented landholding and high population density with an average landholding size of 0.5

hectare/household. From the assessment made, small landholding and landlessness, one

season and erratic rainfall, severe degradation of natural resources, low level of irrigation

schemes and services, undeveloped market linkage for agricultural products, can be mentioned

among the common problems in the woreda. There are about 25, 000 landlessness youth in the

wereda and this trend will increase as the fertility rate remains high at 4.52 (Census, 2007). As

the result, the migration rate in this area is also high about reaches about 19% (Census, 2007).

3. Implementation of Project Activities

3.1 Educational support for OVC

Key Output

20 needy students got support to continue their education at high school level

Main activities implemented

Identify major gaps hindering the teaching learning process in one high school

With the objective of making the service accessible to the poor and to the very remote areas,

Irob woreda was selected for the implementation of the education component in collaboration

with the wored administration and Irob development Association.

In assessing the gap, limited access to education providing facilities in the woreda, which has in

turn led to the displacement students to get education, was identified as OVCs major challenge

to continue their education. Added to the existing chronic poverty, many OVC students are also

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in serious problem to peruse their high school education as they are helpless who can’t afford

the costs of education (tuitions fee, school materials exercise book, uniform, books etc),

housing, transportation cost and so on. Such students come from very remote areas and

poorest families, and most of them are also orphans. Thus, supporting these students will

contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods and their families in the future.

Beneficiary Selection (selection of OVC Students based on set of agreed criteria)

Target beneficiaries of this component are vulnerable children in the age range of 15-22 years

who are attending education in Dawhan High School. They are Vulnerable, Orphans and

students from the poorest of the poor families, Women headed families and child headed

families. Screening of beneficiaries by a committee consisting local and woreda level

administration bureaus and community structures (women affairs bureau, labor and social

affairs bureau, the school, students parliament and community care coalition) and our staff was

completed early after the commencement of this years’ plan. To these end 30 OVC student

beneficiaries (out of which 22 are female) were selected in accordance to the following

criteria:-

Students who are economically poor (with financial constraints) to continue their education

Students who are either double or single orphaned

Displaced OVC continuing their education dependent on their relatives or helpless families.

OVC students attending education under WHH or child headed families

Provision of House Rent Fees to needy students

Due to separation and death of parents and lack of accessible education facilities in nearby

districts, Many OVC students in Irob Woreda are forced to flee and, live and learn in very

dreadful conditions. As a result of sever living conditions, most students quit or dropout.

Considering this reality, the project is working towards minimizing the sufferings of such

students, enabling them to continue their education, by supporting them financially to cover

the cost of a rented house until the end of the academic year. Thus, the project, in

collaboration with Dawhan secondary school, provided 840.00 ETB to each of the 30 OVC

students (120.00 ETB per month) in the reporting period. The money was deposited to a Bank

in the name of each OVC student. While 5 of the OVC students are grade 10, the remaining are

grade 9.

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The provision of rent fees enabled these OVC students….

Safer space, specially for young girls

Better environment and enough time to study

And, greater freedom from intensive domestic work load and exploitation of labor.

Provision of Counseling service and Tutorial classes

Counseling Service

With the intention of creating supportive environment at school, the project, in collaboration

with the school, arranged school based psycho-social support and counseling services. Hence,

enabling OVC students to become psychologically and emotionally strong, self-confident, and

well-behaved; 30 of the OVC students together with other needy students were counseled both

individually and in groups. Consequently, these students have begun to participate in different

clubs, expressing their feelings, and they show increasing respect for others.

Tutorial Classes

One of the challenges assessed show low educational performance and English language

abilities of a considerable number of students. These problems hinder their levels of

achievement and lead to failures and dropouts. Aimed at minimizing dropouts and improving

educational performance of OVC students, the project was able to strengthen the school’s

effort to provide yearlong supplementary tutorial programs of selected subjects (English,

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Civic and Ethical education) at a cost of 4,800.00 ETB. In

the agreement made with the school, supportive books and materials will be purchased and

provided to committed tutors and high scoring OVC students who enhanced their performance

due to the tutorials.

Accordingly, as many as 200 (including the selected 30 OVC students) students have been able

to benefit from the service provided.

Notable Achievements

While the project is playing its primary role as leading implementer of the activity, efforts

have been exerted to strengthen relationships with the school, local administration and

other stakeholders in taking major responsibility to implement and follow up the activities.

In line with establishing reliable networking and maintaining close relationships with

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stakeholders, encouraging progress has been made which has resulted in obtaining

mutually shared benefits and understanding among the partners involved.

Hence, contribution of the school in labor and time as a leading implementer of the

activities has been exorbitantly great.

Challenge

One of the major challenges encountered is the ever increasing number of poor and OVC

students applying for the services.

3.2 Water Resources Development

Key Output – 1

2 roof rain water harvesting schemes constructed in primary schools in remote areas

Main activities Implemented

Selection of sites

Under the water resources development for consumption and small scale irrigation purposes, site

selection and beneficiary targeting was done, in collaboration with major stakeholders, using the

following agreed criteria:

The most pressing needs of the people, remoteness and marginalization of the area, the severity

of the problem and vulnerability of communities and students

The interest of the school and respective district leaders and their formal request for the

interventions

Available potential (Ground water) in the area to bring impacts on targeted beneficiaries

Due to the required extensive capacity and financial inputs, and inability of the infant organization,

Woreda Ganta-Afeshum was selected for the implementation of this component by the project.

To this end, two primary schools; Genahti and Tse-ada-tehamlo primary schools (consisting 624 and 342

beneficiaries, respectively) were selected for the implementation of potable water resource

development in cooperation with the woreda water, energy and mines office.

Preparation of appropriate technical design and bill of quantity for water harvesting

structures (construction of gutter, reservoir, distribution)

Preparation appropriate technical design and bill of quantity for water harvesting structures

(construction of gutter, reservoir, distribution and drilling) was made with the support of

Woreda Ganta-Afeshum Water, Energy and Mines Office. Two experts; a hydrologist and

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engineer from the respective office prepared the designs and bill of quantity for drilling

scheme.

Develop potable drilled hand pump water supply in selected 2 primary schools

Preparation of Bid

The bid was prepared in collaboration with engineers from Woreda Water Office, and was won

by Estiphanos machinery PLC.

For reasons beyond the contractual agreement, the development of drilled hand pump water

supply for Tse-adat Tehamlo primary school was postponed to January, 2013.

Additional water use and waste management design and installation

To avoid wastage of water and dis-functioning of the installed hand pump, a 1000 liter plastic

container (roto) reservoir was purchased and installed with simple modification. This

installation reduced the wastage of water by 95%. To this end, the modified design improved

access of potable water to kids lacking physical strength to pump and drink water. It also

reduced the labor exerted to pump water per person.

Drilling and installation Costs

Drilling and installation of the modified water use and consumption system were completed at

a total cost of 136,252.22 ETB.

Key Output – 2

2 water and sanitation committees established and functioning

Main activities Implemented

Establish Water and Sanitation committees for the developed water supply schemes

at schools

Two day training was prepared by the project, in collaboration with water technicians from the

Woreda Water Office, for 8 members of the school water use and sanitation committee

(composed of 2 students, the headmaster, a teacher, and 4 from parents and teachers

association of Genahti Primary school. To this end, the trainees conducted weekly water use

and hygiene sessions for all students for improved personal hygiene. The project is making all

possible efforts to serve all direct beneficiaries in sanitary and hygiene services. During the

reporting period, most students have been washing their faces on average two times a day and

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clean the school latrine twice a week. In extending multiple use of water, around 200 new tree

seedlings have planted by the environmental protection student’s club.

Thus, With regard to personal hygiene and environmental sanitation and protection practices,

improved habits and behaviors have been observed.

3.3 Income Generating Scheme (Off-Farm Activities)

Key Output

20 landless youth organized in 2 cooperatives in improved apiculture technology

(modern beekeeping)

Main activities Implemented

Establishment of Beekeeping Cooperatives

Selection of Target Beneficiaries

Target beneficiaries of this component are Women heads of households, Landless youth and

Poor Households. They are heads or members of vulnerable and food insecure families of the

targeted and selected Tabias of Ganta-Afeshum Woreda for implementation.

In the implementation of Modern Bee farming, two Tabias of the woreda (Hagereselam and

Simret) were selected based on merit. Both Tabias have had around 30 hectares rehabilitated

hills and gullies to be provided for WHHs and LLY prior to the project’s intervention.

Screening and selection of beneficiaries was made by the respective Tabia (Local district

administrative unit) development committee consisting of representatives from members of

community structures (women and youth affairs and association division, Administrator, Land

ownership desk and elders). Verification of the beneficiaries was completed by the staff of the

project in collaboration with Woreda sector offices.

To these end 52 WHH and LLY beneficiaries (out of which 23 are female) were selected from

both Tabias in accordance to the following criteria:-

Poorest of the poor but interested in beekeeping income generating scheme and be able to

do business

Landless youth and interested to work in groups

Poor female headed households get the priority

Interested to pay loans for the inputs provided

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Poor and Women headed households with no livelihood opportunities to paid jobs, and live

economically marginalized, dependent on aid or on their poor families or relatives.

Disadvantaged, unemployed and vulnerable women heads of households who no longer

can afford (financially) to a self supporting income generating activities on their own.

Disadvantaged, unemployed and vulnerable young girls and house hold heads who can’t

afford to pay for further education or to a self supporting means of livelihood.

Women, young girls and households that lack any source of income.

Organize Women household heads and landless youth in cooperatives based on their interest

The selected beneficiaries, in each Tabias, were organized in to two cooperatives, supported by

commonly legislated by-laws- to ensure sustainability in the later phase of the project- in

collaboration with cooperatives office of Ganta-Afeshum Woreda. Both cooperatives were

provided with 25ha and 10ha of rehabilitated galley. And, thus, hold legal certificates from the

woreda cooperatives office.

Table (3.3) 1: Established Cooperatives

No. Name of Cooperative Total members Male/ female Remark

1 Sinit beekeeping cooperative 40 22/18 Tabia Hagereselam

2 Hadnet beekeeping cooperative 12 7/5 Tabia Simret

Total 52 29/23

Provision of Beekeeping Technologies (bee colonies, modern hives, honey extractors)

for landless youth beneficiaries organized in cooperatives

The project has given great emphasis to women-headed households and landless young

couples and youth. Provisions of inputs (live assets and associated basic equipments) by the

project are intended mainly to address this group of households. To further enhance the ‘sense

of ownership’, all household-level assets (colonies and accessories) were provided on a credit

basis. Hence, the credit, as a revolving fund, will have to be returned to the Tabia as a revolving

fund with 9% interest. In the processes of allocating the credit, agreements were signed among

and between……..

A. The Project and Tabia Administartion

B. The Project, Tabia administration and Saving and Credit Institution with in the Tabia.

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C. And, saving and Credit institution with in the Tabia and the Beneficiaries.

The local saving and credit institution receives 9% interest in return for administering, provision

and return of, the revolving fund in timely and appropriate manner.

Hence and in accordance to the principles and procedures of revolving fund credit provision,

while the first year of the project period is considered as a rest; the total credit will be returned

in the second and third years of the project phase 50% and 50% respectively.

Table (3.3) 2: Accessories and Colonies provided

Names of

Cooperatives

Accessories and colonies provided

Bee

Colonies

Modern

Hives

Queen

excluder

Glove Smoker Wax Vail Total cost

Hadnet Beekeeping cooperative 20 20 20 2 2 40 k.g 2 41,286.40 ETB

Sinit Beekeeping cooperative 40 40 40 4 4 80 k.g 4 82,576.80 ETB

Though it was so hard to find such number of bee colonies with in short period of time, some

strong and adaptive colonies were purchased from local communities with the support of

experts from the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development and the commitment of the

beneficiaries, at a cost of 1,000.00 Ethiopian Birr each.

Those colonies were purchased as in traditional beehives. At this time, all colonies are

transferred to modern beehives. Thus, the rearing of bee colonies and honey production is

underway and progress is being made. Management activities such as ensuring the presence of

queen in the hives, checking on pests and insects in and around the hives, identifying weak an

strong colonies, and keeping the area clean and keeping records are being made. Technical

follow ups and support are also being made by experts from the office of Agriculture and rural

development.

Additional Achievement

In diversifying the source of income of the members of sinit cooperative, additional

50,000.00ETB loan, in the form of revolving fund, was provided to start oxen and shoats

fattening. Thus, the fattening of 6 oxen and 8 shoats is being carried out and in progress.

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Key Output

60 poor female headed households will have increased cash income by participating

in poultry

Main activities Implemented

Poultry Rearing

Beneficiary Selection

Aimed at empowering women, the project worked and exerted its utmost effort to minimizing

the consequences of inequitable gender relations and abject poverty that they are facing. To

this end, marginalized women (particularly, women household heads) are supported through

IGA to achieve economic well being. As part of this commitment, 20 WHH were selected by

Tabia (Local district administrative unit) development committee consisting of representatives

from members of community structures and particularly Women Affairs and Association

Division for poultry income generating scheme in Tabia Dibla Si-ate.

Provision of Chicken to Beneficiaries (20 chickens/Female Head of Household)

400, 45 days aged, chicken were purchased in collaboration with the Woreda Agriculture and

Rural Development Office and distributed to the beneficiaries at a total cost of 20,000.00 ETB.

In addition, maize as a chicken feed (crushed to the standard) was also been purchased at a

cost of 14,000.00 ETB and distributed to the beneficiaries early after training. Thus, each

beneficiary has been provided with a quintal of crushed chicken feed maize.

As in all IGA implementation procedures, these multipurpose chickens, as a household-level

assets and the crushed chicken feed maize were provided on a credit basis. Each woman is

provided with 1,700.00 ETB (1,000.00 ETB for chicken and 700.00 ETB for chicken feed) credit.

Hence, the beneficiaries will pay back the credit to the Tabia as a revolving fund. In the

processes of allocating the credit, the same procedures were followed to that of the

implementation the modern beekeeping scheme. Hence and in accordance to the principles

and procedures of credit provision, the total credit will be returned within one year.

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Key Output

Beekeeping Cooperatives’ members received training on modern beekeeping

Main activities Implemented

Provision of training on Beekeeping

After the selection of beneficiaries, theoretical and practical training on beekeeping was

provided to 52 of the beneficiaries for 3 to 4 days. This training helped the beneficiaries acquire

better knowledge and skill for improved use of technologies and production.

The training focused on managing modern bee hives, transferring bee colonies from traditional

hives to modern hives, the use of different equipments and accessories such as smokers, honey

extractor, wax making or casting mould wax for bee colonies, modern and traditional

techniques on Pest and insect control, techniques of selecting and identifying strong colonies

for rearing bees to ensure increased results and adding super hives, supplying feeds and water,

and continuous daily follow ups.

Key Output

female headed households trained on poultry, beneficiaries on animal fattening

trained on feeding and management of goat and sheep

Main activities Implemented

Provision of training

Aimed at ensuring increased results from the IGA, twenty (20) of the beneficiaries selected were

equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill through a 5 days poultry rearing and

management training prior to the provision of live assets. This training was provided by animal

experts from the Woreda Office of Agriculture and Rural Development. The training focused on

feeding systems, modern techniques of disease and pest control and indoor chicken management.

Other Supportive Activities Implemented

Exchange visit (farmer to farmer)

As a means of building the capacity of beneficiaries and the community, a four days exposure

visit to Hawzen and Wukro kilte Awla-elo Woredas has been organized. Four (4) beekeeping

sites involving three cooperatives and one research center were visited for experience sharing. 20

members of Sinit Beekeeping Cooperative, Tabia Hagereselam DA, representative experts from

Woreda Cooperatives and Youth affairs offices and the project staff participated in the exposure

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visit. Hence, the participants were able to benefit from the sharing and exchanges of ideas and

experiences from their colleagues.

Follow up and Technical support

During and after implementation of activities, regular supportive supervisory follow ups and

visits were undertaken by the project staff and relevant Woreda Sector Office experts to ensure

improved quality of the project outputs and there by identify any problems that need to be dealt

with at an early stage.

3.4 Capacity building

Key Output

5 staff members trained on PCM, M & E, business skills and management

Key Output

Working manuals and formats developed

Main activities of capacity building

Conduct staff training need assessment and select training institutions

Due to the shortage of time and lack of accessible training providing institutions, lack of reliable

Peachtree accounting system was identified as a major challenge, and, was prioritized for a

timely solution. Thus, a qualified and experienced professional was selected to provide on job

training to the accountant.

Based on the need assessment, on job training on Peachtree accounting was organized and

provided to the accountant for 60 hours (three weeks, 4 hours a day).

As a result, the project was able to manage its financial activities using the installed Peachtree

accounting system.

3.5 Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Audits

Main activities carried out:

Prepare quarterly action plans, activity progress reports and financial expenditures

and submit to primary stakeholders

At office level all monthly, quarterly, annual action plans were prepared earlier before the

commencement of project implementation. Thus, all activities were implemented in

accordance to the outlined actions plans.

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During project implementation, the staff was able to coordinate the day-to-day project

activities, monitor project implementation, and prepare quarterly and annual reports outlining

progress made on implementation and financial expenditures. Hence, quarterly and annual

narrative and financial reports were reviewed and submitted to Funding partners and all

relevant government offices.

Annual Audit of the project finance was carried out by an independent Certified Audit firm.

4. Major challenges/problems encountered

The dependency syndrome observed in the beneficiaries. This is reflected in their

reduced levels of interest in being engaged in credit based self help economic activities

and demand for paid skill development trainings. In addition, budget allocation

limitation to provide adequate capacity and skill building trainings prior to the

implementation of all IGAs has been one of the challenges worth of mentioning.

Problem of deeper assessment in selecting beneficiaries on the ground of interests of

the beneficiaries to be organized in groups from the side of some local authorities.

Institutional level challenges include Budget grant sources unreliability, lack of

transportation facility and late establishment of the institution and commencement of

the yearly plan and lack of experienced, trained, and adequate number of staff.

Measures taken to resolve the problems

Most administration costs had been limited and used to strengthen training for the

beneficiaries of the IGA scheme. Public transportation and government office vehicles have also

been used to minimize the problem of transportation facility.

Problem for which solution is not found & still require attention

Annual project budget release uncertainty and transportation facility are of the most pressing

needs that require considerable attention.

5. Lessons learnt (if any)

Type of activity on which lesson is gained,

The major roles played and contributions exerted by beneficiaries and government offices in

implementation of all components are admirable. Thus, infant institutions such as Chain of

Love….can gain priceless support if mutual understanding is secured in a manner transparent.

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Result achieved

The institution was able to gain technical expertise support from the major government

stakeholders such as Agriculture and Rural Development Office and Water Resource, Energy

and Mines Office.

Strategy employed/used

Open and transparent discussions of the capacity, plan, strategy and mission of the infant Chain

of Love….with concerned stakeholders.

6. List of planned vs. achieved activities and actually addresses Beneficiaries

Table (6) 1: Project Planned Activities vs. Achieved

Description of Activity Year I Total Planned

Year I Achievement

Percentage %

Remark

Educational support for OVC students 1 1 100%

Potable Water supply for selected schools

2

1

50%

Income Generating Scheme 3 3 100%

Beekeeping 2 2 100%

Poultry 1 1 100%

Capacity Building 1 1 100%

Farmers Exchange Visits 1 1 100%

Table (6) 2: Number of beneficiaries targeted and actually addressed disaggregated in gender

Project Component

Year I Total Planned Target Beneficiaries

Year I Total Addressed Beneficiaries

Percentage %

Remark

M F Total

Educational support for OVC students

20

8

22

30

150%

Potable Water supply for selected schools + training for committee

1000

143

489

632

63.2%

Income Generating Scheme 75

29

43

72

96%

1. Beekeeping 0 29 23 52 %

2. Poultry 60 0 20 20 33.33%

3. Oxen fattening 0 22 18 40 %

4. Shoats 15 0 0 0 0%

Capacity Building 5 1 0 1 20%

Farmers Exchange Visits 20 8 28 %

Total 1100 200 562 762 69.27%

Table (6) 3: Summary

Summary of Target Beneficiaries Male Female Total

Annual Target Beneficiaries 1100

Actually Addressed Beneficiaries 200 562 762

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7. Budget allocated and actually utilized

Table (7) 1: Planned Project Budget vs. Utilized

Table (7) 2.1: Summary

Table (7) 2.2: Summary

8. Community, Beneficiary and/or Government Contribution in kind, labor and/or cash

Some of the major contributions secured in kind, cash, and labor include: Construction of

reservoirs, fencing and cleaning of beekeeping sites; Plantation of seedlings and bee forages in

sites; Oxen feed, barn, and different oxen fattening accessories; Water engineers, experts and

technicians from government offices; management and Implementation and/or facilitation of

project activities; Vaccination for Chicken; and Transportation costs (fuel and car) for field visits,

to transport assets, equipments…etc.

Description of Budget Item Year I Total

Planned

Year I

Expenditure

Percentage Remark

%

Education support for OVC

students 30,000.00 30,000.00 100.00%

Potable Water supply for selected

schools 322,000.00 139,214.22 43.23%

Income Generating Scheme 163,750.00 227,010.17 138.63%

Capacity Building 23,000.00 3,000.00 13.04%

Farmers Exchange Visits/event 18,000.00 17,020.00 94.56%

Start up workshop 15,000.00 720.00 4.80%

Annual Audit 20,000.00 0.00%

Salary and Office Running Cost 396,944.00 195,936.72 49.36%

Total 988,694.00 612,901.11 61.99%

Total Project funds Secured 882,117.15 ETB

Total Project Expenditure 612,901.11 ETB

BBF 269,216.04 ETB

Administration Cost

199,656.72 32.58%

Program Cost

413,244.09 67.42%

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Table (8) 1: Community, beneficiary and Government Contributions

Project Activity

Community Beneficiaries Government sector Estimated Contribution in

Cash Type of

Contributions Type of Contribution Type of Contribution

kind labor Cash kind labor cash kind Labor cash

Educational support for OVC students X 10,220.00 ETB

Potable Water supply for schools X X X X 10,150.00 ETB

Income Generating Scheme

Beekeeping X X X X X X 36,340.00 ETB

Poultry X X X X 5,200.00 ETB

Oxen fattening X X X X 11,000.00 ETB

Total 72,910.00 ETB

9. Activities not implemented

Table (9) 1: Project Activities Planned but not Implemented/not completed

S.N Activities and Sub-Activities

Planned 2012 Not performed/incomplete 2012

Qty of

Activity

Beneficiaries unimplemented /

not completed Unaddressed Targets

M F Total No. % M F Total %

1 Shoats Fattening (not implemented)

1.1. P Provision of Shoats 1

15 0 100%

15 100%

1.2 Training on shoats Mgt. 15

15 0 100%

15 100%

2 Poultry (not completed)

2.1 Provision of Chicken 1

60 60 1

40 40 66.66%

2.2 Training on poultry 1

60 60 1

40 40 66.66%

3 Potable water supply (not completed)

3.1 Water supply for school 2

1000 1 50%

376 37.6

3.2 Training for WSC 2

1 50% 4 4 8 50%

4 Staff Training (not completed) 1

5 1 0% 2 1 3 80%

Justification for under achievement

Late commencement of the overall project activities.

Inadequacy and inconsistent annual planned budget release from the side the

potential donors has largely affected the full implementation of poultry Income

Generating scheme.

The development of shallow well for Tse-adat Tehamlo primary school was

postponed to early January, 2013, due to the delayed construction of road access

to the school and accidental crush of the drilling machine on the way to the school.

22

The implementation of shoats rearing income generating scheme was postponed

to the second year project period in agreement with the woreda Agriculture and

Rural Development Office. To this end, apiary income generating scheme was

implemented for reasons of favorable climatic conditions.

10. Short and long term Institutional and program plans

Expand the Donor base

In order to enhance its capacity and ensure sustainability of its projects, COLHED, with the

invaluable support of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, has made relentless efforts to

strengthen its financial capacity both through diversifying its donor base and improving

mechanisms to strengthen internal resource utilization systems. Subsequently, another three

years project has been secured from the “ferester Foundation”.

The institution was able to widen its networks and partnership with government sectors as this

would have a sustaining opportunity in terms of technical and promotional benefits as well. To

this end, an agreement with Ganta-Afeshum WEMO has been reached to inaugurate a bi-lateral

“construction of irrigation water supply”.

The following strategies had been pursued to envisage positive progress;

Strengthening partnership with all possible donors to access donations.

Mobilizing volunteers particularly those from abroad to exploit available resources. As a

result a “website” is being developed for the institution in Italy.

Build the capacity of the Institution

To create a reliable and efficient financial system which is quick and easy, “Peachtree Accounting

system” has been installed. To enhance working practices in the offices and improved the service

delivery capacity of projects, internet, postal, fax and other communications facilities have been

made operational-though not adequate and to the standard

To exploit the benefits of networking, the project is working establish and maintain smooth relations

and ensure effective communication with stakeholders. Accordingly, the project managed to

establish networking with, and gain membership in, “Alliance of Civil Societies in Tigray (ACSOT)”.

Hence, efforts are being made towards ensuring mutual benefits from this networking.

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11. Conclusion

Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development has made tremendous effort to

achieve the yearly plan mainly programme activities. One of the notable achievements to be

stated is the gender composition of the total beneficiaries supported in the reporting period.

Out of the total beneficiaries, 73.75% are female. This has to do with achieving the goal of the

organization to reach the hard-to-reach and most vulnerable groups of the society. Beekeeping

activity which was planned for year 2013 has been implemented in the reporting year. This

adjustment was made in collaboration with the wereda Ganta-afeshum Agriculture and Rural

Development Office for reasons of favorable seasonal condition and the timely planned

provision of gullies to landless youth.

Despite the late establishment of the office and unreliable fund, the commitment of the project

staff to achieve the overall objectives was worth mentioning.