Catholic Relief Services/Ethiopia Development Food ...

Catholic Relief Services/Ethiopia

Development Food Security Activity-(DFSA)

Annual Results Report-FY20

Reporting Fiscal Year (FY) FY2020

Awardee Name Catholic Relief Services - United States

Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Host Country Ethiopia

Award Number AID-FFP-A-16-00005

Activity Name Development Food Security Activity

Activity Start Date September 30, 2016

Activity End Date September 29, 2021

Submission Date November 2, 2020

Revised Date

Revised Date

December 4, 2020

December 15, 2020

List of ARR documents uploaded in FFP PRT Annex B: Indicator Performance Tracking Table

(IPTT)

Annex C. IPTT Indicator Data Collection Method

Descriptions

Annex D. Baseline/Evaluation, Assessments and

Study Reports

Annex E: Success Stories

Awardee HQ Contact Name, Email,

Phone, Office Address

Courtney Plummer

228 W. Lexington St.

Baltimore, MD 21201

+ 1.410.234.3130

[email protected]

Awardee Host Country Contact Person

Name, Email, Phone, Office Address

John Shumlansky

+251.112.788.800

[email protected]

Gulele Sub-city, Swaziland St, Addis Ababa,

Ethiopia

mailto:[email protected]

Acronym List

AHW Animal Health Worker

AMIYCN Adolescent, Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition

ANC Antenatal Care

BA Barrier Analysis

BBS Basic Business Skill

BCC Behavior Change Communication

BCTK Boys Club Toolkit

CA Community Animator

CAHW Community Animal Health Worker

CCFLS Community-Led Complementary Feeding and Learning Sessions

CCL Center for Creative Leadership

CHNP Community Health and Nutrition Promoter

CLA Collaboration, Learning and Adapting

CLTSH Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene

CMAM Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition

CMDRR Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction

CRS Catholic Relief Services

DA Development Agent

EARO East Africa Regional Office

DFSA Development Food Security Activity

ESDM Environmentally Sound Design and Management

ESMF Environment and Social Management Framework

EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

ESR Environmental Status Report

FDP Final Distribution Point

FES Fuel Efficient Stove

FFP Food for Peace

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FTC Farmer Training Centers

FY Fiscal Year

GCTK Girls Club Toolkit

GIS Geographic Information System

GtN Growth through Nutrition-USAID-funded project led by Save the Children

GoE Government of Ethiopia

HCS Hararghe Catholic Secretariat

HDA Health Development Army

HEW Health Extension Worker

HFW Health Facility Worker

HH Household

HI Humanity and Inclusion

HTP Harmful Traditional Practices

IEC Information Education Communication

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IFH Islamic Family House

IGA Income Generating Activity

IMNCI Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illnesses

IP Implementing Partner

IPM Integrated Pest Management

IPTT Indicator Performance Tracking Table

IO Intermediate Outcome

IYCF Infant Young Child Feeding

JEOP Joint Emergency Operation

JSMR Joint Structure Monitoring Review

KAP Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

KFSTF Kebele Food Security Task Force

LF Lead Farmer

LG Livelihood Group

LH Lead Herder

LICU Livelihood Implementation Coordination Unit

LoA Life of Activity

LRO Livelihoods for Resilience in Oromia

MAMAN Minimum Activities for Mothers and Newborns

MCHN Maternal Child Health and Nutrition

MCS Meki Catholic Secretariat

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MEAL Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning

MFI Micro-Finance Institution

MOH Ministry of Health

MT Metric Tons

NRM Natural Resource Management

NSA Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture

ODF Open Defecation Free

O&M Operations and Maintenance

PAL Pre-Award Authorization Letter

RPASS Rural Payroll and Attendance Sheet System

PDM Post Distribution Monitoring

PDS Permanent Direct Support

PHCU Primary Health Care Unit

PIM Programme Implementation Manual (PSNP 4)

PLW Pregnant and Lactating Women

PRIME Pastoralist Areas Resilience Improvement through Market Expansion

PSNP Productive Safety Net Program

PSP Private Service Provider

PW Public Works

PVP Private Veterinary Pharmacist

REAAP Resilience through Enhanced Adaptation, Action-learning, and Partnership

SanMark Sanitation Marketing

SILC Savings Internal Lending Communities

SMS Subject Matter Specialists

SoW Scope of Work

SP Sub Purpose

SPX Cross-cutting Sub Purpose

SRA Sub-Recipient Agreement

SRFMP Sub-Recipient Financial Monitoring Policy

SSI Small Scale Irrigation

SURE Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction

SWC Soil and Water Conservation

TASC Technical Assistance Steering Committee

TDS Temporary Direct Support

TDY Temporary Duty Assignment

TFH The Faithful House

TOC Theory of Change

ToT Training of Trainers

TVET Technical Vocational Education Trainings

TWG Technical Working Group

USAID United States Agency for International Development

WASH Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

WFSTF Woreda Food Security Task Force

WTC Woreda Technical Committee

YLG Youth Livelihood Group

YSP Yellow Split Pea

1 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted-November 2, 2020 Revised December 4, 2020

Revised December 15, 2020

A, ARR Narrative

i. Executive Summary

FY20 was as unusual as it was challenging for the CRS DFSA. COVID-19 not only hindered the

strong progress from FY19 as evidenced in the JSMR but it created new problems. However,

despite the changes and impediments, key achievements and success were evident throughout

all DFSA Purposes including SPX while other interventions demonstrated results with limited

targets such as Speaking Books. Sequencing, layering and integrating remain critical components

of the CRS DFSA so that YR4’s efforts still built resilience to shocks, enhanced livelihoods and

improved food and nutrition security for rural households (HHs) vulnerable to food insecurity.

Insecurity and communication restrictions also beset field information and reporting access to

some woredas. Nonetheless, services to the geographic locations in East Hararghe, Arsi, and

West Arsi Zones (Oromia Region), and in the Dire Dawa Administrative Unit persevered with

modifications. Addressing JSMR recommendations was a cornerstone of implementation efforts

which are explained in detail below. Cementing behavior change at various levels including

systems, communities and households across the ToC was a priority so that more PSNP clients

feel inspired to pursue graduation with less trepidation.

ii. Theory of Change (ToC)

In June, DFSA held a virtual workshop with staff to revisit its ToC in light of the changing

contextual environment and new learning. The team reviewed the likelihood of achieving DFSA

outcomes, the potential threats to achievements and modifications needed. The three key

contextual factors included pandemic or diseases, inflation/price changes and insecurity. These

three factors had, in fact, been envisioned as contextual assumptions during the DFSA design

process.

From monitoring data, it is clear that various interventions were affected by the impact of

COVID-19 (See COVID-19 deviation narrative for more details). The value of sales by targeted

clients was lower than targeted due to market disruptions. Markets were closed or operated at

sub-optimal capacity and households were forced to sell their produce within their

neighborhood which led to lower prices. The value of agriculture-related financing was low as a

result of FSP reluctance to lend money to PSNP clients due to COVID-19, compounded by

numerous PSNP-related outstanding loans. To mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and improve

ToC performance, CRS’ DFSA will continue to implement community-based approaches

including Lead Farmer (LF) and Lead Herder (LH) as well as CCFLS which proved successful in

helping to reach clients even during COVID-19. Despite COVID-19, there were positive

development and interesting progress. For example, the percentage of households with soap

and water at a handwashing station on premises increased from 2% in 2019 to 35% in 2020 and

CRS’ DFSA will work to sustain these handwashing outcomes beyond COVID-19 by reinforcing

the messaging and ensuring improved access to WASH inputs.

CRS’ DFSA identified specific areas within the ToC where assumptions may no longer hold true

and made revisions as informed by implementation experiences. One was adapting fuel efficient

stove interventions to focus more on energy saving technologies. This outcome has had low

achievement for three consecutive years due to several factors including new GoE subsidies and

it was noted that more comprehensive approaches are required instead of partial solutions like



fuel-efficient stoves. Women would benefit more from understanding a full range of options to

ease the time and labor burden of women. Another adjustment was rewording and refocusing

the outputs on employment to be more encompassing of the interventions implemented to

improve employment access. CRS’ DFSA changed output “O 2.1.3.2 Youth participate in career

fairs and receive follow-up services" to reflect the other employment linkage opportunities

rather than specifying an intervention. The new output suggested was “Youth access

opportunities that promote employment and career linkages”.

Similar to FY19, CRS’ DFSA prioritized the participation of women and youth in decision

making within FSTFs and other community structures with deeper engagement in activities that

increases access to productive resources and enhanced gender roles at household level. In

FY20, CRS’ DFSA set up Youth Community Conversation Groups (CCG) which were intended

to increase confidence and participation of youth in community dialogues. With these efforts in

place, CRS’ DFSA noted an increase in the percent of women who stated that their husbands

helped with household chores from 55% in 2019 to 73% in 2020 as well as a 1% increase in

youth and a 1% increase in female engaged in USG-assisted programs designed to increase

access to productive economic resources.

iii. Activity Interventions and Results

Purpose 1: GoE and community systems respond to reduce communities’ and households’

vulnerability to shocks

Sub-purpose (SP) 1.1: GoE successfully adopts the systems approach in PSNP 4

Gains in effective and coordinated GoE service delivery were sustained in FY20 despite

COVID-19. CRS, HCS and MCS collaborated closely with GoE to adjust to the pandemic. The

EFY 2013 (FY 2021) Woreda PSNP plans were supposed to consider PSNP 5 directives but

instead, they continued with PSNP 4 guidance and caseloads. It is anticipated that these will be

revised once PSNP 5 launches in 2021. Guidance from the Oromia Food Security Bureau led

the initial orientation process for the transition between PSNPs. So, observing COVID-19

protocols, CRS, HCS and MCS oriented and supported WFSTF in their offices given the

complexities. This effort targeted 40 WFSTF members (36 females). Unfortunately, unlike past

years, community input was limited due to field travel restrictions but HCS and MCS sourced

their priorities and inputs remotely as best as they could.

Before COVID-19, CRS’ DFSA trained most WFSTF, KFSTF, DAs and HEWs for its annual

target on leadership and communication essentials led by CCL. These enhanced capacities have

allowed them to develop a deeper sense of duty to perform their roles and responsibilities as

captured by the exit interviews. However, from mid-March, CRS’ DFSA had to adapt to

COVID-19 to create opportunities in order to reach training targets. By late Q4, 13 smaller

training sessions were conducted for 130 KFSTF members (98 males/32 females) (100% of

annual target).

To strengthen accountability, with GoE stakeholders, HCS conducted a joint integration

monitoring exercise for youth, gender and people with disability (PWD) within the lens of

DFSA interventions. The key objectives were two-fold: identify and assess DFSA/PSNP4

benefits for women, youth and PWD and pinpoint gaps to improve performance. From the



communities, numerous strengths were listed but CRS’ DFSA is focused more on addressing

some of the weaknesses while scaling-up the strengths. These areas of foci include inadequate

coordination among frontline agents, poor performance of kebele appeal committees and sub-

par GoE oversight to support PSNP activities in their entirety. An action plan was finalized, and

it is now being implemented into FY21 jointly by woreda offices and HCS.

Output 1.1.1.3: Food Security Task Forces have increased perceived benefits of complementarity of

services

As part of another accountability initiative, four exercises in the community score card (CSC) –

a social accountability tool to improve service delivery and participatory dialogue between

communities (service users) and DFSA/PSNP implementers (service providers) - were applied

in FY20. After trainings on community scorecard management, a mix of GoE, HCS and MCS

staff applied the methodology. One evidential example was in Babile where 60 community

representatives (20 females/40 males) engaged with 11 GoE, CRS and HCS staff (2 females/9

male) to analyze specific interventions such as irrigation and food transfers against community

satisfaction ratings. Like the joint monitoring activity above, communities appreciated the

opportunity for their feedback to identify problems, suggest solutions, improve ownership, and

promote transparency and responsibility. Constructive criticism informed follow-up action

plans to tackle these prioritized issues: the absence of full family targeting, food transfer delays,

FDPs distances and the lack of resources in the PSNP annual development plans to extend

irrigation schemes and further strengthen irrigation-user committees.

IO 1.1.2: Woreda and Kebele Food Security Task Forces have improved communication and

information system

Output 1.1.2.2: Woreda and Kebele Food Security Task Forces coached and mentored to assess and

resolve reporting and communication bottlenecks

Group mentoring and individual coaching sessions for GoE officials were strongly impacted by

COVID-19. As a pivot, CCL redesigned and conducted six remote coaching sessions with bi-

monthly follow- up calls with 16 WFSTF members (all males) (25% of annual target). As a result,

WFSTF members indicated that the coaching sessions improved their management of COVID-

19 related challenges and enhanced their leadership skills with their teams to be more agile.

New confidence and self-awareness with their leadership skills has created better team

dynamics and less anxiety with working relationships according to their opinions.

SP 1.2: Communities have built and sustained productive assets

IO 1.2.1: Local governance structures proactively foster inclusive and equitable community development

CRS’ DFSA continued to drive better NRM interventions to strengthen community assets and

enhance their sustainability. With strong technical experience in gully control, HCS provided 91

gabion boxes to reclaim gullies in Deder and Melka Belo with 67 ha reclaimed. This has been a

proven practice to improve production and productivity per land unit for local farmers. This

intervention was complemented with tool provisions and off-farm production equipment such

as 20 bee colonies to diversify incomes for YLGs, LF and LHs. The reclaimed land has been

designated for use by vulnerable households or landless youth for vegetable, fruit and forage

production which in turn contributes to increased incomes. Technical support and seed market

access under Purpose 2 through agro-dealers will encourage them to use this reclaimed land in

a sustainable way. The soil sediment (SS) dam in Kurtu, Dire Dawa, is current evidence of



where reclaimed land has been used for fruit and vegetable production that has increased

dietary diversity and HH incomes. MCS provided 45,447 different tree seedlings to FMNR

farmers representing 151 households and planted on farms with a total area of 31ha in Shala

and Negele Arsi.

Given Ethiopia’s high livestock population especially in Oromia, forage development and fodder

banks remain key priorities for DFSA interventions. Different forage and grass seeds were

planted in critical watersheds and area enclosures in Shala, Negele Arsi and Heben Arsi. Local

FMNR members selected kebele sites to enhance ownership and management of these

important community assets. A particular focus for FMNR is on bund stabilization and forage

development to minimize free grazing that has caused severe environmental degradation. As

mentioned in the environmental status report (ESR), more than half of the physical structures

are integrated with biological resources including fodder plantations.

As an enhanced action from JSMR recommendations and informed by national watershed

guidelines, CRS’ DFSA trained 317 PW foremen/forewomen (14 females), with both GoE

Woreda NRM and Agriculture Offices in attendance, on technical aspects of integrated

watershed management using simple surveying tools such as line level, measuring tape, ranging

pole and A-frame for soil and water conversation measures such as micro-basins. The training

specifically addresses JSMR sub-recommendation 7.4 to ensure the improvement of PW

foremen and forewomen technical capacities like quality verification at the community level and

reduce DA workload during PW planning, implementation, follow-up and input distributions.

Watershed, irrigation and social and economic infrastructure maps were prepared for all CRS

DFSA produced assets using ArcGIS and Collector ArcGIS. CRS’ DFSA environmentally

monitored selected DFSA activities. For instance, in Dire Dawa Beshambe SSI scheme, the team

recommended crossing structures, and the construction of turnout structures along the canal.

The issues were addressed as per the recommendation given by the team. Follow-ups were

also made of PDPs to properly implement IPM and food commodity fumigation. Food

commodities were fumigated using personal protective equipment and fumigation management

plans were prepared for all PDPs as per the safer use action plan (SUAP). As a result of

consistent follow-up, the infestation level and frequency of fumigation have been reduced

according to commodity management staff. In the previous years, under normal conditions,

commodity fumigation was undertaken once every four months, while recently it is only needed

once every six months.

The quantitative study on Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) research was finalized in

FY20 by Tufts University. Some key findings concluded that many households are unlikely to

invest in or maintain NRM inputs, structures or facilities such as land use tools and bench

terraces that require them to spend cash because they have insufficient income. If IWM and

NRM activities require time or labor inputs from household members, and even if they are

remunerated for these activities, households will assess whether other activities such as

working on their own land produce better or quicker returns. From this analysis, they will

manage their time and effort accordingly. It is also likely that in a context of high levels of food

insecurity and insufficient diets, the capacity of households to conduct physical work will be

hindered, and labor will be directed towards prioritized tasks. Although PSNP clients are highly



engaged in NRM activities, the maintenance and management of physical structures was highly

variable and in general, structures and practices on communal land were less well maintained

and managed Furthermore, a number of male headed households (18%) and a high proportion

of female headed households (33%) are landless and do not practice crop farming.

Proportionally, more female headed households seek alternative livelihood sources outside of

crop farming to support their family members. In addition, about 50% and 20% livelihood group

members are women and youth PSNP clients, respectively. This study has clearly shown that

women are inadequately benefitting from potential livelihood options. CRS’ DFSA has been

considering landless YLG for different livelihoods activities in matured watershed and enclosed

areas. This includes bee keeping and cut and carry systems. The role of women and youth in

the operation and maintenance of water supply projects is also very crucial. Engaging organized

women and youth with off-farm activities like provision of goods and services will improve their

share of wealth and resources in a community. To complement the quantitative study, Tufts

University has begun preparation for the qualitative study. The overall objective of the research

is to provide an in-depth review and analysis of the IWM approach, with both a quantitative

baseline and a qualitative lens. In FY21, the comprehensive study will lead to a stronger IWM

implementation guide.

Moreover, as explained more in the paragraph below, in addition to the technical value of the

Water Benefits Calculator (WBC), it fosters ownership, understanding and decision-making at

the field level among farmers and community members. From this study, there is a lack of

interest in activities or maintenance initiatives because the communities are not consulted

adequately where WFSTF often set targets and select interventions without community input.

Under SPX, strengthening community structures such as watershed committees, irrigation-user

committees and WASHCOs are critical priorities so that they are aware, invested, and active in

all NRM activities from target setting through O&M.

In FY20, CRS’ DFSA kicked off the use of the innovative Water Benefits Calculator (WBC) with

a consultative stakeholder workshop to explain the WBC tools and planned roll-out. The WBC

is a field-level decision support model (DSM) to select optimal interventions in watersheds,

understand tradeoffs between interventions and relate the analysis to community visioning for

their asset development. Following the workshop, selected watersheds and PW sites in Deder,

Dire Dawa and Ziway Dugda were evaluated to understand crops, land types, interventions and

data points. Forced to primarily rely on remote work due to COVID-19, LimnoTech, an

environmental engineering firm and the lead technical consultant, quickened the WBC modeling

pace with different iterations including a cost/benefit analysis. An online training site with WBC

documentation, toolkit, training videos, and software downloads was developed with low-

bandwidth considerations. In FY21, field testing will commence to validate and refine the

different iterations in order to influence different decisions based on seasonality issues for

farmers and GoE officials.

CRS’ DFSA conducted seedling survival counts across all targeted DFSA woredas. They were

implemented in communal watersheds, area enclosures, private household sites and

government institutions. Findings show that the tree seedling survival rate count stood at 70%.

This is a strong turn-around for this intervention which has been low performing in prior years.



The strong survival counts stem from improved and more appropriate species and varieties

including those with better drought resistance capacities. More effective community

consultations have controlled free grazing with better management and monitoring. The survival

count is higher on private and institution sites (79%) because it has been linked to strong

community leaders with vested interests to see the trees grow well.

In YR4, CRS’ DFSA emphasized several key sustainability initiatives including the capacity

strengthening of community groups to plan for recurrent O&M needs, fee collection, penalty

structures and business planning. CRS’ DFSA trained twelve irrigation user committees

including 42 individuals on operation and maintenance. Step-by-step and hands-on

demonstrations with adult learning techniques detailed how irrigation user committees can be

effective with group management, irrigation needs and scheme maps. In addition, CRS’ DFSA

trained 108 area enclosure and other water scheme users including 16 females on the roles and

responsibilities of local resources including life cycle cost approaches and water safety plans.

The effort to include women heightened the importance of their decision-making role and

resource management capacity. In the governance of local resources, women play a crucial role

in managing the income generated from the water schemes for maintenance purposes.

To further improve the quality and sustainability of PW activities, exchange visits for 26 CRS

DFSA staff (2 females) were organized to learn about best NRM/PW practices, successes and

lessons learned in Amhara and South Wollo. With local communities, PSNP clients, and NRM

experts, during the field visits, CRS DFSA staff and their peers tackled these topics: working

within the GoE system for better service delivery, PSNP staffing structures, site selection

criteria, procurement procedures and construction tips, local government technical capacity,

watershed bylaws, water use groups, local incentives. A strong sense of enhanced mutual

learning emerged from the trip.

IO 1.2.2: Communities take adaptive risk reduction actions (linked to O 3.2.1.2)

Since its inception, CRS’ DFSA has implemented improved and diverse NRM practices to

stabilize physical structures, increase livestock feed and add arable land for the targeted

communities. In total, 13,381m3 of gabion/stone check dams were constructed in Deder and

Melka Belo as per the MoA guideline. This overachieved by 747% due to under targeting by

WFSTFs (the target is generated from the WFSTF Annual Plans). CRS’ DFSA produced

13,711,875 tree seedlings and planted 8,058,822 to combat deforestation, improve soil fertility,

reduce land degradation and improve access to fruit. The over achievement of seedling

plantation includes the GoE numbers planted as part of the national Green Legacy campaign

conducted in the main rainy season (note it is not possible to separate out the two numbers as

the woredas manages the nurseries and so generate and provide these numbers). Currently,

60% of the physical structures are integrated with biological resources. In FY20, 2,874 ha of

land have been strengthened with different biophysical soil and water conservation activities like

soil and stone bunds and 5,256 ha of degraded land has been designated for rehabilitation

through area enclosures. The achievement is 60% of the planned target in FY20. Under

achievement is due to cancellation of 3 months PW duration due to COVID19. In the ESR

FY20, more than 83% of SWC structures are constructed to GoE code and standards. CRS’

DFSA receives regular farmer feedback about their perceptions and field observations about

soil loss. These farmers conclude that soil loss has been minimized. For them, downstream soil



erosion has decreased compared to prior years while conserving moisture for downstream

farmlands has increased. Although there has not been a formal assessment on soil loss, the

treatment of the upper catchment areas has produced a demonstrable increase of the discharge

from ground water resources (springs and hand dug wells). This has been measured in Dire

Dawa, Deder, Ziway Dugda and Heben Arsi. All these sites report stronger flow discharges.

This will minimize the effect of decreased rainfall on the discharge of groundwater associated

with climate change.

As emphasized above, bund stabilization has been one of the most effective biological soil

conservation activities to reduce run-off. As a result, one example has been the NRM work in

Babile where PSNP PW clients have planted different grasses on 31.2 km of terraces and bunds

to reduce run-off. Also, in Deder, gully rehabilitation activities on 67 ha of land (57% achieved –

this number is due to COVID 19 restrictions) have prevented gully widening, enhanced

vegetation and protected arable land.

In line with community requests to alleviate their water scarcity and, addressed in coordination

by between Purpose 1 and 3 efforts, water source development remains a vital intervention to

reduce food insecurity for CRS’ DFSA. In Melka Belo, one spring was developed, two shallow

wells were constructed in Babile and four water supply expansions were completed or pending

in Deder, Heben Arsi, Ziway Dugda and Shala. Please see the table below.

Water Source Development Status Intervention Woreda Current Status Completion

Date

Water Supply

Expansion Heben Arsi

70% completed,1.5 km trench excavation and 2.5

km pipeline installation pending

Nov. 2020

Water supply

Expansion Ziway Dugda

90% completed Dec. 2020

Pond Construction Shala

95% completed, protection wall adjustments and a

portion of the geo-membrane lining are pending

Oct. 2020

Water Expansion Shala

45% completed, 2.5KM pipe laying, 50 m3

reservoir and one water point construction are

pending

Dec. 2020

Overcoming GoE bureaucracy has been a key lesson learned related to the construction of

social and economic infrastructure. CRS’ DFSA has shifted away from joint responsibility to

acquire more control and decision-making over the needed actions. This adaptation has proved

to be successful. As a result, MCS and HCS finalized 30 social and economic infrastructures in

FY20. These include 14 carryover projects and 16 FY20 targets. However, there are some

pending targets which are detailed in the table below. These structures have considered DRR,

disability and gender aspects to enhance their quality.

Social and Economic Infrastructure Status Intervention Woreda Current Status Completion Date

FTC construction Shala 90% completed, painting pending Nov. 2020

School Classrooms Shala 90% completed, painting pending Nov. 2020

Childcare Center Ziway Dugda 90% completed, painting pending Oct. 2020



DAs Residences Heben Arsi 85% completed Nov. 2020

School Classrooms Dire Dawa 70% completed Dec. 2020

School Classrooms Deder 80% Completed Nov. 2020

Commodity Store Deder 85% completed Nov. 2020

CRS mostly met its targets in FY 2020 – any pending targets were primarily due to delays

caused by COVID 19 restriction

Output 1.2.2.4: PSNP households accessed food/cash transfers

In FY20, COVID-19 affected regular DFSA food transfers to PDS, PW, TDS and 5% contingency

clients. As per GoE guidance, COVID-19 protocol measures were applied to both food

dispatches and distributions to clients. Among the measures taken, handwashing physical

distancing, alternative time management, sanitizers, gloves and masks were practiced or

distributed at FDPs. In addition, double ration food dispatches and distributions were

completed to reduce FDP interactions. With these special arrangements and extra efforts, all

PSNP clients received their food by the end of July whereas in FY19, food transfer trickled into

August and September to finalize all rounds In the HCS DFSA woredas, 175,219 (88,460

males/86,759 females) PW, PDS, TDS and 5% contingency (PSNP) clients received 11,036 MT

of food. In MCS DFSA woredas, 75,963 PSNP clients (38,824 males/37,139 females) received

4,176 MT of food. In total, 100% of food targets were reached.

With close support from OCSSCo and MOSS ICT, CRS’ DFSA continued providing technical

and financial support for improved mobile cash transfers to 15,783 PSNP clients in Ziway

Dugda, Deder and Melka Belo totaling $1,404,836. Four mobile banking agents (MBA) have

been actively involved in transferring cash to PSNP clients. Services have expanded to include

opening new accounts, transferring cash for diverse needs, and awareness strengthening about

the potential of mobile cash transfers for customers. To sustain these gains, the cooperation

and binding agreements between FSPs and MBA is scheduled to continue after the CRS DFSA

ends. The demand of mobile banking is increasing - from more remote kebeles in these

woredas, remittances and mobile airtime sales are surging while building out infrastructure for

future and more efficient community support.

Related to financial inclusion, CRS’ DFSA monitoring data indicates that most clients save

money with their accounts if there is no urgent demand. Moreover, some MBAs are now

providing financial services to non-PSNP clients like paying school fees. In FY21, an impact

assessment will document key lessons and share learnings. In addition to financial service

improvements, MBAs indicate they have experienced increased social prestige, which serves as

a strong motivator to continue providing financial services. The four MBAs have served a total

of 1,666 households per month on average. They have transacted a total of $447,839 while

earning $1,806.

A mobile cash transfer learning forum was organized with COVID-19 protocols with 51

participants from different government sectors and private sectors partners including Bureaus

of Finances/Economy Cooperation, Food Security, Cooperatives, and Labor and Social Affairs –

from all different levels: woreda, zone, and region. With OCSSCo presenting progress, updates



and major challenges, the lack of coordination at different levels, power cuts and connectivity

problems have hindered the potential of mobile banking. Functionalizing the woreda e-payment

task force committee led by Woreda Finance and Economic Cooperation Office (WFECO) is

the most critical recommendation to order for mobile banking to progress, Improved

cooperation and coordination needs to occur at the field level particularly for the submission of

attendance sheets. Mobile money transfer saves time and resource for women as they receive

their money in their village without travelling to town and also can get better access to it and

control over it with less interference from their husbands for married women. It also reduces

their exposure to violence due to long travel times and negotiations with service providers.

The learning forum was mainly focused on how to improve the technology service provision

like coordination, support offline technology and the commission service of mobile money

transfer agents with GoE.

Purpose 2: Households improve their Sustainable Economic Well-being.

SP 2.1: Households have increased and diversified income

IO 2.1.1: Clients use appropriate financial services which are women and youth friendly

As part of GoE system strengthening, two Livelihood Implementation Coordination Unit (LICU)

quarterly review meetings (50% of annual target) in HCS and 3 in MCS (75% of annual target)

took place with 130 LICU members (9 females) including project staff and diverse government

SMS sectors (agronomy, livestock, cooperative promotion, irrigation, gender, labor, social

affairs and small micro enterprise development). As always, these collaborative meetings aim to

review, learn, scale up and adjust to livelihood implementation progress, challenges, lesson

learned and best practices. Particularly important in FY20 for extension system support has

been the addition of Livelihoods Extension Workers (LEW) so CRS’ DFSA conducted quarterly

review meetings to monitor performance, secure GoE cooperation, identify bottlenecks and

reinforce technologies. In the context of COVID-19, remote support was incorporated and

CRS DFSA equipped LEWs with job aids and field guides to support farmers. In total, 128

LEWs (11 females) and 9 livelihood experts have been mentored and coached to leverage

strengths and confront weaknesses. These review meetings coupled with the shift to remote

work has resulted in improved gender and youth integration with all crop and livestock

technical guides, off-farm technical training tools and business/marketing skill training

curriculums. They are more tailored to gender and youth integration needs in Purpose 2 as

female and youth participation swells. SPX inputs have also been important additions to these

enhancements.

CRS DFSA (SAVIX/MIS) online data reports that in FY20, 1,727 LGs/YLGs with 40,838

members (54% female) (106% of annual target) participated in Savings and Internal Lending

Communities (SILC). From this data, 9,017 SILC members are youth (22%) (78% of annual

target). To adapt to COVID-19, CRS’ DFSA proposed three adjusted modalities to SILC

groups. The first one was to share out their savings almost immediately and invest in building or

enhancing productive assets such as seed, fodder and livestock purchases. The second option

was to temporarily suspend savings. The last option was to continue as normal albeit in

accordance with COVID-19 guidelines such as reducing numbers of members at meetings.

From these modality suggestions, the selection was mixed across those options. However,

currently due to the more recent GoE directive of 50 individuals per meeting with COVID-19



precautions in place, most SILC groups have resumed their regular saving and internal lending

habits. In total, for FY20, SILC groups collected $253,432 to circulate for loans and $71,529 for

social fund priorities. Approximately, $124,708 was disbursed as loans to support different

IGAs and value chains interventions like small ruminants (goat and sheep) fattening and rearing,

ox fattening, egg production and handling training

and crop trading. With a loan utilization rate of

49%, the average loan size is $92 which has

doubled since FY19. For social fund uses, SILC

members accessed better healthcare, paid

educational fees and responded to other needs.

Share-out totals topped out at $149,335 and

they invested in different agricultural input

purchases like seeds, fertilizers and different

IGAs to increase their resilience.

To expand and sustain SILC beyond the current

DFSA, CRS, HCS and MCS examined and

certified an additional 60 field agents (FAs) (13

females) (67% of annual target) to become Private Service Providers (PSPs). To date, a PSP

brigade of 139 entrepreneurs (41 females) provide fee-based saving and lending services to both

PSNP and non-PSNP clients among other enterprises that they manage independently. The

JSMR recommended that CRS should invest in SILC’s sustainability and expansion through

galvanized PSPs. PSPs have already established 221 new SILC groups including non-PSNP clients

with 5,189 members (3,235 females) while charging fees for their services. Despite COVID-19

impediments, the new SILC groups have saved $5,934 and disbursed $2,084in loans. These new

SILC groups are secondary adopters. In addition to forming new SILC groups, PSPs have

diversified their livelihood portfolios to add income as agro-dealer agents to sell different

agricultural inputs and tools like PICS bags. PSPs have also engaged in new financial inclusion

technologies to transfer money to PSNP clients using mobile money transfer options.

In Deder, Midega Tola and Melka Belo, CRS’ DFSA organized certification ceremonies for 540

LGs members (280 females) in collaboration with GoE Woreda Education Offices for those

who completed the second cycle of basic adult literacy training. Enrollment for the second cycle

basic adult literacy training sessions soared to 688 LGs members (272 females) who completed

the first cycle in FY20. To mitigate COVID-19 hurdles, HCS distributed self-learning handbooks

to keep the momentum of this intervention going while working in conjunction with SPX’s

functional adult literacy program.

A total of 1,580 SILC members (652 females) (39.5% of annual target) qualified for larger loans

from FSPs collectively borrowing $180,134 with an average loan size of$123. Most of these

loans were directed to livestock investments This positive result of FSP engagement was made

possible due to their SILC experiences. A total of 2,587 ultra-poor LG members (1,220

females) who have no credit options received $200 as a livelihood grant and engaged in

different DFSA value chain livestock business opportunities with 98% selecting oxen and shoat

fattening. In FY21, CRS’ DFSA will conduct a livelihood transfer economic impact assessment of

these opportunities.

CRS / DFSA has innovated on the savings model,

to create a fee-for-service, Private sector Service

Provider (PSP) who provides financial services

and links to markets. The PSP now provides the

three key ingredients for sustainable, commercial

agriculture, (i) organization, (ii) access to finance

and (iii) quality inputs. In the future this work

opens opportunities for Savings groups to

associate and build links to output markets. PSP’s

can facilitate this with a commission fee, thus

completing the commercial loop. Key learning is

that this approach starts with organization and

finance before entering the production phase,

which builds in enterprise sustainability at the

outset. Scaling being accelerated with digital

financial system.



IO 2.1.2. Clients have new on farm and off-farm income generating enterprises which are women and

youth friendly

Unfortunately, markets sales were undercut by COVID-19 but they were still meaningful--

totaling $1,179,733 (36% of annual target) and more than in FY19. A total of 3,519 LG members

(1,616 females) (293% of annual target) completed the rigorous steps of the livelihood

implementation checklist validating the necessary technical, business and marketing skill

trainings and support. This annual performance exceeded expectations due to motivated LEW

and better supported DA. They augmented performance goal and standards related to trainings,

loan access with FSP and livelihood cash transfer checklist. As YR4 has focused more on market

linkages and private sector engagement, synergized with SILC success, CRS’ DFSA established

an additional 315 marketing groups (MGs) (138% of annual target) with 6,198 members (2,402

females). A total of 15,610 farmers (5,673 females) (103% of annual target) participated in DFSA

promoted value chain activities. LEW continued strengthening existing MGs through better

market information and linkages to potential buyers. MGs sold 413 fattened goats, 62 fattened

oxen, 800 qt of potatoes, 8,697 eggs, 288 qt of onion, 120kg of honey and 34qt of red pepper

to local markets. To support their growing market engagement, advancing farmers have also

been trained on food safety, animal hygiene, IPM, organic fertilizers and alternative fuelwood

such as cow dung. Through formal and informal trainings, the farmers who have been engaged

on fattening and poultry are cleaning their silo daily. They have also used the cow dung as

fuelwood and organic fertilizer.

Another pillar of sustainability strengthening with smallholder farmers has been encouraging

their leadership development so that skills, knowledge and practices are harbored within

communities and then, reinforced by different peers or others. To further this, with Woreda

Government SMS, a total of 1,044 farmers and LEW (408 females) were trained on leadership

capacities and market engagement in profitable activities based on value chain commodities.

CRS’ DFSA has prioritized poultry development as one of the most important livestock value

chains because of its reduced labor needs, minimal land required, less entry investment needed,

quick returns from egg and needed protein intake for households. To stimulate initiatives with a

start-up kit, CRS’ DFSA purchased 400 egg collection units for 22 poultry MGs with 400

members (231 females) to transport eggs safely to markets. Importantly, this intervention has

been linked with Purpose 3 so that there are not disproportionate sales depriving households

of protein consumption. With a balanced/integrated approach, CRS’ DFSA is promoting market

access for egg sales after nutritional needs are considered at the household level.

One of the prioritized target groups for livelihood strengthening is landless youth. One targeted

activity is beekeeping. With 20 beehive colonies and accessories, in Babile and Midega Tola,

YLG with 33 members (5 females) have strengthened honey production. Establishing

beekeeping across all DFSA woredas within area enclosures has ensured sustainable beekeeping

and reduced the use of agrochemicals. All beekeeping colonies are established in rehabilitated

watershed sites, some distance from other farmlands where pesticides may be more commonly

applied. Bees naturally pollinate and fertilize area enclosures to revitalize biodiversity without

the need for artificial chemicals while the farmers are practicing FMNR. This integration

between SPX, Purpose 1 and 2 has become a key income generating activity for landless youth.



For small livestock traders and FSP, CRS’ DFSA has been bridging the gap to create more

relevant financial products to secure capital for growing businesses. With GoE officials from

Woreda Sector Offices for Livestock, Cooperative Markets, and Trade, CRS’ DFSA has hosted

forums with 45 traders (20 females) and 5 FSP so that they can access loans as needed.

The JSMR recommended the inclusion of enhanced livestock economic analysis to support

different livestock value chains. Four livestock market system assessments and analyses were

conducted in FY20. The economic analyses incorporated four technical guides for beekeeping,

ox fattening, sheep and goat fattening and poultry production to intensify business planning. As

part of continuous capacity building, 109 paid LEW (13 females) (85% of the annual target) using

their new guides were trained on strengthened livestock production and management methods

to accelerate market access. Also, linked to the JSMR, CRS’ DFSA improved diverse adult

learning techniques of frontline agents as they promote and demonstrate new behaviors for

increased adoption. CRS’ DFSA developed a multi-faceted manual for communication, adult

education, and facilitation skills. The designed manual provides a step-by-step learning process

for PSNP clients with interactive exercises and opportunities for self-reflection. Using this

manual, CRS’ DFSA trained 66 project staff and LEW (6 females) to enhance the quality and

effectiveness of learning outputs. The participants have reported that with their improved

interpersonal skills, they communicate more effectively, disseminate information according to

group and individual needs and train to motivate so that adoption is strengthened.

IO 2.1.3: Youth are gainfully employed

Integrated with SPX, the Youth Employability Skills (YES) training continued in FY20 with 15

gender and livelihood experts (5 females) to equip them with YES facilitation techniques.

Afterwards, a series of cascading trainings with TVETs, university instructors and GoE officials,

TVETs have incorporated the training program into their yearly curricula which further

demonstrates the sustainability of the youth skill training and youth system strengthening.

A total of 331 youth (86 females) who selected the wage employment pathway were trained on

the YES curriculum. The main objective of the training was to enhance the competitiveness of

young job seekers by equipping them with both technical and soft skills. According to Woreda

Labor and Social Affairs Offices, 47 young job seekers (12 females) acquired jobs in various

government sector offices, private organizations, hospitals, schools and banks. Teamed with

YES, CRS DFSA’s IAE (I am an Entrepreneur) training manuals were translated and distributed

consisting of two facilitator guides (innovation and lab modules) and two learner guides

(innovation and lab modules).

CRS’ DFSA provided a refresher training on Career Fair Event Preparation and Management to

40 participants (14 females) selected from a pool of youth experts, teachers, career club

leaders, and zonal/ woreda officials from Women, Children and Youth Affairs and Education

Offices. The main objective was to refresh participant knowledge on how to plan and organize

career fairs in high schools. The refresher training coupled with career clubs established in

schools will equip those institutions to continue to manage career fairs after the CRS DFSA

ends.

To build more synergies, the CRS DFSA youth team trained 31 participants (3 females) on job

fair preparation and its management to build up the capacities of the one stop centers (OSC)



experts, GoE officials and youth experts. Furthermore, CRS’ DFSA continues to build the

capacity of OSCs, which has enabled them to provide different services to unemployed youth

more effectively. The OSCs are supporting youth in developing market-based business plans,

linking with potential employers, organizing SMEs and supporting access to financial services.

CRS’ DFSA facilitated business skill and entrepreneurship trainings for 33 OSC experts (6

females). The experts then cascaded the same training to 115 youth job seekers to develop

SMEs and business plans. To enhance the coordination between youth-employment serving

sectors, with 39 participants (2 females), CRS’ DFSA organized consultative workshops to

network among OSCs and other government and private sector stakeholders including

employment placement agencies. As a result of the fora, integration and synergy among the

stakeholders in supporting youth employment has increased.

CRS’ DFSA continued to strengthen OSCs by addressing capacity gaps. OSCs have been

plagued by poor data management and inadequate monitoring. In response, CRS’ DFSA

designed and developed an OSC service provision tracking database system for all DFSA

woredas1. In FY21, it is anticipated that with 37 OSC experts trained, this database will

strengthen the data for job seeker registration, service tracking, reports and enhanced

performance standards. Initially, the OSCs have improved their support in FY20 to youth and

provide services to 358 youth (115 females). Among these targets,177 acquired wage

employment and the remaining youth (181 youth) received services such as job information,

financial and market linkage support, SME registration support and training on basic business

and YES skill training.

SP 2.2: Clients have increased and diversified agricultural production

Enhancing household resilience for more stable production and productivity continued as a

backbone of the CRS DFSA. Diversifying crops, techniques and messages has been a roadmap

to success. In FY20, CRS’ DFSA provided nutrition-dense crop options through DiNER Fairs to

4,997 PSNP clients (1,874 females) (99.9% of annual target) through CRS’ Cost Share. These

LGs members did not receive inputs in the prior DiNER Fair rounds and targeting priorities

selected PLW, landless youth and female headed households to support their agricultural

production. All seed varieties were supplied by certified seed suppliers and research centers

including Ethiopian Seed Enterprise, Oromia Seed Enterprise, agricultural research centers and

Haramaya University to prevent invasive species, biodiversity loss and associated economic

risks. Local CRS DFSA supported agro-dealers, unions and cooperatives also participated in

DiNER Fairs to extend their reach to clients. For input totals, 77,168 kg seeds of different bean

types such as haricot beans, 25,918 kg lowland maize variety seeds suitable for moisture

stressed areas and 1,503 kg of different vegetable crops including carrot, cabbage, beetroot,

tomato and onion were supplied. All of them were improved varieties and all beans and maize

were not hybrid. All seed varieties are supplied by certified seed suppliers and research centers

including Ethiopian Seed Enterprise, Oromia Seed Enterprise, agricultural research centers, and

Haramaya University to prevent the effect of invasive species on biodiversity and associated

economic impacts. Cumulatively, 104,591 kgs were provided to 4,997 beneficiaries. At present,

1 CRS’ DFSA plans to organize a workshop on this in Q2 where zonal and regional experts will be participating and

the 9 woreda OSC will share their experiences which could facilitate expansion of the activity and buy-in.



these seeds are growing in the fields, so they have not been harvested yet. After harvesting, an

assessment will be conducted in FY21 to document its outcomes, which will include its

contribution towards the diversity of household nutrition and plot productivity.

During the DiNER Fairs, 73 youth volunteers (28 females) participated in their respective

kebeles fair days to support the adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Health and nutrition

experts disseminated key COVID-19 messages while DiNER Fair inputs were administered

through CommCare for reduced contact transfers and stronger accountability. Regarding

COVID-19 adaptations related to DiNER Fairs, CRS’ DFSA submitted a write-up a BHA

explaining all methods and modifications to CRS’ existing DiNER Fair approach as an example

of an innovative and carefully thought out input transfer adaptation that can perhaps be shared

and replicated elsewhere. Please use this link to see the Power BI generated dashboard used to

manage and track progress during the fairs.

Output 2.2.1.2: Community-based input vendors and micro-franchising agents network established

In Babile, CRS’ DFSA distributed 2,880 quintals of livestock feed to 800 households. The post-

distribution assessment revealed that the health of 1,600 cattle including milk production

improved tremendously to prevent asset loss while adding nutrition to the households as well

as income from milk sales. Surveyed clients (95.2%) indicated that their access to milk increased

by 1 liter after this intervention improving from 2 to 3. The clients also stated that 55.4% of

them sold the milk whereas 44.6% consumed the milk with their families. Plus, children are

prioritized for milk consumption. The average price for a liter of milk is $0.63 and about 76% of

clients reported that the income of milk sales is used for other nutrient rich foods such as

vegetables to be consumed at home.

Output 2.2.1.3 Public and private animal health workers deliver livestock services to clients:

As per GoE guidelines, 86 Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) (1 female) enhanced

their veterinary techniques to keep them abreast of emerging practices and improve their

mobile livestock services. Certified professional trainers with assistance from senior animal

health workers coached and mentored CAHWs on their technical gaps including livestock

health and management.

CRS’ DFSA continued strengthening 21 agro-dealers (4 females) though improved market

linkages, diverse availability of agricultural inputs and tools and robust management support to

extend access to both PSNP and non-PSNP customers. Some of the inputs and tools sold by

agro-dealers include vegetables seeds, animal feeds, agricultural tools, PICS bags, pesticides,

organic fertilizers and watering cans. One of the strongest achievements in FY20 has been the

integration of PSPs as agro-dealer agents. This overlap has leveraged community trust, capital

flows, input consistency and stronger remote coverage with 94 PSPs (32 females) earning as

agro-dealer agents. A total of 24,764 farmers (6,706 females) bought different inputs from agro-

dealers in FY20 totaling $297,553.

As further evidence of remarkable and sustained growth, 7 high performing PSPs (1 female),

who are concurrently working as agro-dealer agents, sought to become agro-dealers. This

progress will extend the reach of inputs and services deeper into remote areas. This upgrade

from agro-dealer agents to full-fledged agro-dealers will be completed in Q1-FY21 with the

https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiOGMxOWIzMjEtZGZjMC00ZTQxLThhNjUtOGU1OWZjZmMxNDhiIiwidCI6ImI4MGMzMDhjLWQwOGQtNGIwNy05MTVjLTExYTkyZDljYzZiZCIsImMiOjF9&pageName=ReportSectionde69c527748b082e3a08



support of CRS’ DFSA. This is the type of mixed livelihood portfolios that will sustain CRS

DFSA interventions as part of the exit strategy. Furthermore, marketing materials for agro-

dealer continue to reinforce their visibility and community value as CRS’ DFSA distributed

1,526 fliers to FTC/PTC, woreda and zonal sector offices and other community sites. Some

PSPs are supporting output marketing related to coffee purchasing and selling.

IO 2.2.2 Clients adopt improved agriculture and climate risk reducing management practices and

technologies:

128 LEW (11 females) led technical support and field demonstrations for LF/LH and follower

farmers as well as demonstrations at FTC/PTC in coordination with DA. LEW mentored LF/LH

on diverse crop and livestock techniques, marketing and business skill training. One noteworthy

accomplishment has been the uptake of PICS bags. For gender integration needs, the PICS bag

technology allows women to store and manage food stocks more effectively at household levels

while stifling post-harvest losses. Based on seasonality, different demonstration plots were

established for learning purposes on LF/LH farm-level plot and at FTC/PTC to enhance adult

learning outcomes. CRS’ DFSA functionalized demonstration plots by promoting crop, livestock

and NRM techniques such as multipurpose trees and improved seeds at 100 FTC/PTC (83% of

annual target). In addition to technique demonstrations, DFSA also promotes agricultural

technologies like PICS bags as noted above at community demonstrations. A total of 300 PICS

bags were provided to 100 FTC/PTC for demonstration purposes and 1,803 PICS bags were

distributed to LF/LH for the same reasons. The LFs will use the PICS bags for individual storage

purposes while FTCs will use them to regularly teach clients. To fortify the market linkage,

agro-dealers stock PICS bags to meet the growing demand. CRS’ DFSA developed and

distributed PICS bag job aids for DA, LEW, LF and other stakeholders.

Another critical linkage for the success of the CRS’ DFSA is the integration of irrigation under

Purpose 1 with strong agricultural technical capacity development under Purpose 2 and then,

informed by nutritional, gender and youth needs under Purpose 3 and SPX. A total of 714

PSNP and non-PSNP households including 110 female-led diversified their incomes due to 154

ha of irrigated land. The production of different cash crops including vegetables with increased

harvests has been a strong benefit to farmers. Farmers have also used irrigation borders for live

fencing and related to forage options. In Y4, 26 LEW (1 female) led improved and certified

forage production and management on irrigated land accompanied by field demonstrations from

Haramaya University and Adami Tulu Research Center. This added technical support aimed at

diversifying the use of small-scale irrigation schemes for improved livestock production while

mitigating climate shocks and stresses. The technical initiatives were then cascaded to 30 LF and

15 LG including 219 members (103 females) to kebeles with additional irrigation potential who

are willing to allocate land for forage production. Mercy Corps provided three types of

improved and certified forage seed to LF/LH.

Purpose 3: PLW and CU5 have improved nutritional status

SP 3.1: PLW and CU5 use preventative and curative MCHN services

In FY20, 74% of referred cases of acute malnutrition received treatment (148% of annual

target), representing an increase of 37% from FY19. CRS switched from reporting this indicator

using routine data, which proved unreliable, to annual survey data in FY19 and readjusted FY20

targets to 50% accordingly, so targets may have been set too low in this transition, leading to



overperformance. However, it should be recognized that CRS’ DFSA has invested in several

activities, listed below, to support malnutrition screenings, referrals and treatment.

Such activities include the CRS DFSA-led Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition

(CMAM) training using Ministry of Health (MoH) CMAM guidelines for 33 health facility

workers (HFWs) (11 females) (59% of annual target) in order to increase their knowledge and

skills in screening, managing and monitoring acute malnutrition cases among children under five

and PLW including admissions criteria and government treatment protocol. This training was

unfortunately only conducted in MCS, as the HCS-led training was disrupted by COVID-19 and

will be completed in FY21. The training resulted in improving HFW ability to identify children

and PLWs with acute malnutrition and provide required care and support including relevant

nutritional information. As a practical outcome from this training, the annual report found that

of the 13,750 children referred for malnutrition treatment, 10,216 children were successfully

treated, meaning 74% of referred cases were treated (49% of annual target). For comparison,

only 37% of referred cases were treated in FY19. This shows that the referral system and

treatment protocols are more effective in FY20 due in part to comprehensive DFSA efforts.

Furthermore, CRS’ DFSA continued to distribute and monitor the use of bidirectional referral

slips at 275 health facilities for tracking referrals between health posts, health centers, and back.

This year, CRS’ DFSA produced 2,640 referral pads in both Afaan Oromo and Amharic and

distributed them to health facilities (69% of annual target). The number of pads distributed is

lower than the annual target due to the fact that CRS and partners quickly assessed gaps in

referral pad coverage at the beginning of FY20 and found that roughly 2,600 pads would be

enough to fill all needs, instead of the originally estimated 3,810 pads. Following the distribution,

project officers and experts conducted frequent monitoring visits to HFs and observed that

most are effectively utilizing the referral slip pads. Referral pads utilization is improving health

post to health center linkages.

Annual survey data of PSNP clients revealed 1,593 live births had attended at least four

antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy (18% of annual target). This indicator is low since

the annual survey did not include non-PSNP clients but focused only on PSNP ones even from

PSNP kebeles; however, this data reveals only 20% of all live births surveyed had attended four

ANC visits. Some analysis for this underperformance is that COVID-19 disrupted health

services and discouraged people from seeking them out.

IO 3.1.1: PLW and care givers of CU5 have increased belief that utilizing MCHN services will result in

health improvements for themselves and their children

In FY20, the percentage of pregnant and lactating women and caregivers of children under 5

who agree that using MCHN services would lead to improved health and nutrition status was

80% (114% of annual target). Achievement in this indicator is a result of the trainings for HFW

and HEW to improve the quality of health/nutrition services and to support routine extension

activities like cooking demonstrations and new activities like CCFLS, as well as integration with

other CRS activities like DiNER Fairs and collaboration with Growth Through Nutrition.



Output 3.1.1.2: PLW and Caregivers of CU5 participate in positive role models’ demonstration of

health-seeking behavior outcomes in their communities

MoH is not actively following up on the model family program except in Dire Dawa due to

political changes affecting HDA’s performance. In fact, Woreda Health Offices and supervising

health centers do not prioritize model family activities. In FY20, 124 positive role model families

were trained in IYCF and/or MCHN and recognized in public forums with Woreda Health

Office representatives and HEWs (107% of annual target). These model families have pit

latrines, homestead gardens, attend BCC/ENA /EHA sessions, and participate in cooking

demonstration sessions. In addition, the recognized model families in Dire Dawa are known for

working in close collaboration with HEW and HDA to improve community and facility-based

quality health extension services.

IO 3.1.2: GoE have improved quality MCHN services

Output 3.1.2.1 MCHN service providers implement protocols that support growth

CRS DFSA MCHN experts, together with Woreda Health Offices, provided mentoring and

supportive supervision to HEW to enhance implementation, PHC improvements and nutrition

service demands, effective documentation, and related on-job MCHN trainings to 51 health

centers and 180 health posts. Supportive supervision includes the use of checklists for MoH

system strengthening for PHC improvements, nutrition service demands, effective

documentation, and related job trainings on MCHN. In addition, the progress on Minimum

Activity for Mothers and Newborns (MAMAN), Adolescent and Maternal Infant and Young

Child Nutrition (AMIYN), Community Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), and

referral linkages between health facilities are also evaluated and supported. Mentoring focused

on the implementation of Adolescent and Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (AMIYN),

CMAM, and referral linkages between health facilities. The support also identified performance

gaps and corrective action plans while enhancing integration and collaboration of all sectors at

the community level. CRS’ DFSA, with 40 HFW supervisors, coached 46 HFW and 320 HEW

to maintain strong institutional and field level performance.

In addition, CRS’ DFSA conducted joint supportive supervision visits to 96 health facilities

(HFs), of which 41% reached the standard supervision score (70% was the annual target). This

supports the explanation that the health system was stressed because of COVID-19 and

routine supportive supervision activities were disrupted. Moreover, evidence showed that

DFSA supported woredas were determined to be the top MCHN & WASH activity performer

woredas compared to non-DFSA supported woredas. Some of the assessed WASH activities

include ODF communities stemming from CLTSH, EHA targets and latrine coverage. For

example, for health and nutrition service delivery and coverage, Negele Arsi was ranked first in

FY20 among the woredas in West Arsi Zone by zonal health offices.

Output 3.1.2.3: GoE Extension Agents and MCHN Service Providers know optimal nutrition behaviors

and local threats to optimal nutrition.

CRS’ DFSA led several capacity building trainings for 1,208 Woreda Health Office staff, HEW,

HFW, and HDAs including 589 females (32% of annual target) for the number of individuals

receiving nutrition related professional training through USG-supported programs.



Training/Participants Target

Achieved

– HCS

Achieved

- MCS

Total

achieved

%

achieved

Comment

NSA for DA/CHNP 250 90 0 90 36%

IMNCI 56 12 22 34 61%

ICCM 127 0 0 0 0%

Postponed to FY21 due to

COVID-19

CMAM 56 0 33 33 59%

OTP 127 0 0 0 0%

Postponed to FY21 due to

COVID-19

SBC/Counseling-HFW 68 28 0 28 41%

Adolescent Nutrition 360 80 33 113 31%

CCFLS 206 129 151 280 135%

Partners intentionally invited

additional Woreda counterparts

in addition to the HEW/CHNP

originally targeted, hence the

overperformance

CLTSH 145 103 85 188 130%

CHAST 44 29 0 29 65%

Speaking Books (IP staff,

WHO/HFs staff) 117 48 19 67 57%

MicroFlush Technology 40 292 158 452 900%

Total participants 1596 865 343 1208 75%

SP 3.2: Households have enhanced practice of optimal healthy behaviors

The percentage of female direct beneficiaries of USG nutrition-sensitive agriculture activities

consuming a diet of minimum diversity was 13% (89% of annual target). Despite not reaching

the annual target this year, this is an 8% increase since FY19. Comparing FY20 to FY19, the

following food groups were consumed more frequently in FY20: vitamin A-rich dark leafy

greens, fruits, dairy, nuts/seeds, and eggs. The following food groups were consumed less

frequently in FY20: meat and beans/peas. Grain consumption remained the same. The significant

increase of fruit, vegetables, diary, and eggs shows that dietary diversity demonstrations by

CCFLS, homestead gardens, DiNER Fairs, poultry technical trainings and other integrated

Purpose1 and 2 efforts are taking hold.

IO 3.2.1: PLW and caregivers of CU5 have increased knowledge and skills relating to optimal healthy

behaviors

One key health behavior promoted is handwashing at the five critical moments. The annual

survey reported 37% of caregivers know all five critical handwashing moments (67% of annual

target). This decreased by 11% from FY19. Some analysis suggests that COVID-19 shifted

messages away from the five critical handwashing times and just focused on more frequent

COVID-19 related handwashing while not highlighting the specific moments. In essence,

COVID-19 has blurred some of the key handwashing messages and the awareness of the five

key moments may have been drowned out. This will be further analyzed in FY21 and the



messages including the COVID-19 hotline will be more defined between COVID-19 and critical

handwashing moments. However, 15,979 individuals were reached with hygiene messages

related to COVID-19 efforts which was further cascaded through handwashing demos at FDPs,

DiNER Fairs, and other DFSA sites. Moreover, 65% of visited households had soap and water at

a handwashing station (650% of annual target). This indicator improved significantly from FY19,

when only 2% of households had a handwashing station with soap and water.

Output 3.2.1.1: Pregnant and lactating women and caregivers of children under 5 trained in and

received coaching on nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific practices and behaviors.

In FY20, 20,532 children under 5 were reached with nutrition specific interventions (124% of

annual target), including SBCC sessions on essential IYCF behaviors, malnutrition screening, and

referrals for malnutrition treatment. CRS’ DFSA also reached 4,474 women who attended

cooking demonstrations through the health extension program or CCFLS. CRS switched from

reporting these indicators from routine data, which proved unreliable in the past, to reporting

using annual survey data in FY19 and readjusted FY20 targets accordingly, so revised targets

may not have been realistically set, given the unreliability of previous data. However, both

indicators increased between FY19 and FY20, and so CRS DFSA increased efforts around

capacity strengthening of HEWs, CHNPs’ additional support to HEWs, cooking

demonstrations, and CCFLS have strengthened the scale and quality of nutrition specific

interventions.

Furthermore, CCFLS trainings were delivered to 280 HEWs and CHNPS (112 female) to scale

up its approach (135% of annual target). CRS’ DFSA ended up training additional Woreda

Health Office staff and HEWs due to turnover, which elevated the achievement against the

annual target. Trained CHNP and HEW registered 2,188 CU2 (21% of annual target). Of the

CU2 registered, 1,925 completed at least 10 of the 12 days (88%). HEWs and CHNPs also

registered 1,364 PLW (13% of annual target). Of those PLW enrolled, 1,104 (81%) completed

all 6 days. CCFLS implementation was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic when the

government initially closed all community gatherings, so there were several months in which no

CCFLS took place, limiting performance against the annual targets, listed above. When GoE

approved limited group activities, CCFLS gradually restarted with a maximum of only 10

participants. CRS’ DFSA is in the process of remobilizing all CHNPs and will address CCFLS

gaps in FY2.

However, CRS’ DFSA notes the positive trend in CCFLS registered completion rates with 88%

of CU2 and 81% of PLW indicating they value cooking practices and peer learning while

enrolled in CCFLS. Also, the majority of enrolled children have gained more than 250g over the

course of the sessions, which is a positive sign, and IPs and Woreda Health Office staff have

also noted from observational follow-up visits that caregivers utilize the improved practices

during follow-up visits. Current CCFLS challenges are low adherence to CHNP home visit

follow up after sessions, and since the COVID-19 disruption, there has been inconsistency with

CHNP performance. In FY21, CRS’ DFSA will address both gaps with more CHNP trainings

and prioritize home visits.

Training on adolescent nutrition was conducted for 113 HEWs and teachers (53 female) (31%

of annual target) to support schools nutrition club activities. Supported by the HEWs, trained



teachers facilitated the establishment of 10 new school nutrition clubs with 300 member

students (150 females). CRS’ DFSA started the trainings in Q1 and early in Q2 and planned to

conduct regular adolescent nutrition club activities throughout the rest of the year; however, all

schools were closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 which in turn, negatively impacted this

intervention and its targets.

Output 3.2.1.2: GoE Extension Agents lead communities to identify and mitigate environmental risks to

health and growth

The number of children under two reached with community-level nutrition interventions was

6,855 (62% of annual target). Because many community-level activities were disrupted due to

COVID-19, target underperformance was expected. However, with GoE changes to meeting

rules in late FY20, CRS’ DFSA restarted some community-level activities like CCFLS, which will

be further reinvigorated in FY21 to improve this indicator in the future.

CLTSH facilitator training was given to139 HEWs and government experts (47 females) (137%

of annual target) on CLTSH techniques, triggering and post triggering procedures in Deder,

Melka Belo, Babile, Dire Dawa and Midega Tola. CLTSH triggering was accomplished in 13

kebeles in Deder, Midega Tola, Melka Belo, Heben Arsi, Ziway Dugda and Shala. To strengthen

the sequencing of CLTSH after post-triggering monitoring, eighteen committees with 151

members (65 females) were strengthened in eighteen kebeles of Midega Tola, Babile, Deder and

Shala. These members improved their performance on roles and responsibilities around latrine

coverage, handwashing promotion at critical times and routine follow-up. As a result, these 18

kebeles have reached latrine coverage of 65% -95% and anticipate declaring ODF early in FY21.

To complement CLTSH, the Children Hygiene and Sanitation Training (CHAST) approach was

introduced to 29 teachers and DFSA Health and Nutrition experts (6 females) (65% of annual

target). After the training, CHAST tool kits were distributed to 12 schools but the approach

stalled due to COVID-19. It is anticipated that it will resume with modifications in FY21.

In partnership with Global Sustainable Aid Project (GSAP), CRS’ DFSA trained 452 toilet

makers, masons, Woreda Health Office and TVET staff (82 females). As part of the technical

toilet building training and enhance user adoption, 63 MicroFlush demo toilets were

constructed at accessible and visible institutions such as TVETs, schools, health posts, FDP and

kebeles admin offices. To support maker trainings, community mobilization and SME

development, 300 user maker manuals, 300 valve manuals and 300 marketing bookmarks were

distributed for use in Afaan Oromo. Also, prior to COVID-19, rapid field assessments informed

the design of SBC materials for better adoption progress. The new SBC materials increase

awareness of the innovative MicroFlush toilet technology. MicroFlush is a simplified and

improved sanitation technology that enables target communities to own durable, affordable and

user-friendly toilets with its own handwashing unit. To layer with CLTSH, MicroFlush addresses

the supply side of improved sanitation through a sustainable market-based approach from

CLTSH-demand creation. The expansion of MicroFlush with its cadre of toilet makers as an off-

farm business opportunity has slowed due to COVID-19 but a microfinance strategy has been

developed to spur business plans and more accessible WASH inputs to households in FY21.



Following JSMR recommendations, increased water scheme development and WASHCo

strengthening were prioritised to increase access to safe water. CRS’ DFSA is undertaking six

additional water source development and rehabilitation projects by developing five springs in

Melka Belo, Deder, Dire Dawa and Heben Arsi. One borehole rehabilitation in Ziway Dugda is

near completion. All of these initiatives will be operational in Q1-FY21 benefitting 24,550

individuals or 4,910 HHs to access safe water within 1km reducing normal travel which can

exceed 6 hours (round trip). This improved access will provide sufficient and safe water for

hygiene, cooking, cleaning and sanitation. The time and work burden on women and girls will be

reduced so that girls will attend school and mothers can devote more time to uptake of

improve MCHN practices such as exclusive breastfeeding. To leverage these investments, CRS

is developing synergies with other WASH activities in overlapping HCS woredas particularly in

Babile where there will be mutual reinforcement of access to safe water. In FY 20, CRS’ DFSA

identified the need for 7 schemes. After discussing with another CRS privately-funded project

that overlaps in a few DFSA woredas, DFSA assumed responsibility for completing 6 schemes,

while the other project managed 2 schemes. Therefore, a total of 8 new schemes were

developed by or in collaboration with DFSA in FY 20, surpassing the initial target of 7. The 6

DFSA-responsible schemes are 80% completed at the end of FY 20 and will be fully operational

by the end of Q1 FY 21. The following table details the water schemes.

Access to Safe Water Progress Table

Woreda Kebele Scheme # of

beneficiaries

Heben Arsi Ambagoda Sede Spring development with multi-village distribution 5,700

Deder Lemen Welteha and

Ifa Bas

Spring development with multi-village distribution 7,000

Melka Belo Biftu Oromia Spring development with multi-village distribution 1,600

Mulisa Haka Spring development with multi-village distribution 1,850

Dire Dawa Debele Spring development with multi-village distribution 1,900

Ziway Dugda Adele Lepo Deep borehole rehabilitation with multi-village

distribution

6,500

Babile Nejata Gemechis (two

different schemes in

one kebele)

Two shallow boreholes (one with hand pump and

one motorized pump)

5,213

Total 29,763

Water quality testing has been conducted for 20 water schemes in Dire Dawa, Melka Belo,

Deder, Babile, Shala, Negele Arsi, Heben Arsi and Ziway Dugda in collaboration with GoE zonal

Health and Water Office trained experts. The water quality test parameters include physical,

chemical and biological elements. The test includes the major parameters specifically Arsenic,

Fluoride, Nitrate, EC, TDS, PH, Turbidity, and fecal coliform. Oher parameters such as

sulphate, carbonate, Manganese, Chloride, Sodium, Total Iron were also tested. All chemical

tests except Arsenic were conducted at a government laboratory (Ethiopian Public Health

Institution lab in Addis Ababa). The arsenic test which is not available at governmental labs was

undertaken at a private Lab (Bless Agri-food Lab in Addis Ababa). Biological testing has been

undertaken by trained government and DFSA staff using Government and CRS Pota-lab kits.

The samples were taken from tap at water points and reservoirs. All schemes are protected.

The types of schemes that were tested were boreholes and spring development. Biological tests

were conducted twice in FY20. All schemes were deemed to be safe for chemical ranges but a



few had tested positive for E. coli. Water sources with E. coli have been treated with calcium

hypochlorite. CRS’ DFSA provided chlorine residual test kits to both HCS and MCS to assess

chlorination levels within acceptable ranges. To prevent future contamination, with the

collaboration of community leaders and local GoE experts, an environmental risk assessment

and mitigation strategy was employed to stop open defecation in the upper catchment and

around water sources and improved live fencing for better animal segregation.

Output 3.2.2.2: Households have increased access to inputs for optimal healthy behaviors and

households grow nutrient-rich foods

CRS’ DFSA trained 206 DA, LEW and CHNP (61 female) and 23 HFW (2 female) in homestead

gardening techniques using SURE NSA curriculum’s section. In addition, CRS’ DFSA distributed

diverse vegetable seeds to targeted PLW and caregivers of malnourished children discharged

from a therapeutic feeding program to support 3,184 households (1,175 FHHs) (96% of annual

target) leading to 2,204 home gardens (55% of annual target). Vegetable seed varieties are

carrot, cabbage, lettuce and beet root and afterwards, these same households are linked to

agro-dealers once they understand the value of the new seeds.

Distribution of 2,929 Speaking Books (29% of annual target) to CHNPs, HEWs, and HDA, and

teachers, LEWs, and SILC FAs, did not meet targets due to COVID-19 disruptions. The

remaining 7,071 will be distributed in Q1-FY21. However, with the initial distribution, CRS’

DFSA organized meetings to review its use and perceptions. From GoE stakeholders, IP staff

and community leaders, the targeted communities are very satisfied with this tool. GoE

Woreda Health Office staff commented that Speaking Books help trigger individuals to adopt

and maintain healthy behaviors. In addition, CRS’ DFSA trained 67 IP and GoE MCHN staff and

orientation sessions for 528 frontline workers (244 HEWs, 134 CAs, 50 CHNPs, 45 teachers,

20 LEWs, HDAs and 35 SILC FAs) (279 females) (9% of annual target).

IO 3.2.3: Women have improved access to and control of HH and community resources (Linked to IO

X 1.2, P1 and P2)

Output 3.2.3.1: Women from PSNP client households exempted from public work according to PSNP IV

guidelines

COVID-19 disrupted the roll-out of FY19’s Design for Behavior Change (DBC) strategy for

TDS registration, leading to only 25% of eligible TDS clients registering. The hope is that in

FY21 there could be more robust TDS enrollment in conjunction with the strategy; CRS will

print and distribute new job aids to HEWs and DAs and follow up through coaching and

mentoring and supportive supervision to ensure TDS referrals are occurring. Purpose 3 staff

will also collaborate with Purpose 1 staff to ensure the entire WFSTF/KFSTF members are

aware of TDS to support HEWs/DAs in their responsibilities. One positive aspect for TDS

eligibility was the overall PW exemption for all PSNP clients. This reduced concerns about

health dangers, excessive workloads and time management strain in FY20. TDS registration will

be a high priority in FY21 to maintain this needed PW waiver.

Sub IO 3.2.3.2: Men contributed to household tasks

The percentage of married women 15-49 years reporting that their husbands help with the

household chores was 73% (113% of annual target). The reason for this achievement is the

continued success of joint SPX and CRS DFSA Purpose activities, like Community Conversation



(CC) groups or the Faithful House/Islamic Faithful House (THF/IFH), in engaging couples and

sensitizing them on joint decision making and sharing of responsibilities.

SPX1: Women and youth have increased access to and control of community and household resources

Participation and access to productive economic resources by women has been significantly

increasing from 2019 due to CRS DFSA’s strong integration between the different sectors.

Accordingly, the percentage of women accessing productive economic resources increased by

27% is related to TFH/IFL and CCG, % of women access to savings micro-finance or lending

programs increased by 26% due to SILC and % of women who practiced the value chain

activities promoted by the project increased by 34% because of the increasing number of MGs.

In FY20, integrating gender and youth continued. Fair targeting for livelihood activities, equal

participation in different structures, ensuring women are taking advantage of PSNP PIM

provisions related to PW, inclusive targeting and women preference for activities like functional

adult literacy and improving youth and women leadership skills all remain priorities. CRS’ DFSA

has focused on the prevention of HTP/GBV as integral to enhancing women and youth’s access

to and control over HH and community resources. If women and youth are protected, feel less

vulnerable and participate in decision-making, they can benefit from productive asset

management, because of their improved well-being. To complement this, CRS’ DFSA layered

different capacity strengthening activities customized to different government stakeholders at

various levels (woreda and kebele), frontline staff and community leaders. The intention is for

systemic change to occur so that HTP/GBV incidences are prevented and risks are mitigated

appropriately through community education and to some extent supporting response through

facilitating linkage and referral mechanisms. Forming a support network for women and youth

has provided needed protection and opportunities for change.

To bolster priorities and interventions, CRS’ DFSA conducted three assessments in FY20:

Community Conversation Group Assessment; Access to Finance for Women and Youth; and

Disability. As part of the first phase of the Community Conversation Group Assessment, the

main objective was to evaluate the performance of CCGs to identify, analyze and address

community challenges. By using their platform, CRS’ DFSA wanted to understand how

influencing needed behavior changes in their communities resulted in achievements and the

sustainability of SPX initiatives linked to the ToC. There were dual purposes to using the

assessment findings: 1) identify and probe emerging negative practices and threats, and adjust

the approach, as necessitated, to maximize the impact of CCGs; and 2) provide evidence to

innovate future interventions. SenseMaker, an innovative qualitative data collection and analysis

tool, was applied to conduct interviews with CCG facilitators, members and non-members.

Some initial findings include the following: CCGs are functioning well, representing diverse

social groups reflecting a gender-sensitive and voluntary-based approach; CCGs are inclusive,

demonstrate integrity and foster participatory approaches; in many sites, CCGs have reduced

HTP to positively alter the lives of girls and young women while introducing equity and equality

topics; CCG members adopted new behaviors such as male engagement with household

chores, sharing household decision-making and using dialogue for resolving household



differences and promoted secondary adoption among friends, peers, and family members; and

CCG members are committed to sustaining the CCGs beyond the current DFSA.

The first-phase assessment report will be finalized and shared with BHA in Q1-FY21 and the

second and final phase of the assessment will evaluate the advances achieved through the

implementation of the CC approach.

CRS’ DFSA and LRO conducted an assessment to identify barriers for women and youth in

accessing financial tools and services. One key finding reaffirmed the value of SILC stating SILC

groups were effective in meeting the financial needs of the respondents. An action plan was

developed that informs FY21 DIPs for both projects. Some work plan recommendations include

developing strategies to engage with the poorest clients to offer special financial products and

to collaborate with private sector actors. Furthermore, a thorough assessment is required to

evaluate the talent and interest of the youth for financial support.

In collaboration with Humanity and Inclusion (HI), the primary objective of the disability

assessment was to form and strengthen inclusion efforts based on current performance and

responsiveness analysis. Some of the initial findings conclude that disability design and

implementation interventions need a clearer focus to hone in on needs, targets and integration.

The MEAL system needs to make provisions to account for disability data for easier

disaggregation and decision-making. Consultations with persons with disabilities need to be

more frequent in order to address stigmas, negative behaviors and exclusion.

IOX. 1.1: Rural women and youth have increased their ability to make meaningful decisions and choices

for their lives

Scaling up CC groups continued strongly in FY20 with clear achievements. CC members serve

as a bridge between the communities and government structures and advocate issues decided

at the CCG to be part of the kebele development plans especially in terms of planning gender

sensitive social infrastructures and allocating adequate budgets for woreda women affairs to

support their efforts in addressing gender and youth issues in their communities. In FY20, 74

adult CCGs with 2,960 members (1,486 females) were formed (97.3% of the annual target). A

total of 240 CC leaders and CAs (98 female) (105% of annual target) in DFSA woredas were

trained on the CCG facilitators guide and started regular CCG facilitation sessions until they

were interrupted by COVID-19. Despite this pause, remote strengthening and follow-up

continued of previously established CCGs to ensure the sustainability of positive changes in the

members themselves as well as their communities. CCG members shared their positive

experiences with equitable domestic activities among husbands and wives, joint decision making,

better conflict resolution and GBV/HTP reduction as indicated in the assessment described

above. Also, in FY20, 49 PWDs (21 females) (91% of the annual target) were targeted for

CCGs as members and furthermore, 9 (3 females) of them were nominated as CCGs

facilitators. As reported by the selected PWDs, their self-confidence has increased, and

disability issues have been added to CCG agendas leading to more PWD community

acceptance.

Learning from prior experiences when youth participation was smothered and not enough

attention was given to their issues, CRS’ DFSA also created separate youth CCGs using the



existing youth platforms such as YLG and school clubs to designate their own forums for time,

space, resources, and solutions devoted to their causes. In FY20, 41 youth CCGs with 1,621

members (756 females) were established. Like adult CCGs, each youth CCG nominated two

group leaders/facilitators (1 male and 1 female) who were trained as facilitators to start their

own groups. Youth CCGs also promote youth leadership skills, strengthen the pursuit of

employment through counseling and mentoring and serve as community volunteers.

CRS’ DFSA identified and trained 93 young male gender champions (103% of the annual target)

who demonstrated community experience with the promotion of gender equality. To

strengthen their commitment, they were recognized using different events including

International Women’s Day and Youth Day to share their motivation and best practices with

role model couples, prominent businesswomen, woreda government sector leads and

community members from different PSNP and non-PSNP kebeles.

Another FY20 milestone was the increase of youth volunteers. CRS’ DFSA mobilized and

trained 601 youth volunteers in FY20 (318 male and 183 female) (100% of annual target) on

volunteerism and COVID-19 prevention strategies. From the same pool, CRS’ DFSA recruited

19 college-graduate volunteers (15 males and 4 females) to facilitate youth CCG discussions

about their experiences. In East Hararghe, 210 youth volunteers (63 females) were assigned

based on their skills and interest including tree planting as part of the GoE Green Legacy

Program. This was a strong integration outcome between SPX and Purpose 1 where 16,706

tree and fruit seedling were planted in selected watersheds. In the Central Rift Valley, 30

volunteers collaborated with LEWs, DAs, and CAs, to help prepare FTCs demo sites and

showcase the use of different fodder plants and crops. These volunteers learned about forage

development, soil fertility and diverse technologies. In the broader community, the same

volunteers constructed keyhole gardens, renovated elderly houses, and collected school

materials for vulnerable students in their respective villages. The total value of the volunteer

labor and contributions is estimated at $24,747 using minimal wage rates as a base of

calculation. In addition to self- satisfaction and community recognition, 25 youth volunteers

secured permanent jobs in five HCS woreda sector offices.

As part of COVID-19 adaptations, youth volunteers were instrumental as community agents to

battle its spread. Through community education and material distributions, youth volunteers

actively encouraged the communities to manage new COVID-19 protocols. CRS’ DFSA also

developed key youth dissemination messages that integrated COVID-19 education while

producing 2,500 materials and 800 T-shirts to broadcast them using various platforms including

DiNER Fairs, schools, youth centers, International Youth Day events and other community

gathering places.

To further scale-up youth volunteerism, CRS and Mercy Corps provided a refresher training on

volunteerism to 9 participants (all male) from the CRS DFSA youth team and Woreda Women

Child and Youth Office experts to enhance their knowledge and skills in volunteer mobilization

and management. As a result, the additional 601 youth volunteers, noted above, were mobilized

and trained in all DFSA woredas. The increased youth engagement in volunteerism has created

opportunities for their participation in community decisions and enhanced their social capital

and perception.



In addition, CRS and Mercy Corps conducted a consultative workshop with GoE stakeholders

to integrate the DFSA youth volunteerism initiatives into existing government youth

development centers to institutionalize and sustain youth volunteerism. The workshop was

attended by 26 participants (5 female) including from the Woreda Women, Children and Youth

Affairs, Sport Commission, Youth Development Center managers and community youth

volunteers of Dire Dawa and East Hararghe woredas. At the conclusion of the training,

participants developed an action plan to institutionalize youth volunteer activities in local youth

centers and will accordingly start registering and engaging volunteers in the centers in FY21.

To improve youth skills in project design, resource mobilization and social entrepreneurship,

CRS and Mercy Corps has developed training guidelines and job aids. Unfortunately, because of

COVID-19, these tools were not introduced in FY20; however, with necessary precautions,

300 youth will be trained in Q1-FY21.

Output X.1.1.2: Men, women, boys and girls trained in and mentored on improved interpersonal

communication skills

CRS’ DFSA established 70 new school gender clubs with 3,550 members (50 % girls) (91% of

annual target). Each club has 1 male and 1 female mentor or teacher and then, one boy and one

girl leader who are responsible to lead regular club discussions. Club mentors were trained in

Q2 but the training was not cascaded to club leaders due to COVID-19 restrictions and school

lockdowns and so this has been shifted to FY21. The purpose of gender clubs is to enhance

boys’ and girls’ communication and leadership skills, improve their knowledge of different

gender and youth related issues as well as strengthen their interpersonal and group

relationships. Moreover, gender clubs also spur further learning among school communities as

well as their families. To support these clubs, materials such as sanitary pads, stationaries,

megaphones were purchased but not distributed yet due to school closures. In addition to

establishing new school gender clubs, CRS’ DFSA has been strengthening those clubs

established in the previous years through refresher trainings and material support.

Based on lessons learned and feedback in FY19 of multi modular Girls Club Toolkit (GCTK) &

Boys Club Toolkit (BCTK), CRS’ DFSA adjusted the toolkit design to integrate debate sessions

as an additional experience-sharing platform to initiate relevant conversations in the new kits.

Through this process, youth will enhance self-expression, develop inquiry habits and pursue a

deeper understanding of key issues. School closures have delayed distributions to Q1-FY211st

quarter of FY21.

To ensure the effective implementation of the toolkits, right before the COVID-19 outbreak,

CCL delivered a Communications Essentials Training for 228 club mentors, school directors

and education office representatives (157 males and 71 females) (95% of the annual target). The

training enhanced the leadership capacity of teachers and school directors to manage gender

clubs effectively with toolkits. Additionally, the training has secured support from school

directors and woreda education representatives through their cooperation and understanding.

As a result, the participants identified common communication barriers that hinder club

effectiveness In FY21, CRS’ DFSA will develop an implementation strategy for GCTK and BCTK

based on COVID-19 protocols and MoH/MoE regulations.



This toolkit strategy will also be informed by the FY20 completed rapid assessment combined

with regular field monitoring to address barriers and technical support needs. In the meantime,

CCL has designed and undertaken frequent mentoring support to all clubs in HCS woredas but

it was interrupted in MCS due to COVID-19. In East Hararghe, club mentors and members

indicated that mentoring support has clarified roles, responsibilities and understanding of the

toolkit. Implementing GCTK & BCTK requires teamwork, adequate time management and

consensus. Therefore, club mentors agreed to share gender club visons and directions to

stakeholders including club member families, school directors and the wider school community.

Audio Toolkits (ATK) that were distributed in the previous years were being used by

community groups such as SILC and LG until COVID-19 suspended their use. However, as an

adaptation, CRS and CCL customized an implementation strategy that centered on households

teamed with a facilitation guide for frontline agents. This added tool gave them the option to

implement the ATK at both community and household levels. The orientation to both the

strategy and guide was conducted for 9 woreda gender experts and it will be cascaded to ATK

facilitators at kebele level in FY21. Notwithstanding COVID-19 challenges, CRS’ DFSA designed

and delivered 200 ATK that use radio dramas and a narrator to facilitate learning. To make

further improvements, the ATK design adjustment integrates real life client stories as the

central aspect of learning and incorporates new scripts based on true change stories collected

from the DFSA woredas. The redesign will be ready for use in Q1-FY21.

In FY20, CRS and CCL produced two videos focusing on DiNER Fairs and youth volunteers.

Produced in Afaan Oromo, the videos aim to inspire the wider community to engage in peer

learning to volunteer, consume healthier diets and combat HTPs. They showcase personal

change stories and serve as an experience sharing platform. As an SBC tool, the videos will be

broadcasted at FDPs, health posts and other DFSA sites in FY21.

TFH/IFH curricula ToT refresher training was given to 20 selected couples representing all

DFSA woredas. These trained couples then conducted workshops on TFH/IFH to 71 couples

(79% of annual target) who are responsible to practice and cascade the training to other peer

couples and community members. Some of the workshop participants couples (15) have

cascaded the training further to 106 couples (12% of annual target). The cascading will continue

into Q1-FY 21. CRS’ DFSA shortened the facilitators manual to make it more user friendly and

printed 1,523 copies (84.6 % of annual target) of the TFH/IFH couple handbook (83% of annual

target) which is being distributed to participants.

In FY20, 14 model couples (28% of annual target) shared their positive experiences in TFH/IFH

to 653 participants (473 females/180 males) at the International Women’s Day celebration in

MCS woredas. Their experiences focused on how to solve family problems, create good family

relationships, foster a savings culture, improve their standard of living, support women

leadership positions and contribute to the reduction of GBV. TFH/IFH has resulted in positive

changes on women’s participation in decision making, couple communication, female value

recognition on the household and community acceptance as role models. To validate these

observations and subjective evidence from regular field reporting, an assessment on the impact

of TFH/IFH curricula was planned in FY20 but was postponed to FY21 due to COVID-19.



O X.1.1.3 Capacity building of key woreda stakeholders: Women and Children, Sport and Youth offices

and WFSTF members

To acknowledge their contributions and spark their leadership potential, CRS’ DFSA recognized

110 successful women leaders (88% of annual target) for their excellent leadership in

community structures. These women leaders shared their experiences at the IWD celebrations

in different woredas. The events were organized to support women to be more influential

leaders and inspire other women and youth. The focus of the experience sharing was rooted in

how women leaders improved their lives by participating in different income generating

activities, better decision-making, improved problem solving and strong time management. 653

participants (473 females/180 males) attended the experience sharing events. Participant

feedback indicated that encouraging women to take leadership positions should be the

responsibility of everyone including men, religious, and community leaders.

Early in FY20, CRS’ DFSA conducted gender and youth integration trainings for 72 relevant

woreda GoE staff (30 females) (111% of annual target). Etched with follow-up action plans, the

trainings enhanced the knowledge, skills and practices of key woreda staff to collaborate and

integrate more effectively. HCS also conducted a training for 44 Woreda Food Security Task

Force (WFSTF) (5 females) on PSNP-PIM gender and youth provisions so that there is better

adherence and compliance with DAs and HEWs.

Output X.1.1.4: Women and youth trained in and received coaching on improved leadership,

negotiation and life skills

To further empower women and youth leaders, another CRS DFSA benchmark has been the

continuity of the functional adult literacy (FAL) program in all target woredas. A total of 1,555

participants (165 males) (97% of annual target) for 1st cycle classes and 834 participants (95

males) (104% of the annual target) for the 2nd cycle had registered. With 48 trained functional

literacy facilitators (17 female) (96% of annual target) set and collaborating with respective

woreda education office experts, classes were halted because of COVID-19. As a response,

CRS’ DFSA adjusted its approach from in-person classes to home schooling with East Hararghe

zone education office and developed self-learning booklets in Afaan Oromo. 4,000 booklets

were printed and distributed to 1st and 2nd cycle participants. Teamed with an implementation

guide, the booklets also include brief COVID-19. The innovative self-learning approach has been

positively received by program participants and government stakeholders.

IO X.1.2: Community systems and structures increased participation of women and youth in equitable

decision-making

Output X.1.2.1: Community Leaders Oriented to Facilitate Equitable Decision-making

To sustain equitable decision making and access to and control over resources by women and

youth while improving male engagement in household activities, CRS’ DFSA continues to use

various capacity building interventions among different stakeholders. In FY20, CRS’ DFSA led

social and gender norms trainings to 70 community leaders (13 females) (37% of the annual

target) in East Hararghe. From the training, traditional leaders are regularly influencing

community members to produce positive attitudinal and behavioral changes. Similarly, CRS’

DFSA conducted trainings for 40 traditional leaders (8 females) on youth engagement and

decision-making roles. The objective of the training was to create awareness among traditional



leaders on the importance of youth participation and contributions in their community

development to spur youth friendly community structures and acceptance.

Based on community mapping exercises and capacity assessments conducted in FY19, capacity

strengthening plans for different community structures under different DFSA purposes were

developed. Each purpose has included the recommended actions in FY21. The assessment

provided analysis of current practices and capacity gaps of selected community structures

including Watershed Committees, Irrigation-User Committees, YLGs, SILC groups, CCG, and

School Gender Clubs. Linked to more community actions and as part of COVID-19 responses,

CRS’ DFSA led community mobilization and engagement trainings to assist with COVID-19

related actions. Various topics including COVID-19 risk assessment and mitigation measure

were directed at community leaders to adhere to recommendations from MoH and WHO.

Output X.1.2.2: Events held with GoE woreda Level Institutions and Community Structures to

Promote Rural Women and Youth to take Leadership Role in Community Initiatives.

In FY20, DFSA celebrated three key annual events to recognize the importance of women and

youth participation in all sectors and to reduce barriers for women and youth. The 16 Days of

Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was celebrated in all DFSA woredas.

International Women’s Day (IWD) was also celebrated by HCS on March 8 in collaboration

with East Hararghe Zone and Dire Dawa Administration Area Officers. Different panel

discussions were organized for issues like women empowerment, gender and youth issues,

networking, partnership and GBV. Similarly, MCS celebrated IWD with the theme of “Each for

Equality; An equal world is an enabled world.” A total of 653 participants (473 female and 180

male) have attended the IWD event in MCS woredas.

CRS’ DFSA also celebrated International Youth Day with the theme “Youth Engagement for

Global Action” with 1,237 participants (440 female) and other key stakeholders. The purpose of

the celebration was to acknowledge the role of female and male youth as essential partners to

economic and social changes and to raise awareness of youth challenges. Planting 16,140 tree

seedlings, donating 59 units of blood by youth to the Ethiopian Blood Bank and an orientation

on COVID-19 prevention measures were all results from the event.

Following recommendations in the CRS DFSA’s FY19 GBV assessment, three training guides for

DFSA staff, key stakeholders and community leaders were developed, translated into Afaan

Oromo and are being used by the frontline staff. These guides stem from a training to 72

service providers (28 females) (80% of annual target) on GBV services and referral systems to

GBV survivors. Woreda WC&Y, health, justice, police, and MOLSA offices were trained to

activate and/or comply with safety rules, minimize GBV impact and ensure effective protection

measures. In addition, CRS’ DFSA trained 130 community leaders (29 females) on HTP/GBV

prevention and response. These trained community leaders have started teaching their

respective local communities on the negative impact of HTP/GBV and the importance of strong,

safe and appropriate community responses to HTP/GBV.

Anticipating an increase in GBV/IPV during COVID-19, CRS’ DFSA developed and shared a

GBV/IPV strategy with key stakeholders. The strategy intends to prevent or minimize GBV/IPV

during COVID-19 using existing platforms and approaches including home visits and community



campaigns. The strategy focusses on potential causes for GBV/IPV during COVID-19 and the

transmission of messages and tips on how to prevent GBV/IPV incidences. GBV/IPV messages

were integrated in the COVID-19 messages and communicated to communities through strong

collaboration from key GoE stakeholders.

MEAL:

CRS DFSA MIS implementation focused more on the development of visuals to support

implementation, including decision making and adaptive management. Examples of high impact

visuals included story maps for infrastructure projects, PDM visuals to ensure real-time

monitoring, and DiNER Fair visuals that helped with adaptive management. Through the IVR

platform, CRS’ DFSA also worked with Viamo to develop visuals to track messaging for

COVID-19 and measure knowledge acquisition by callers. New forms were developed and

digitized to collect and analyze data for additional interventions associated with COVID-19.

Routine Monitoring: CRS’ DFSA adapted its routine motoring approaches by increasing the use

of technology including phone calls, mobile application and GIS in data collection and analysis.

All post distribution monitoring assessments were conducted using phone calls to clients and

data entered to CommCare application. To offer real-time monitoring, CRS’ DFSA developed

visuals using PowerBI to foster decision-making. CRS DFSA staff conducted census mapping of

social, economic and water resource interventions to ensure all coordinates were available for

monitoring reasons. At the same time, CRS’ DFSA assessed the quality of the infrastructures

and held improvement discussions with partners on adjusted measures. This initiative

contributed to environmental monitoring since the quality checklist has a strong focus on the

quality of implementation of the EMMP. CRS’ DFSA conducted refresher trainings for partner

staff especially for the new hires on its routine monitoring strategy and the use of digital tools

for data management. This helped improve utilization and consistency in the implementation of

the MEAL system.

Participant Based Annual Survey (PaBS): CRS’ DFSA used mixed approaches to conduct the

annual survey with an aim to protect staff and clients as well as to learn new survey methods.

CRS’ DFSA revised its annual survey protocols in response to COVID-19 and insecurity to

integrate processes and tools. For example, additional training content was added to train

enumerators and supervisors on how to collect data during COVID-19. Supervision checklists

were modified to monitor COVID-19 compliance issues and security measures. The sampling

approach was adjusted to remove insecure kebeles from the sample. CRS’ DFSA used four

sample frames and a varied data collection approach. The agro-dealer and food security

taskforce sample frame was collected through mobile phones and CommCare due to the high

mobile phone access among the extension agents. The caregiver and farmer sample frame were

collected in-person using mobile devices due to the complexity of the indicators. All households

were provided with face masks and all enumerators and supervisors had face masks and

sanitizers. In addition, the modified supervision checklist helped ensure compliance to the

measures. Lastly, annual survey data collection was conducted after the state of emergency

which eased travel.

Data Quality Assessments: CRS’ DFSA implemented all DQA recommendations from the data

quality assessment conducted by CRS MEAL Senior Technical Advisor (STA) in FY19. These



included the digitization of all data collection forms, prioritization of routine monitoring

indicators to reduce data processing burden for MEAL field staff, revision of selected

instruction sheets, and the development of instruction sheets for indicators collected through

GoE secondary sources. In FY20, data quality assessments were conducted directly at partner

offices where source documents are stored. All DQA forms were digitized to reduce paper.

CRS’ DFSA conducted two routine data quality assessments. The first was conducted in

February focusing on health indicators while the second was conducted in July and August

focusing on livelihoods indicators. The health DQA strengthened data management processes

associated with CLTSH and CCFLS. Key gaps noted in the monitoring system was the unclarity

of the data flow by frontline staff and management and the reporting of non-PSNP clients who

take part in CCFLS. This was resolved by improving the data flow map and guiding the data

collection staff on reporting processes. The indicators were chosen because these were new

interventions introduced in FY19 and their monitoring system needed to be tested and

strengthened.

CLA and learning studies: To strengthen the implementation evidence base, to understand the

impact of specific CRS DFSA interventions, and to guide adaptive management, CRS’ DFSA

implemented two learning studies. The initial baseline phase of the IWM study led by Tufts

University was completed and the report will be shared to BHA in Q1-FY20. CRS’ DFSA has

started working on the qualitative phase SoW which will explain some of the results and

knowledge gaps noted in the quantitative study. The quantitative study focused on the status of

IWM interventions and outcomes within implementing woredas. The qualitative will assess the

system supporting implementation of IWM interventions. The study will produce a how-to-

guide on IWM implementation that complements the GoE IWM guidance. More details for this

study are found above in the Purpose 1 narrative. The second study that was conducted was

the Community Conversation Group assessment. This is explained thoroughly in the above

SPX narrative.

iv. Direct Participating HH by sector table

Unique direct participating households

Total unique direct

participating households

P 1

only

P 2

only

P 3

only P 1 & P 2

P1 &

P3

P 2 &

P 3

P1, P2,

P3

75,544 14,998 5,816 152 17,252 1,953 20,527 14,846

Core P1 interventions include commodity distribution and NRM which most of the PSNP

clients took part. P2 interventions include SILCs, livelihood groups, DiNER Fairs, climate smart

agriculture, financial linkages, employment support, LH/LF and fellow herders/farmers. P3 core

interventions included participation in DiNER fairs, CCFLS, and other MCHN interventions.

Gender and youth empowerment interventions were cutting across all purposes. CRS’ DFSA

strives to ensure participating households are enrolled in at least two purpose interventions.

The data for Table 4 was extracted from DFSA Management Information System (MIS).



v. Challenges, Successes and Lessons Learned

Challenges:

• GoE’s PSNP strong control of target setting, blended with minimal NGO target input such as

site selection, client segmentations and resource use, continues to be a formidable challenge

especially for resource intensive activities in Purpose 1 (NRM/PW). This is one of the rationale

behind the introduction of the Water Benefits Calculator (WBC). The field software tool will

use science and field analysis better to inform more strategic decisions about targets,

intervention types and maintenance approaches for effective resource allocation during PW

campaigns.

• The designs for SEI throughout the DFSA woredas are inadequate particularly for school

blocks. The school block designs do not provide guidance for WASH facility construction or

rehabilitation. CRS’ DFSA, using its cost share, has added these essential services through

quality, durable and user-friendly toilets with the MicroFlush technology. Furthermore, CRS’

DFSA has added rainwater harvesting systems to SEI through a prioritization process of the

most water scarce kebeles.

• Upper-level health system strengthening has not had the consistent impact in the communities

and with households as required. While there have been gains and improvement with health

centers, CRS’ DFSA needed to introduce more direct support at the community level through

CCFLS and associated tools like Speaking Books. Communities were eager for more structured

engagement to learn, discuss, plan and improve the health status of their families.

• In FY20, the most obvious challenge to the CRS DFSA was COVID-19. To varying degrees, it

affected every aspect of implementation. A COVID-19 response plan with mitigation efforts,

contingency activities and adaptations was enacted. GoE MoH officials and staff have been busy

with preparedness and responses to COVID 19 which have created gaps in routine MCHN

services and other regular DFSA activities. To meet health service gaps, CRS’ DFSA is working

with GoE Woreda Health Office staff to implement activities and support operations in parallel

for other priorities without compromising quality.

• In Oromia, particularly in June and July 2020, security instability has impacted consistent and

effective implementation of different activities particularly those with strict seasonality

timeframes. This was further complicated with the internet shutdown for three weeks. This

negatively affected reporting efforts and timely communication. Seeking alternatives with staffing

surging, sentinel warehousing, extending timelines and more decentralized management

initiatives have been used to mitigate the impact.

• Limited access to information around sensitive gender issues including GBV/HTPs incidences

due to school closures and the disconnect between the frontline staff and the different

community change agents such as group leaders, gender champions, club leaders especially in

early months of COVID-19 was a challenge. CRS’ DFSA managed to engage its gender and

youth volunteers who are part of the communities to get information on incidences and follow

up with respective government structures. Such field level approaches helped different

stakeholders like these volunteers own the interventions within their own communities which

contribute to the sustainability of observed changes.

• Smallholder farmers in Oromia were impacted by desert locusts affecting crops and livestock

feeds. With a combination of CRS private funding and BHA resources, CRS’ DFSA supported

affected woredas with surveillance assessments, early warning information and responses

through different agricultural input supply options and different government support needs.



• The Meher seasonal rains from May to September were excessive particularly in Deder and

Babile, leading to river overflows and irrigation challenges. Rural roads became almost

impassable, hampering the construction of infrastructure projects like community ponds

and small-scale irrigation in Melka Belo, Negele Arsi, Heben Arsi and Ziway Dugda. CRS’ DFSA

has readjusted its DIPs to intensify activities and targeting completion in Q1-FY21.

• Addressing the complex and changing problems related to landless youth remains a persistent

challenge. Landless youth are mostly incorporated into YLGs with a strong preference for on-

farm opportunities. The efforts to allocate land for their interests has not easy; however, the

integration between SPX, Purpose 1 and Purpose 2 has supported the use of area enclosures

for YLG. Through consistent dialogue with KFSTF and WFSTF, the land provision within area

enclosures has led to alternative off-farm livelihood activities such as beekeeping. Honey

production and increase incomes are maturing to make an impact on their livelihood pursuits.

• CRS’ DFSA had made a lot of investments in technology with the main aim of assuring data

quality and improved implementation efficiency. These investments proved to be very useful

when COVID-19 hit, and insecurity continued to be a challenge. For example, CRS quickly

adapted its IVR feedback mechanism that was initially set-up as a feedback mechanism to use for

raising awareness among clients about COVID-19 by sending five key messages. As a result of

this, CRS’ DFSA had 8,668 connected sessions with COVID-19 messaging as of September 24.

Annual survey results showed that the COVID-19 messaging reached beyond those how had

phones with more than 10,000 clients benefitting.

Successes:

• The sequencing of the post-certification process of PSP was carefully planned, mentored and

supported so that PSPs transitioned well into their independent roles without initially being

overwhelmed by multiple enterprise opportunities. Once they were settled into their new

roles, PSPs took the initiative to diversify their income streams with other private sector

frontline agent positions such as CAHWS and agro-dealer agents.

• SILC loans have more than doubled compared from FY19 to FY20 because of strong group

trust, clearer business plans and more self-confidence to make better investments. This success

also provides evidence to the evolving maturity of SILC and its income and sustainability

potential. External loans from FSPs are not required for PSNP clients to improve their well-

being.

• Agro-dealers have strong ambitions to expand their businesses and to offer diverse products

and services. They just need technical and business nudges to steer them in the right direction

to strengthen their customer lists and get them what they want. The demand for last-mile input

provision remains strong.

• Decentralized frontline workers such as HEW, DA and HDA and other community/volunteer

networks on the ground can be helpful in implementation challenges since they can keep

project management teams updated on current events. To this end, recruiting CHNPs from the

HDA pool has proved useful because first, it expands CRS’ field network to implement

activities like CCFLS despite security or health challenges, and second, it revitalizes talent at the

community level. Because the HDAs are not actively followed by GoE in most DFSA woredas,

this talented and experienced work force coupled with their potential community contributions

risk being squandered. By recruiting CHNPs from former HDAs, CRS’ DFSA capitalizes on the

existing knowledge pool and support system in communities and continues to build upon those

foundations by providing CHNPs with ongoing training and support. Their co-facilitation of



CCFLS with HEWs has been critical to the strength of the activity. CRS’ DFSA has also

observed the strong motivation of both CHNPs and HEWs to conduct CCFLS believing it is a

useful means of improving complementary feeding practices with seasonally appropriate recipes.

Caregivers have also shown strong receptiveness to participating in CCFLS, having seen that

their children gain weight during the 12-day program and find the recipes affordable and

realistic. Therefore, CRS’ DFSA will continue to invest in CHNPs’ capacity to conduct CCFLS

and other community activities, supporting HEWs in improving community health practices.

• Similarly, the versatility of youth volunteers in FY20 has been a strong success. Their active

engagement in all Purpose and SPX activities like NRM, DiNER Fairs, COVID-19 activities and

GBV/IPV prevention has been beneficial for integration needs. Also, this was part of responding

to the JSMR recommendation to better support frontline staff and implementation needs.

• The ultra-poor can save, progress and engage with markets in CRS DFSA woredas. The ultra-

poor who have been stigmatized as not creditworthy are engaging in livestock value chains.

Their market engagement has been guided by the rigorous technical support that accompanies

the livelihood cash transfer process. This effort has resulted in more confidence to seek other

market opportunities, develop different productive assets and to explore external loans from

FSPs if they want.

• The flexibility and agility to dispatch and distribute double rounds of food to PSNP clients was a

critical success to overcome COVID-19 constraints. Implementing double rounds should be

considered as part of normal operations going forward. It conserves resources, reduces health

risk and better protects vulnerable clients especially women who often travel long distances to

collect their food.

• The development of agro-dealers and PSP are exceeding expectations. They are becoming

engines of economic activities in their kebeles. Consistent coaching and mentoring to match

them with different stakeholders has increased their initiative and prowess to take on

challenges and opportunities.

• Given the need to promptly adapt in accordance to field realities and challenges that arise. The

SPX team has developed four adaptive management tools (FAL, IPV prevention youth

engagement and HH level ATK) that support the continuation of implementation and positive

gains/changes achieved. The introduction of FAL booklets helped women and youth participants

to continue their education at home which supports their continued participation in the

different structures and leadership roles. Moreover, continuous community education on the

causes and consequences of GBV/IPV were done by youth and gender volunteers. Discussions

on MCHN, TDS soft conditionalities, agriculture, LH and prevention of HTP in the HH enhance

their dialogue and ensure their engagements.

Lessons Learned:

• The target numbers for youth programming remain low. There is little interest in the wage

employment pathway. With less than 1% selecting this pathway, it has reduced targets and

more efforts are needed to spur motivation for this pathway as well as better GoE

coordination to provide stronger leadership.

• The SILC FA period should have been shortened so that the PSP model was expedited to be

implemented earlier. The uncertainty of private sector opportunities slowed this transition.

• Government provision of residences for DA and HEW is not the ultimate persuader to fill

those respective positions in remote kebeles. Incentives for rural GoE extension employment

needs more analysis and creative solutions to retain their presence in rural, remote



communities. These residences are costly and often remain vacant for long periods. It is rare to

find the 3 DAs in their assigned kebeles as stipulated by GoE.

CLTSH alone will not lead to ODF communities. It relies on soft-skill capacity building which is

difficult to implement after triggering if there are no practical solutions for latrine or toilet

construction. Although early in the MicroFlush adoption process, CRS’ DFSA has observed that

the intentional layering of CLTSH and MicroFlush promotion is another key lesson learned. And

vice versa, promoting MicroFlush toilets without adequate demand creation would not be

enough to sustain sanitation behavior change. Therefore, in FY21, CRS will capitalize on

triggering activities conducted in key kebeles in FY20 by scaling up MicroFlush toilet

construction in those communities thereby providing the solution to meet the demand for

improved sanitation technology.

vi. Attachments

Annex B: Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT)

Annex C. IPTT Indicator Data Collection Method Descriptions

Annex D. Baseline/Evaluation, Assessments and Study Reports

Annex E: Success Stories

vii. Partner Reporting Tool (PRT Data Entry)

• Monitoring Indicators (formerly SAPQ)

• Baseline and Final Evaluation Indicators – N/A (no change from FY 2019 ARR)

• Technical Sector Survey

• Unique and Direct Participants

• Specialized Food Distribution (not applicable to CRS’ DFSA)

• LRIP and Modality Actuals

• COVID-19 Deviation Narrative for Activity

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