Emergency appeal operation update Zimbabwe: Food Insecurity

Transcription

1 Emergency appeal operation update Zimbabwe: Food Insecurity Emergency appeal n MDRZW006 6-month summary update 8 August 2013 Period covered by this Ops Update: December 2012 to June This update represents a six-month summary of the operation (cumulative narrative and financial). Appeal target (current): CHF 1,290,342 Appeal coverage: 33%; <click here to go directly to the updated donor response report, or here to view the attached interim financial report or here to link to contact details > Appeal history: This Emergency Appeal was launched on 19 December 2012 for CHF 1,290,342 to support the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) to assist 10,000 beneficiaries faced by food Food distribution in Nkayi District in 2012.Photo/ Zimbabwe RCS insecurity for 9 months. Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF): CHF 120,000 was initially allocated as a start up loan from the IFRC to support the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) in its response. Operations Update n 1 was issued on 8 January 2013, Operations Update n 2 on 30 January 2013 and Operations Update n 3 on 22 March This 6-month summary update provides a detailed summary of the first 6 months of the response operation Summary: ZRCS with support from the Federation is implementing the food insecurity operation in Nkayi district in Matabeleland North Province which was affected by the poor agricultural season of The operation initially targeted 2,000 households (10,000 beneficiaries) in 3 wards with food, livelihoods and water and sanitation interventions. The agricultural seasons was also poor and the food security situation will most likely further deteriorate. This view is supported by various crop performance assessment reports produced by FAO which indicate that even more households will be food insecure during However the official food security assessment report ZIMVAC report has not yet been published. Minimal food insecurity outcomes are expected to persist across the country through June as household food access improves from garden production. The exception is in some flood affected areas in the southern districts of Zimbabwe where poor rainfall distribution and mid-season dry spells are expected to lead to reduced harvests. As a result of poor rains received this year, food security stress is expected to continue in Nkayi throughout the year. The funds received to date have been used to provide food assistance and garden seeds to 2,000 households, rehabilitate boreholes for use by 1,000 households, construct latrines for 180 households, and train 2,000 households in garden food production. ZRCS has demonstrated excellent collaboration skills with government stakeholders from the

2 2 Ministries of Health and Agriculture and with the District Development fund in the implementation of the planned activities. This collaboration has contributed to the success of the operation to date. Three cycles of food aid distributions were conducted, reaching 2,000 households. The food basket for each household included 30kg mealie-meal, 2kg beans, 2 litres vegetable oil, and 1 bar of laundry soap. The livelihoods component of the operation was also implemented, with beneficiaries being trained gardening production. A further 20 volunteers were trained in Participatory Health and Hygiene Education, and 140 people on Community Based Management of Water Points. Activities are on-going under the operation, including training in DRR, and the completion of latrine construction. The attached interim financial report has a huge variance on the Shared Office and Service Costs budget line because during the budget preparation the costs were wrongly budgeted under office costs budget line but the expense has been booked under the Shared Office and Service Costs budget line. The small variance on the finance charges budget line has been caused by currency losses on outstanding working advances. The IFRC, on behalf of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society would like to acknowledge the support received from the American, British, Japanese, Monaco and Swedish Red Cross societies. The situation Zimbabwe experienced food insecurity as a result of poor climatic conditions over the past two agricultural seasons. As a result of poor rainfall and limited access to seeds and fertilizers, the official ZIMVAC report estimates that 1.6 million rural people are food insecure in Assessments for have carried out, but the report is still to be published. The WASH atlas also maps low sanitation coverage in Nkayi. Reports have highlighted limited access to safe water for household consumption. Livestock in the drier parts of the country often lack access to water as rivers and streams dry up during the year. While national food production estimates and vulnerability assessments are still being finalized, current indications are that poorer households in regions that experienced poor crop production this season are likely to face continued food insecurity from July to September Grain supplies are likely to be reduced in the consumption season given lower levels of production and minimal carry-over stocks from surplus producing households. However, in the period through September, cereal prices are expected to remain stable, increasing reasonably from July. Coordination and partnerships There is strong coordination and partnership in the implementation of the operation within and outside the movement. Within the Movement, monthly movement coordination meetings are held with all in country RC partners (ICRC, Norwegian, Finnish and ZRCS), where progress on the implementation of the operation is shared. The District Drought Relief Committee (DDRC) was held on a monthly basis with the objective of coordinating relief operations within the district with other civil and government organisations. Operations start up meetings was conducted with district stakeholders, including government departments and NGOs. The meeting looked at coverage by various partners in the districts, and gaps such as high levels of food were identified and noted. The meetings generally set the selection criteria for beneficiaries. The Ministry of Health is supporting WASH activities by conducting training in PHHE, siting latrines, and inspecting and approving latrines at various stages of construction. Joint field visits have been conducted by the IFRC and ZRCS to assess the progress and quality of implementation of activities. IFRC Country Office and the ZRCS Regional Office continue to provide administrative, logistical and technical support to ZRCS. ZRCS also received support from IFRC Geneva Communication Delegate in December 2012 as part of initial assessments of the operations. The communication delegate visited Nkayi and conducted interviews with community members. The interviews were published on the website to support fundraising initiatives.

3 3 At field level, the District Development Fund (DDF) is working with ZRCS in the borehole rehabilitation activities from identification of water points, spares for procurement, and training communities in CBM as well as coordinating the rehabilitation of boreholes. DDF released dedicated pump minders to work with ZRCS in the rehabilitation process. DDF technical staff also inspects and certifies the water points. The Ministry of Agriculture s AGRITEX department is supporting the operation by providing trainings and technical support to communities being supported by the operation. The AGITEX trained communities in vegetable production and constantly monitors and provides technical support to the beneficiaries as they conduct monitoring visits in the wards. The community leadership has also been contributing to the operation by making available land for establishment of community gardens, a total of 100 community gardens were established each, hosting a minimum of 20 households. National Society Capacity Building: IFRC and ZRCS continue working together with IFRC providing support to ZRCS staff and volunteers. Monitoring skills for ZRCS continue to be strengthened as the food insecurity operation monitoring tools were being applied to monitor food utilization at household level. The WFP tools and skills in an on going NSART programme were used to enhance beneficiary identification, post distribution monitoring such as food utilisation at household level in the Nkayi operation. Red Cross and Red Crescent Action Overview 2, 000 households have received three cycles of food aid support between February and April Each household received 30kg mealy-meal, 2kgs beans, 2 litres vegetable oil and 1 laundry bar soap per month. The beneficiaries are drawn from three wards which were identified as vulnerable, as well as the wards receiving no other support from either the government or NGOs. The food aid assisted the targeted households in meeting their food needs. The successful implementation of the food distribution activities has benefitted from the experience that ZRCS has built over the last five years from implementing similar operations as well as from implementing the current Nutritional Support for ART clients (NSART) programme that is jointly implemented with partnership of IFRC and funded by WFP. The households also received 6 varieties of vegetable seeds as well as sugar bean seeds. The seeds distribution was complemented by training in vegetable production and garden management which was co facilitated by Agritex and ZRCS staff. The training integrated market linkage training in the process. The rationale for encouraging households to work in community gardens is that Agritex staff can easily access the households and disseminate training information and technical support. The department is resource constrained thus they are unable to visit beneficiaries in individual gardens. The community gardening approach also enables ZRCS to monitor and track progress in all gardens. The beneficiaries themselves are able to support each other which provide social safety nets. Community Based Management (CBM) of water points training was conducted by DDF technicians targeting committees formed at each and every borehole that was targeted for rehabilitation. ZRCS volunteers were also trained in CBM.Volunteers trained in PHHE are disseminating information to households to ensure that they adopt and implement the recommended health and hygiene practises which are essential for preventing the spread of water and sanitation related diseases. A total of 180 households were identified to benefit from materials and support to construct latrines. Of the targeted 180 latrines construction is in progress and at an advanced stage. Progress towards outcomes Relief distributions (food and basic non-food items) Outcome 1: Immediate food needs of 2,000 households (10,000 beneficiaries) in Nkayi district of Matebeleland North Province are met for four months. Outputs (expected results) Activities planned Supplementary food baskets are Conduct rapid emergency needs and capacity distributed to 10,000 vulnerable people assessments. for four months. Develop beneficiary targeting strategy and registration system to deliver intended assistance

4 4 Preparation of monthly food distribution and uploading plan. Procurement of 420 MT of maize meal, 32 MT of oil and 72 MT of pulses. Community notification of distribution date and time; Distribution of monthly food packs (10.5kg maize, 1.8kg beans and 0.75kg oil) to 10,000 beneficiaries for 4 months. Monitoring and evaluation of distribution activities Train 20 volunteers on food distribution (beneficiary identification, targeting and post distribution monitoring). Reporting. Progress: Rapid emergency needs and capacity assessment was conducted and completed. Beneficiary targeting strategy and registration system to deliver intended assistance was completed and 20 volunteers trained on food distribution (beneficiary identification, targeting and post distribution monitoring).three months of food distributions were completed but the fourth month could not be achieved as a result of funding constraints. The monthly food basket was composed of 30kg mealie-meal, 2kg beans, 2liters oil and 1 bar laundry soap. The targeted beneficiaries (2000 households) were reached with the food aid support. Acute food insecurity has been addressed and benefitted 2, 000 households. The food distribution exit survey has highlighted that most households were satisfied with the food they have received in the first 3 months of the operation. The post-distribution monitoring also highlighted that the food assistance has provided households with food nutrition security and social protection in light of the drought experienced in Nkayi. Households also reported an increase in the number of meals per day from one meal a day or none to at least 2 decent meals a day. Indirectly, households have also reported that the programme lessened the burden of trying to provide for the family as households provide casual labour in exchange of food. The 3 months of food support has enabled households to concentrate on other livelihood activities such as agricultural and horticultural activities. Challenges: The food package distributed was smaller than the recommended food basket per beneficiary as the whole household received the food basket instead of the planned food rations per person. This resulted in the food rations not meeting the monthly needs of the household for the whole month. Monitoring visits and surveys show that the food lasted between 2 to 3 weeks, with most households comprising 5 to 10 people. Food Security, nutrition and livelihoods Outcome 2: Reduced food insecurity among 2,000 affected rural households through inputs support and trainings. Outputs (expected results) Activities planned Productive assets/inputs, through the distribution of seeds and tools, for Continuous and detailed assessment, of food security, nutrition and livelihoods are carried out. primary production and training are provided in accordance with the Distribution of small grain seeds, fertilizers and maize seed to 2,000 households. seasonal calendar. Distribution of tools. 100 lead farmers 1 (selected from the beneficiaries) trained to cascade crop production, climate change and adaptation and market linkage trainings to 2,000 farmers at a ratio of 1 lead farmer to 20 farmers. Beneficiary trainings in seed selection and preservation to 100 lead farmers. Distribution of vegetable seed packs to garden beneficiaries to 100 households. Tracking system / monitoring of progress for the targeted farmers. 1 These lead farmers will be volunteers from amongst the target beneficiaries.

5 5 Progress: Detailed assessment, of food security, nutrition and livelihoods were carried out. Vegetable seeds and sugar bean seed were distributed to 2,000 households Beneficiaries and volunteers were trained in crop production, market linkages and nutrition gardening. The Agritex department facilitated the trainings and will continue to give beneficiaries technical support as they do their monitoring activities. The livelihood component of the operation has enabled capacity development of households in crop production, nutrition gardening and market linkages. Beneficiaries also anticipate an increase in income, however at the time of the report income assessments and sells records had not been monitored. Challenges: Maize, small grain seeds and fertilizer could not be distributed. This adjustment was due to the fact that by the time implementation started the agricultural season was at an advanced stage and planting was no longer possible. Due to limited funding and low response to the appeal a number of interventions were not implemented i.e. distribution of tools as well as training in post-harvest and seed selection as this training required inputs support. Water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion Outcome 3: Access to safe and clean water for domestic and livestock consumption and improved hygiene practises and access to basic sanitation facilities for 10,000 beneficiaries in Nkayi district is increased. Outputs (expected results) Activities planned people have access to safe water. Continuous assessments of water, sanitation, and hygiene situation. Increased access to water for livestock. 50 boreholes rehabilitated with water troughs constructed at each borehole. Increased knowledge in hygiene. 20 volunteers trained in Participatory Health and Hygiene Education. 400 household latrines constructed in selected vulnerable communities. Community level cascading of Participatory Health Hygiene Education. Progress: An assessment of water, sanitation and hygiene situations was carried out by field staff in Nkayi. The assessments have assisted in the siting of boreholes and latrines. A total of 20 boreholes were rehabilitated and a total of 70 latrines completed to roofing level and the remaining 110 latrines are in progress and180 households have been identified to benefit from latrine construction. 20 volunteers were trained in PHHE by the Ministry of Health and Water Point Committees for the 20 boreholes trained by DDF. Communities selected water point committee members for each and every water point and these were trained in the management of water points. The communities also participated in the rehabilitation process which also includes a training component. These activities have improved access to safe water for 1,000 households in Nkayi and 180 households will have access to safer sanitation facilities by the end of the operation. Disaster Risk Reduction Outcome 4: Community resilience is strengthened through disaster risk reduction activities focusing on early warning systems and, enhanced coping mechanisms/strategies. Outputs (expected results) Activities planned Affected communities are better 2,000 households trained in early warning systems. prepared to respond to food 2,000 households trained in climate change insecurity problems resulted from awareness and adaptation. weather induced emergencies. Develop 1 district level contingency plan and 40 community-based early warning systems.

6 Progress: DRR activities are currently on going and a progress report will be provided in the next update. Logistics Progress: All food and non-food items have been successfully prepositioned for the operation. Food distributions were completed and implemented in an orderly manner. The WatSan material for borehole rehabilitation and latrine construction has been successfully procured and availed for the activity implementation. Contact information For further information specifically related to this operation, please contact: Zimbabwe Red Cross Society:Maxwel Phiri,Secretary General; Phone: ; ; phirim@redcrosszim.org IFRC Country Representation: Oforbuike Nwobodo, Country Representative; Harare; phone: ; , fax ; oforbuike.nwobodo@ifrc.org IFRC Regional Representation: Alexander Matheou, Regional Representative for Southern Africa; Gaborone; phone: , mob: , fax: : alexander.matheou@ifrc.org IFRC Africa Zone: Daniel Bolaños, Disaster Management Coordinator for Africa; Nairobi; phone: +254 (0) ; daniel.bolanos@ifrc.org IFRC Geneva: Christine South, Operations Quality Assurance Senior Officer; phone: ; christine.south@ifrc.org IFRC Zone Logistics Unit (ZLU): Rishi Ramrakha, Head of zone logistics unit; Tel: / Fax ; rishi.ramrakha@ifrc.org For Resource Mobilization and Pledges: IFRC Africa Zone: Loïc de Bastier, Resource Mobilization Coordinator for Africa; Addis Ababa; phone: ; fax: ; loic.debastier@ifrc.org For Performance and Accountability (planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting): IFRC Africa Zone: Robert Ondrusek, PMER/QA Delegate for Africa; Nairobi; phone: ; robert.ondrusek@ifrc.org How we work All IFRC assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief and the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. The IFRC s vision is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.

7 The IFRC s work is guided by Strategy 2020 which puts forward three strategic aims: 1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disaster and crises. 2. Enable healthy and safe living. 3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace. 7

8 Page 1 of 3 Disaster Response Financial Report MDRZW006 - Zimbabwe - Food Insecurity Timeframe: 10 Dec 12 to 10 Sep 13 Appeal Launch Date: 19 Dec 12 Interim Report Selected Parameters Reporting Timeframe 2012/ /Programme MDRZW006 Budget Timeframe 2012/ /Budget APPROVED Split by funding source Y Project * All figures are in Swiss Francs (CHF) I. Funding Raise humanitarian standards Grow RC/RC services for vulnerable people Strengthen RC/ RC contribution to development Heighten influence and support for RC/RC work Joint working and accountability A. Budget 1,290,342 1,290,342 TOTAL Deferred Income B. Opening Balance 0 0 Income Cash contributions American Red Cross 45,905 45,905 British Red Cross 115, ,000 Japanese Red Cross Society 42,600 42,600 Red Cross of Monaco 12,200 12,200 Swedish Red Cross 216, ,470 C1. Cash contributions 432, ,175 Other Income DREF Allocations 120, ,000 C4. Other Income 120, ,000 C. Total Income = SUM(C1..C4) 552, ,175 D. Total Funding = B +C 552, ,175 * Funding source data based on information provided by the donor II. Movement of Funds Raise humanitarian standards Grow RC/RC services for vulnerable people Strengthen RC/ RC contribution to development Heighten influence and support for RC/RC work Joint working and accountability B. Opening Balance 0 0 C. Income 552, ,175 E. Expenditure -435, ,958 F. Closing Balance = (B + C + E) 116, ,218 TOTAL Deferred Income Interim Report Prepared on 08/Aug/2013 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

9 Page 2 of 3 Disaster Response Financial Report MDRZW006 - Zimbabwe - Food Insecurity Timeframe: 10 Dec 12 to 10 Sep 13 Appeal Launch Date: 19 Dec 12 Interim Report III. Expenditure Account Groups Budget Raise humanitarian standards Grow RC/RC services for vulnerable people Strengthen RC/ RC contribution to development Expenditure Heighten influence and support for RC/ RC work Joint working and accountability TOTAL Variance A B A - B BUDGET (C) 1,290,342 1,290,342 Relief items, Construction, Supplies Food 405, , , ,326 Seeds & Plants 142,500 6,795 6, ,705 Water, Sanitation & Hygiene 113,250 16,084 16,084 97,166 Teaching Materials 2,000 2,000 Utensils & Tools 30,000 30,000 Total Relief items, Construction, Sup 693, , , ,198 Land, vehicles & equipment Computers & Telecom 1,000 1,000 Total Land, vehicles & equipment 1,000 1,000 Logistics, Transport & Storage Storage 24,000 24,000 Distribution & Monitoring 6,875 1,392 1,392 5,483 Transport & Vehicles Costs 94,642 13,152 13,152 81,490 Total Logistics, Transport & Storage 125,517 14,544 14, ,973 Personnel International Staff 96,000 39,270 39,270 56,730 National Staff 48,600 24,878 24,878 23,722 National Society Staff 99,882 31,461 31,461 68,421 Volunteers 16, ,301 Total Personnel 261,422 95,248 95, ,174 Workshops & Training Workshops & Training 42,650 5,303 5,303 37,347 Total Workshops & Training 42,650 5,303 5,303 37,347 General Expenditure Travel 14, ,827 Information & Public Relations 10,220 1,397 1,397 8,823 Office Costs 36,500 2,752 2,752 33,748 Communications 12,150 2,136 2,136 10,014 Financial Charges 14,500 15,393 15, Other General Expenses Shared Office and Services Costs 36,852 36,852-36,852 Total General Expenditure 87,370 58,846 58,846 28,524 Operational Provisions Operational Provisions 57,576 57,576-57,576 Total Operational Provisions 57,576 57,576-57,576 Indirect Costs Programme & Services Support Recove 78,753 26,582 26,582 52,172 Total Indirect Costs 78,753 26,582 26,582 52,172 Pledge Specific Costs Selected Parameters Reporting Timeframe 2012/ /6Programme MDRZW006 Budget Timeframe 2012/ /9Budget APPROVED Split by funding source Y Project * All figures are in Swiss Francs (CHF) Pledge Earmarking Fee Total Pledge Specific Costs TOTAL EXPENDITURE (D) 1,290, , , ,385 VARIANCE (C - D) 854, ,385 Interim Report Prepared on 08/Aug/2013 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

10 Page 3 of 3 Disaster Response Financial Report MDRZW006 - Zimbabwe - Food Insecurity Timeframe: 10 Dec 12 to 10 Sep 13 Appeal Launch Date: 19 Dec 12 Interim Report IV. Breakdown by subsector Selected Parameters Reporting Timeframe 2012/ /Programme MDRZW006 Budget Timeframe 2012/ /Budget APPROVED Split by funding source Y Project * All figures are in Swiss Francs (CHF) Business Line / Sub-sector BL2 - Grow RC/RC services for vulnerable people Budget Opening Balance Income Funding Expenditure Closing Balance Disaster response 1,290, , , , ,218 Subtotal BL2 1,290, , , , ,218 GRAND TOTAL 1,290, , , , ,218 Deferred Income Interim Report Prepared on 08/Aug/2013 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies