Shelter and Non-Food Assessment of East and West Wollega Zone, Regional State

Date: February 26, 2019

1.0 Executive Summary The Shelter/NFI Cluster in coordination with IOM, CRS, NDRMC, GOAL, and NRC carried out a Shelter/NFI needs assessment between Feb 4 and Feb 1, 2019, with the aim to better inform humanitarian response planning and delivery of the IDPs in West and East Wollega, Oromia. The findings include: ▪ In East Wollega, 95% of the IDPs are settled in collective sites such as youth centres, multipurpose buildings, and temporary shelters while the rest are living with the host community. ▪ In West Wollega, 90% of the IDPs are residing in collective sites and the remaining (10%) are living with the host community either renting or accommodated by families and friends. ▪ Over 63% of IDPs in collective centres and temporary shelters are living in congested conditions, furthermore; lack of privacy, exposure to weather, and unavailability of light in the sites are their main concerns. ▪ In West Wollega all respondent cited Emergency Shelter Kit as their first priority followed by Kitchen and Bedding Sets. Whilst in East Wollega all respondents stated Bedding sets as their first priority followed by Kitchen set.

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2.0 Geographical Area The needs assessment is focused on 12 most affected woredas in East and West Wollega. The prioritization of woreda is guided by the number of IDPs verse the local population and organization presence providing Shelter/NFIs. The five most affected woreda in East Wollega, , Sassiga, Haro Limu and Diga were visited by the assessment team, however; out of the 12 priorities woredas in West Wollega, only seven are accessible. In these 12 most affected woredas in both East and West Wollega, IDPs are accommodated in 12 sites and host communities. Infrastructure and services, such as roads, water, sanitation, and health and social services, have been somehow established in all the sites. Humanitarian access in Kamashi, Benishangul is Figure 1 Response and Gap Analysis still a challenge, due to security and movement restriction. The complete list of locations and population numbers can be found in Annex A, Table 1. 2.1 Background and Justification Ethnic conflicts in are not new, but the levels of violence taking place across the country are rising, leading to increased displacement and humanitarian needs. One of the latest upsurges of violence and displacement occurred following an incident where high-ranking Benishangul Gumuz state officials were ambushed and killed in Oromia, near the regional boundary, on 26 September 2018. Tensions and insecurity were already high in the region, and the attack triggered widespread insecurity and displacement around the border areas of both regions1. As a result of this conflict 319,665 people have been affected out of which 273,338 people are displaced from both regions. Information on the exact number of displaced people particularly in Benishangul and some parts of West Wollega remains limited due to security and access but comparative reports have consistently shown increasing estimates. 3.0 Objective and Methodology of the Assessment The overall objective of the assessment is to identify ES/NFI needs, existing response capacity, and priority woredas for ES/NFI as well as to determine possible response modalities in East and West Wollega. The assessment is focused around two main themes; preferred modality of response and access to Emergency Shelter and NFIs. While the Emergency Shelter and NFIs section provide information about IDPs priorities from five sets of ES/NFI contents, in terms of IDP priority particular attention was given to cash modalities and market functionalities given to the fact that the cash modalities is much easier to mobilize an effective response within a short period of time. Discussion with zonal and woredas DRM (Disaster Reduction and Management), observation of IDP sites, FGD with IDPs, interview with IDPs committee was used as a methodology for data collection in East and West Wollega. However, due to insecurity in Kamashi zone, the team conducted discussion and collected

1https://www.acaps.org/sites/acaps/files/products/files/20181015_acaps_start_briefing_note_displacement_in_ethiopia.pdf

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data from Benishangul Gumuz regional authority. Therefore, data on IDPs in Benishangul Gumuz is based on desk review with regional Disaster, Preparedness and Prevention Bureau. 4.0 Findings of the Assessment The assessment identified the overall number of IDPs (based on data from zonal and woredas DRM), the number of sites, the current ES/NFI needs, response modality preference as well as market functionality in both East and West Wollega zones and Benishangul Gumuz region. Currently, there are over 273,338 IDPs in 21 woredas residing in the temporary shelter, collective sites, and host community; 110,999 IDPs in East Wollega, 103,502 in West Wollega, 42,000 in Kamashi and 17,045 in Asossa zone. For more detail please see Annex A, Table 2 and Table 3. 4.1 ES/NFI Need and Response Gap East Wollega: According to zonal DRM, the majority (95%) of the IDPs reside in collective centers such as youth centres, multipurpose buildings, and temporary shelters, while the remaining (5%) live with the host community either renting or accommodated by friends and families. IDPs in collective centers and temporary shelters are living in congested conditions; furthermore, lack of privacy, exposure to weather, and absence of light in the sites are major concerns mentioned by 63% of the interviewed individuals. Lack of temporary shelter construction materials (plastic sheet, eucalyptus pole, and nails) and site improvement activities are the reasons for congestion. Out of the displaced 19,792 households, only 6,929 households were provided with full ES/NFI kits; however, 7,068 households were provided with Partial kits composed of jerry can, blanket and bucket. 4,900 HHs who were provided with full ES/NFI in Sasigga woreda by MSF are excluded since the HHs left the items back home during the second round of displacement. The items are distributed by CRS, NRC, SCI, MSF, ICRC, and DRM. Apart from some (1,800) ES/NFI kits planned for distribution by partners including IOM and GOAL, there are no significant planned distributions that can address all the needs from both government and S/NFI partners. For this reason, 10,945 households need ES/NFI response in East Wollega zone, though some are provided with Partial items. Considering the numerous IDP settlements, the number of IDPs and the provided support, IDPs in Sassiga and Haro Limu are in critical need of ES/NFI response. West Wollega: Based on zonal DRM majority (90%) of the IDPs are settled in collective sites and the remaining (10%) are living with the host community either renting or accommodated by families and friends. Out of the 19,642 households in West Wollega, only 3,607 households are provided with full ES/NFI kits and 732 had a Partial kit. According to the zonal authorities, the IDPs were not provided the required support due to insecurity although the needs are high and critical. 16,035 IDP HHs in West Wollega require immediate ES/NFI response, whether partial or full kit. Respondent stated that among the ES/NFI kit; Bedding sets, Kitchen sets and Emergency Shelter kit are their priority needs in all (12) of the visited sites. For more details please see Annex 1, Table 4 and Table 5. 5.0 Response Modality Preference and Market Functionality As in most part of the country, there is no previous experience of cash based response in East and West Wollega and Kamashi zones. During the assessment, apart from Action Against Hunger that are planning cash based ES/NFI response in West Wollega, there is no reported partner planning to implement projects using cash as response modality. Local authorities both at zonal and Woreda level recommended a combination of cash based and in-kind NFI response in locations where there is functional market. Except IDPs in Haro Limu who recommended

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in-kind assistance, in all the other sites more than 75% of the interviewed IDPs expressed their preference of combination of cash and in-kind over complete in-kind distributions. The reasons for the preference are; to buy items that are not in the kit mainly clothing, mattress and some kitchen items; and to spend part of the cash on food for children and other food items such as spices, onion, salt etc. This calls for a well-coordinated response and thoughtful choice of the CBI modality to respond to the urgently required food and the ES/NFI at the same time while making sure that the households would not utilize the cash provided for ES/NFI to purchase food items. This is mainly food for the children as adults are receiving monthly food ration. East Wollega: 84% of the interviewed IDPs and government officials are interested in cash based response, however, due to shortage of public transport to and from the IDP sites of Sasigga and Haro Limu Woredas IDPs do not have full market access from the sites and there is limited supply of ES/NFI. There is a weekly (one day a week) mobile market where all items are supplied near the IDP sites apart from food items that are regularly supplied to the local market. Residents are expected to wait for the weekly market days on which traders from nearby towns, including Nekemte, mobilize NFI and clothing and set up market near the IDP sites. Unless a voucher response modality is considered, providing cash for IDPs living in these Woredas (Sasigga and Haro Limu) with limited market days will increase the likelihood of the cash being used for other purpose. To minimize risks associated with CBI, the zonal authorities recommended that humanitarian actors consider a combination of cash and in-kind response as first option in all Woredas; however, they have suggested implementation of cash based response in the mentioned Woredas; Guto Gida woreda from which they want to gain experience and expand to other woredas thereafter. In addition, the officials requested for the provision of training to Disaster Risk Management (DRM) staff and woreda officials on basic principles of cash based ES/NFI response and organize session to share experiences in other areas. West Wollega: Zonal DRM and out of some IDPs (10 IDPs per site) who are interviewed most (75%) of them are interested in a combination of cash and in-kind response modalities for ES/NFI. However, due to insecurity the assessment team and government officials recommended cash to be considered for IDPs located in woredas like , Mendi and . However, considering the currently improved security condition and accessible functioning markets such as Gimbi, Nejo and Mene-Sibu Woredas, cash based ES/NFI response can be considered in West Wollega. During the assessment, the team learnt of the plans by Action Against Hunger to implement CBI there. In both zones, some of the interviewed suppliers indicated as the markets are functioning as usual and supply of items can be increased based on demand. The average restocking time for the interviewed suppliers is 2-4 days. The team managed to collect price of ES/NFIs from four markets including markets in Nekemte, Arjo, Gimbi and Guto Gida. In addition, the team observed that there is free movement of tracks from Addis to zonal and woreda towns of East and West Wollega. Apart from plastic sheet, non-food items are available in main markets in quantity and with the required quality2. For more details please see Annex 1, Table 6. 6.0 Accountability and Protection Majority (77%) of the interviewed IDP leaders indicated that they prefer to receive information on assistance and related to return and provide feedback through IDP community leader and local authority.

2 Quality of the items are compared with Shelter & NFI cluster standard ES-NFI kits

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Few (23%) IDPs recommended the use of community mobilizers and written materials as a recommended means for feedback and information sharing. The team observed that, out of the visited 12 IDP sites, only IDPs in two sites i.e. less than 20% of the HHs have access to electricity in their shelter. Hence women, girls and children cannot freely walk to toilets at night time unless accompanied by relatives. Regarding safety concerns, 80% of the interviewed IDPs responded that lack of light inside shelters and in IDP sites as safety concern, 76% mentioned that lack of privacy due to the congested living condition and 70% mentioned exposure to weather (particularly exposure to cold temperature at night time) as safety concern. Pregnant and lactating women, female headed households, households headed by physically challenged individuals, children and elderly people are identified as the most vulnerable community groups to be prioritized during the response. 7.0 Recommendations 7.1 Shelter and Non-food Item - Immediate ES/NFI response to the identified 26,980 IDP households (10,945 East Wollega and 16,035 in West Wollega). Giving priority for IDPs in Haro Limu, Sassiga and Guto Gida from East and Nejo, Mene-Sibu and Letasibu in West Wollega. - It was observed that, the provided plastic sheets are worn out, hence provision of plastic sheet ought to be considered as a priority mainly in collective sites where temporary shelters are constructed by plastic sheet. - Some of the IDPs received a few (less than 25%) ES/NFI items and should be considered as second priority with those who have not received any assistance being prioritized. Excluding these IDP households from targeting could cause grievance and affect distribution process. - Partners need to closely work with woreda/zonal offices and IDP representatives for registration and conduct a thorough verification of beneficiaries prior to ES/NFI distribution. Unless proper verification is conducted, relying on data provided from zonal or woreda administration will likely cause duplication or exclusion of IDPs. - Rapid response is necessary due to a concern that access could be affected if the rains start as roads to most woredas in East Wollega could be cut off which will hamper the transportation of items. - In Kamashi zone: if security improves responding ES/NFI based priority provided by government officials and conducting need assessment simultaneously. 7.2 Response Modality ▪ Both in-kind and cash based ES/NFI responses can be considered in East and West Wollega zones as response modality; hence based on the assessment findings combination of cash/unconditional and in-kind can be implemented in Diga, Guto Gida, Gida Ayana, Limu and Nekemte in East and Gimbi, Nejo and Mene Sibu in West Wollega. However; government officials advised piloting the cash based ES/NFI response in Gimbi and Guto Gida woredas before expanding to other woredas. ▪ Organizing cash and market based response training for government officials and partners in East and West Wollega zones will ensure a better response and enhance protection of cash recipients. ▪ Nekemte based NFI suppliers expressed interest to transport and provide access to items based on demand in Haro Limu and Sassiga woredas where people have access to mobile weekly markets. In

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this case, voucher can be implemented by selecting similar interested suppliers for provision of NFI in woredas where unconditional cash is not feasible. ▪ Except in Nekemte market, there are no suppliers of good quality plastic sheet both in East and West Wollega woredas. Therefore, plastic sheet should be considered in-kind for all woredas. ▪ Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Oromia International Bank, Cooperative Bank of Oromia, Oromia Saving and Credit Association are among the potential financial service providers who can be engaged on the discussion for CBI. For more information please refer to Annex 1, Table 7. 1) Site improvement Site management support activities need to be implemented in all sites to minimize challenges associated with improper use of land for temporary shelter construction, safety concerns in the sites due to lighting and lack of drainage system, community mobilization and facilitation of distribution process. 2) Information Management ▪ Registration and proper filing of IDP information based on who has received ES/NFI, and identification and registration of those who are not provided. There is a need to create information sharing and reporting mechanism between woreda and zonal DRM. ▪ Partners need to share information on the response and planned response with zonal and woreda officials for proper response trucking. ▪ ES/NFI cluster need to assign focal person who can work closely with the zonal and woreda DRM on information management. The focal person will also support partners planning ES/NFI response by providing detail information to avoid duplication. 3) Coordination ▪ Activating and providing support to zonal Shelter Cluster in East and West Wollega. Organizing cluster meetings on regular basis to share information. ▪ S/NFI partners to organize cash programming capacity building session targeting government staff on emergency response. 8.0 Challenges Data management is the major challenge the team observed in general, there are discrepancies on numbers between Woreda and zonal DRM. For instance, data on number of IDPs, number of IDPs provided with NFI, existing gap and number of IDP sites per Woreda are not consistent. Access to some IDP sites is limited due to insecurity in West Wollega. 9.0 Assessment Team Name Organization Position E-mail Mohammed Bedru IOM National ES/NFI/Cash Officer [email protected] Belete Debte CRS Cash Project Manager [email protected] Frew Hailu CRS Planning, M&E officer (NCS) [email protected] Hyder Jemal GOAL Senior CMAM Project Coordinator [email protected] Lijalem Mengistu NRC Education Project Assistant [email protected] Chalachew Degefu NDRMC Gender Advisor [email protected] Demisu Shuni NDRMC Senior Expert for DRM [email protected]

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