U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance Office of Food for Peace
QUARTERLY REPORT
Awardee Name: Catholic Relief Services Country: Uganda Award Name: Nuyok - Development Food Security Activities in Uganda Award Number: AID-FFP-A-17-00005 Start Date: September 29, 2017 End Date: September 30, 2022 Reporting Period – Fiscal Year/Quarter/Dates: FY19/Q2/January - March 2019 Resubmission Date: 07/5/2019
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Host Country Office Contact Name CRS Uganda Host Country Office Contact Address Plot 577, Block 15, Nsambya Road, P.O. Box 30086, Kampala, Uganda Host Country Office Contact
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CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 1 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 Table of Contents List of Acronyms ...... 3 I. Activity Summary ...... 5 II. Programming Performance ...... 6 Partnership and Capacity Strengthening: Training on Financial Management ...... 6 Foundational Purpose: Community and institutional capacity to improve food and nutrition security improved ...... 6 Purpose 1: Community resilience to shocks and stressors improved ...... 8 Purpose 2: Vulnerable households' livelihoods sustainably improved ...... 8 Rural Entrepreneurs Access Program (REAP) ...... 11 Purpose 3: Nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under 2 improved ...... 12 Nuyok Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) Strategy ...... 17 ICT4D/MEAL ...... 17 Coordination with Partners ...... 18 III. Challenges ...... 18 Lessons Learned ...... 19 IV. Planned Interventions ...... 20
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 2 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 List of Acronyms
ANC Antenatal Care ATP Assessment Training Packages CAFH Concerned Action for Health CAHW Community Animal Health Worker CBA Competence Based Assessment CAO Chief Administrative Officers CBET Competence Based Education and Training CDFU Communication for Development Foundation Uganda CLTS Community-Led Total Sanitation CLDRM Community-Led Disaster Risk Management CRS Catholic Relief Services CSA Climate Smart Agriculture CU2 Children under 2 C&D International Institute for Cooperation and Development DCDO District Community Development Officer DEC District Executive Committee DIP Detailed Implementation Plan DIT Directorate of Industrial Training DiNER Fair Diversity in Nutrition and Enhanced Resilience Fair DFSA Development Food Security Activity DRM Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction DQA Data Quality Assurance ERF Environmental Review Form FAL Functional Adult Literacy FEWS NET Famine Early Warning Systems Network FFP Food for Peace GI Galvanized Iron GKIM Global Knowledge and Information Management HOD Head of Department IAM Inclusive Agriculture Markets ICT4D Information and Communication Technology for Development IP Implementing Partner IPC Integrated Phase Classification IPTT Indicator Performance Tracking Table IYCF Infant and Young Child Feeding LAM Lactational Amenorrhea Method LC Local Council MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries MCA Male Change Agent M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MEAL Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning MEO Mission Environmental Officer MWE Ministry of Water and Environment
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 3 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 MUAC Mid-Upper Arm Circumference MUS Multi-Use Water Systems MOU Memorandum of Understanding PNC Post-Natal Care NFP Natural Family Planning NRM Natural Resource Management ODF Open Defecation Free OTC Outpatients Therapeutic Care PIRS Performance Indicator Reference Sheet PMT Project Management Team PLW Pregnant and Lactating Women PMG Producer Marketing Group PO&M Preventative Operation and Maintenance PTT Participant Targeting Tool PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal QIVC Quality Improvement Verification Checklist RDC Resident District Commissioners REAP Rural Entrepreneurs Access Project RED Reaching Every District RWANU Resiliency Through Wealth, Agriculture and Nutrition SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies SBCC Social Behavior Change Communication SILC Savings and Internal Lending Communities SMART Skills for Marketing and Rural Transformation SMILER Simple Measurement of Indicators and Learning for Evidence-Based Reporting SOW Scope of Work SUAP Safe Use Action Plan SVAR School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SWG Sector Working Group TOC Theory of Change TOT Training of Trainers UMNA Uganda National Meteorological Authority USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government VDMC Village Disaster Management Committee VDMP Village Disaster Management Plan VDP Village Development Plan VHT Village Health Team VSLA Village Savings and Loan Associations VSO Voluntary Services Overseas VWB Veterinarians Without Borders VTI Vocational Training Institute WASH Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene WFP World Food Program WUC Water User Committee YBI YouthBuild International
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 4 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 I. Activity Summary Nuyok, a Karamojong word meaning “it is ours,” aims to build resilience to shocks, enhance livelihoods, and improve food and nutrition security for vulnerable rural families in four districts of Karamoja – Abim, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, and Napak. The program uses an integrated approach to address food and nutrition security in Karamoja through the implementation of activities guided by four purpose areas. Due to a number of issues outlined under the section on program performance, the project was slightly behind schedule at the beginning of Year 2 (Y2). In an effort to correct the project’s course, a number of measures have been taken. The redeployment of lead implementing partner sector leads to the field sub-office, the procurement of 29 additional motorcycles, and the reinforcement of the capacity of implementing partner staff in addressing delays in cash advances and liquidation processes have all contributed to gradually bringing field implementation back on track. As of this reporting period (Q2 FY19), Nuyok interventions have been implemented in 165 villages initially targeted for Y2. The program will extend to 524 villages over the life of the award, targeting 196,053 direct participants from 32,676 households.
Drawing on field experience collected over the past six months, on data from the baseline study, and on the findings from the RWANU1 and GHG2 final evaluations, Nuyok has made a number of programmatic adjustments to some components of its interventions: 1. Male Change Agents (MCAs) will be encouraging their peers to participate more readily in latrine construction, a laborious activity traditionally handled by women. 2. More women are being enrolled in Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) programs. 3. The number of modules delivered to Mother Care Groups (MCGs) will be reduced from eight to five. 4. The introduction and use of counselling cards by Lead Mothers has contributed to more tailored counselling and support during health and nutrition education sessions and during home visits. 5. Quality Improvement Verification Checklists (QIVC) have been introduced in order to better assess the quality of the facilitation skills of those delivering services and of those providing feedback during supportive supervision. 6. In response to the challenges of reaching Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, Nuyok is introducing government-supported Home Improvement Campaign (HIC)/Cluster and Child Hygiene and Sanitation Training approaches as an alternative to the triggering previously employed under the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.
In an effort to support, complement, and/or expand certain program activities, Nuyok has been actively engaging other development actors operating in the area with any eye toward leveraging resources. These engagements include discussions with Enabel (their Instant Training model may assist the program in reaching additional youth not currently enrolled in Nuyok-sponsored Vocational Training Institutes); negotiations with Harvest Plus to support the promotion of orange-
1 Final Performance Evaluation of Resilience through Wealth, Agriculture, and Nutrition in Karamoja (RWANU), Final Evaluation Report, February 18, 2019 2 Final Performance Evaluation of Northern Karamoja Growth, Health, and Governance Development Food Assistance Project, Final Report January 2019
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 5 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 fleshed sweet potatoes and iron-rich beans (with potential involvement of the Nabouin ZARDI research center); and negotiations with the Uganda National Metrological Authority to facilitate timely dissemination of weather forecasts to inform farmers’ decision making. While these discussions have been beneficial, the outcome of the ongoing discussions with the WFP on making the SCOPE single registry available has not been as fruitful. CRS has communicated to the WFP the urgent need to have access to the registry by the end of April 2019, given the need to finalize its Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Monitoring and Evaluation system to support data quality for Nuyok. As of the submission of this report, April 30, 2019, the registry has not been made available.
According to the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) and Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), Nuyok implementation areas experienced dry weather conditions from January through March. The dry conditions led to a decline in water and pasture resources. Rains that were anticipated in March did not arrive and household food gaps continued to widen as the lean season progressed. Retail prices for cereals such a sorghum remained above the 2018 average during the period.
Overall, the food insecurity situation in the program area is likely to turn into an Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) 3 crisis, which is currently the case in Kotido and Kaabong. The situation is likely to spread to the rest of Karamoja (including Nuyok districts) if the rainfall deficit continues, as is indicated by the FEWS NET. Nuyok continues to monitor the situation. Q3 nutritious food and hygiene vouchers will be distributed to pregnant and lactating women and to CU5 with moderate or severe malnutrition. If rainfall is insufficient for planting next year’s harvest, Nuyok can pivot to unconditional cash transfers during the lean season.
II. Programming Performance
Partnership and Capacity Strengthening: Training on Financial Management In response to observed delays in cash advances and liquidation procedures affecting program implementation, CRS conducted a four-day financial management training in March for lead implementing partners. The training was attended by 32 staff from both CRS and Caritas, including finance staff, program coordinators, and the organization’s executive directors. The training focused on financial reporting guidelines to improve cash advance and liquidation procedures for sub-awardees. Additionally, the training included a review of internal control systems, human resources management, and fraud allegation management. The training provided the necessary tools and information for implementing partners to comply with U.S. government rules and regulations.
Foundational Purpose: Community and institutional capacity to improve food and nutrition security improved Nuyok’s Foundational Purpose focuses on two key areas, governance and gender, that affect nutrition and food security broadly. In all aspects of the Nuyok activity, CRS applies a gender lens to ensure women and men’s equitable participation. It is also used to address the burden of labor on Karamojong women and to understand and influence social and cultural norms linked to food security and the health and nutrition of vulnerable groups in Karamoja.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 6 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019
Governance and Gender Nuyok conducted all three Essential Leadership training workshops planned for Q2 as part of the capacity-building activities for the district local government. A total of 98 individuals participated (80 male, 18 female) from Napak, Nabilatuk, and Nakapiripirit. The training targeted all heads of departments (HODs), resident district commissioners (RDCs), chief administrative officers (CAOs), Local Council (LC) members, senior administrative secretaries, and LC III chairpersons. Based on their previous participation in Nuyok leadership activities, and showcasing the local capacity and sustainability measures employed by Nuyok, Abim local government officials and a local teacher facilitated the Essential Leadership training for participants from the other Nuyok districts.
During the training, capacity gaps hindering the delivery of services essential to the food and nutrition security of the local population were identified by the participants. These gaps included 1) a lack of enforcement of the client charter, 2) poor time management, 3) limited human and financial resources, 4) issues with the transportation fleet (availability and maintenance of vehicles), 5) an inadequate wage bill, and 6) gaps in critical positions. Participants developed action plans to address the problems identified and Nuyok will follow up on the implementation of those plans on a quarterly basis.
On a positive note, Nuyok staff in Abim followed up on the action plan developed in Q1 and found that as a result of the training with Nuyok, the district client charter is in place and awaiting council approval, the District Executive Committee (DEC) is being reinstated, and the District Council was retrained on their roles and responsibilities by the Ministry of local government. In fact, as a result of the Essential Leadership training, the district leadership in Abim, which was highly dysfunctional, has improved. Government officials who were not on speaking terms were able to overcome some of their differences. Furthermore, the Abim local government, without support from Nuyok, organized a follow-up retreat to continue repairing working and personal relationships necessary for a functioning district office.
For their gender activities, Nuyok employed two approaches: The Faithful House and Male Change Agents (MCAs). The Faithful House focuses on behavioral changes within the home and between couples in order to promote joint decision making between husbands and wives for the health and well-being of the family. Male Change Agents (MCA) utilize a peer educator and mentor approach to shift gender norms in order to achieve improved food and nutrition security. Training materials for the two approaches were adapted to the Karamoja context during the quarter. 3
Programmatic Adjustments: During this reporting period Nuyok used the findings of the Gender and Youth Analysis to refine their intervention strategies. For example, the tremendous workloads of women were assessed in the study. Nuyok took note, made adjustments, and now, through the use of MCAs, men will be encouraged by their peers to
3 Nuyok borrowed from the Male Change Agent curriculum developed by previous USAID-funded projects, GHG and RWANU. GHG used the Ministry of Health Male Engagement Strategy and involved ministry staff in the development of the materials.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 7 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 participate in key activities such as latrine construction, a laborious activity traditionally handled by women. Similarly, men will engage with and encourage other men to participate in planting, weeding, and post-harvest handling of crops from the demonstration gardens used for agricultural training. Lastly, because of the extremely low literacy rates of women in the area, re-confirmed during the gender analysis exercise, Nuyok is focusing on including women in Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) training. All 27 Functional Adult Literacy instructors (16 male, 11 female) in the targeted villages were trained on the FAL curriculum. Of the 1,296 adult literacy participants identified so far, 80% are female. During this period, the FAL groups improved local shelters to be used as classrooms.
Purpose 1: Community resilience to shocks and stressors improved Purpose 1 strives to build community resilience to natural and man-made shocks and stressors that, if left unaddressed, would leave communities increasingly vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity. Training community entities such as Village Disaster Management Committees and Conflict Mitigation and Management Committees, and by providing timely early warning information, are keys to the project’s desired outcome. Committee-led activities are also complimented by natural resource restoration efforts in key micro-catchment areas.
Community resilience beyond the life of the project is of utmost importance. To that end, functional community-based committees are crucial. During the quarter, Nuyok formed 89 of the planned 165 Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs) in four districts and developed 68 Village Disaster Management Plans (VDMPs). With Nuyok support, the plans will guide communities in implementing important measures to address persistent shocks and stressors such as water scarcity and drought, flooding, and animal diseases. In addition to the committees and VDMPs, Nuyok trained 14 (of 14 planned) Conflict Mitigation and Management Committees, totaling 121 participants (95 male, 26 female) in Nakapiripirit and Napak districts. The committees developed plans to address various conflicts arising from land, asset management, cattle theft, out- migration, and forced marriages, among others.
In conjunction with district natural resources departments, Nuyok identified seven out of seven planned micro-catchments in Nakapiripirit and Napak districts for the adoption of improved natural resource management and disaster risk reduction activities. These micro-catchments were selected for restoration activities due to their current state of degradation, which was caused by uncontrolled bush burning, deforestation, charcoal production, and brick laying. Nuyok also conducted a rapid appraisal of early warning information systems to better understand key issues regarding the services, specifically weather forecasting. Nuyok identified a weak link between the Uganda National Metrological Authority (UNMA) and the district local government and farmers. As a result, Nuyok engaged the UNMA to determine how monthly weather forecasts can be shared with communities. Plans for the dissemination of climate information are ongoing. To that effect, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is under review to firm up the collaboration between UNMA and CRS.
Purpose 2: Vulnerable households' livelihoods sustainably improved The engagement of youth cannot be overlooked when attempting to create sustainable change. Under the Nuyok project, three Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs), located in Abim, Napak, and Nakapiripirit districts, are offering courses in many viable livelihoods. In preparation for
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 8 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 training incoming students on the new courses, 29 (out of the planned 40) instructors were trained using curriculums developed by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) (with support from Nuyok) on phone repair, agro-forestry, and baking. The training focused on the use of Assessment Training Packages (ATPs) and the principles of Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET), as well as Competence-Based Assessment (CBA), which is pivotal for teachers.
In addition to phone repair, agro-forestry, and baking, Table I: Vocational Training Enrollment courses are offered in brick laying and concrete practice; District Student Enrollment carpentry and joinery; hair dressing; metal fabrication; Male Female motorcycle and automotive repair; and tailoring and Abim 17 8 cutting garments. Nuyok aimed to enroll 100 students Nakapiripirit 34 15 (50% female) in the courses. In Q2, the target was Napak 26 10 exceeded with 110 students (77 male, 33 female) TOTAL 110 successfully reporting for the six-month training programs. The 50% female target, however, was difficult to achieve as many of the females identified were young mothers and the VTI did not have childcare facilities or services. The Kobulin VTI in Napak is the one exception to this, as young women can bring their children given the existing childcare facilities.
Programmatic Adjustments: Nuyok met with individuals from the Enabel Skills Development Program to learn about the “Instant Training” opportunities for youth in Karamoja. These training opportunities last two to three weeks and are offered in the villages. Nuyok is developing an MOU with Enabel to incorporate these techniques into their programs as they would greatly benefit female youth who face challenges in enrolling in lengthy VTI programs. Nuyok will also consult with the VTIs to see if childcare can be provided as it would be instrumental in helping Nuyok reach its 50% female participation target. The project also plans to recruit more intensively for hairdressing, baking, tailoring, agriculture, and phone repair courses that may attract more young women as compared to courses in mechanics, carpentry, or masonry, which tend to draw more male participants.
To raise awareness and gain support for the YouthBuild model and youth entrepreneurship activities in the Abim district specifically, Nuyok included five community development officers from Abim sub-county office in the training-of-trainers (TOT) for Nuyok staff. Following the TOT, Nuyok conducted the first of three trainings targeting 200 youth in Abim, begining with the “Mental Toughness” curriculum. The program is already gaining popularity. Two hundred eleven youth (97 male, 114 female) arrived on the first day of training. Of those 211 participants, 185 (87%) have successfully completed the training and will move on to participate in entrepreneurship and life skills trainings. The Mental Toughness training, which serves to determine which youth will be most likely to succeed as entrepreneurs, is difficult and it is expected that not all students who begin the training will move on to the next steps. As such, YouthBuild considers a 50% retention rate acceptable, making Nuyok’s recent 87% retention rate a large success.
Livestock remains a key livelihood and economic activity in Karamoja. Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) carry out the majority of health services and trainings on improved animal rearing practices necessary for herd health, as well as meat and milk production. In Q2, Nuyok trained 73 (of the planned 75) CAHWs in Napak (25), Nabilatuk (24), and Abim (24) in
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 9 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 disease control and animal husbandry (production and management). Four women participated in the training, which admittedly is a very small number, but was to be expected as the training was a refresher for existing CAHWs who are traditionally male. As the CAHW training rolls-out, Nuyok will meet with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) offices in Entebbe for curriculum review and endorsement. The ministry is fully aware that the CAHWs training is currently being implemented.
Another key to livelihoods development in Karamoja is financial inclusion in the formation and training of Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC). Nuyok conducted a training on the Supervisor Monitoring Checklist and a Management Information Systems (MIS) for SILC supervisors and officers and for the Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) staff from Abim, Napak, Nabilatuk, and Nakapiripirit. In addition to monitoring and reporting on project targets, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of staff in supervision, monitoring, and mentoring of SILC agents.
In Q2, 139 (of a planned 174) new SILC groups were formed across the four districts (Abim [20], Napak [68] Nakapiripirit [33], Nabilatuk [18]) with a total of 2,810 members (1,887 female, 923 male). Nuyok SILC field agents will be redistributed to help lagging districts catch up.
In addition to forming the new SILC groups, Nuyok monitored the performance of 169 groups formed in Q1 involving 4,720 members, 87% of which are female. Collectively, these groups saved 51,874,200 UGX (approximately 14,410 USD) and issued 9,075,500 UGX (approximately 2,521 USD) in loans. The loans were invested in petty trade, retail merchandise, and agriculture (including ploughing). The loans were also used to pay schools fees and purchase food items and domestic assets like animals and electronics.
Also in Q2, Nuyok trained 55 (of the planned 75) Producer Marketing Groups (PMGs) on Skills for Marketing and Rural Transformation (SMART) including group formation and organization. The SMART trainings reaching a total of 1,337 participants. Nuyok achieved 68% female membership, very nearly reaching their goal of 70%.
Table II: Producer Marketing Group Membership District Male Female TOTAL Abim 154 439 593 Napak 182 268 450 Nakapiripirit* 92 202 294 1,337 *Nabilatuk was formally part of the Nakapiripirit district In addition to SMART skills, Nuyok trained farmers on cost-benefit analysis and guided them in making viable choices for crops and livestock. The training reached 110 (66 male, 44 female) participants, of 154 planned, in Abim. It should be noted that Nuyok implementing partners indicated that 44 members from the selected PMGs did not attend the training because they were occupied in opening new farmland in anticipation of March rains. Nuyok also identified and established 69 agricultural demonstration plots in Nakapiripirit (11) and Napak (58). By the end
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 10 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 of Y2, Nuyok plans for each PMG to have one demonstration plot. Finally, Nuyok held inception meetings between Sebei Farmers SACCO and the leaders of 30 PMGs from Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, and Napak to prepare for the sunflower cash crop production. During the meetings, PMG leaders learned about the products SACCO offers and the details of the partnership for sunflower production.
Agricultural Supplies and Services Delivered to Households In Q2, Nuyok undertook preparations for DiNER (seed) fairs to benefit agropastoralists in Nuyok districts. The seed fairs are also designed to aid caregivers of children under 5 years of age, as well as women and youth in PMGs. Germination tests were completed by district agricultural departments in Napak, Abim, and Nakapiripirit. The DiNER fairs are scheduled for April 2019, with 11,796 farmers expected to participate.
Farmers Trained on Improved Animal Rearing Practices Nuyok identified the Lead Couple Farmers, who will mobilize the clusters of farmers within their community. The Lead Couple’s farms will be used a learning centers for the rest of the community. The School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) at Makerere University assessed livestock feed and feeding practices in Nuyok implementation areas. The recommendations of the assessment will guide the design of the training manual and content for animal feeding products and practices for farmers in Karamoja in Y2.
It is noted that SVAR supported GHG to develop the CAHWs curriculum that includes the animal feeding component and general animal husbandry. However, there was less content on feeds and feeding, housing and disease control focusing on poultry and goat production, as recommended by the assessment report for Nuyok’s interventions in women-supported livestock opportunities. This curriculum contains a module on Farming as Business focusing on poultry and goat production.
Environmental Compliance: Safe Use Action Plan (SUAP) In the first quarter of FY19, CRS submitted a draft of the SUAP. Comments and suggestions were made by the mission environment officer (MEO), which CRS incorporated into the final document. In Q2, CRS submitted the final SUAP to the bureau environment officer. The SUAP includes an Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) for specific crops that will be adopted in order to minimize environmental risks associated with pesticide use. Training of farmers and agro-input dealers on safe use and handling of pesticides will also be conducted upon approval of the SUAP.
Rural Entrepreneurs Access Program (REAP) The REAP project is a graduation model that empowers ultra-poor women to establish a sustainable livelihood and graduate out of extreme poverty. In Q2, Nuyok began an extensive exercise to identify 1,635 ultra-poor women for participation in the project through the use of Household Wealth Ranking Tools, a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) process. From a total number of 16,113 women nominated by the communities in 96 villages in Napak district, 5,055 (31%) were identified as ultra-poor by the Nuyok team. Those identified were mostly female- headed households (widows and divorcees), households with individuals with a chronic illness or
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 11 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 disability, child-headed households, and orphans. Next steps for narrowing down the number of individuals eligible to participate in REAP is described under plans for next quarter.
Purpose 3: Nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under 2 improved Nuyok improves the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women (PLW), adolescent girls, and children under 2 (CU2) using a three-pronged approach: 1) health and nutrition education 2) water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH), and 3) strengthening the health system for access to quality health and nutrition services. Women and youth are also linked to on- and off-farm livelihoods and entrepreneurship training, as well as inclusive financial services through SILC. These links allow them to produce or purchase nutritious food, seek health services, and provide for the well-being of their children.
Mother Care Groups/Household Caregiver Groups Mentored and Supervised The VHTs are trained in the MCG modules to facilitate groups of Lead Mothers (up to 15), The Lead Mothers form the “Mother Care Group.” After training in each module, the Lead Mothers cascade the information down to their neighbor women or other caregiver of the child under five. These neighbor women/caregivers make up the “Household Care Giver Group.” CRS will also share the structure of the MCG approach as soon as adjustment is made in the graphic to correct NUYOK to Nuyok.
By the end of Q2, Nuyok aimed to form and train at least one Mother Care Group (MCG) in each of the 165 villages targeted. The project successfully trained 55 MCGs in Abim, 72 in Napak, 16 in Nabilatuk, and 45 in Nakapiripirit for a total 188 MCGs. In this reporting period, Village Health Teams (VHTs) supported Mother Care Groups in the roll-out of Module 1, which concerns complementary feeding for children ages 6-8 months, 9-12 months, and 12-24 months, to 12,612 Household Caregiver Groups members (HHCGs). The numbers are detailed in the table below.
Table III: Participants Trained in Mother Care Group Module 1 As part of the quality District VHTs Lead Mothers Household improvement initiative, Caregivers Nuyok identified 162 (of a Abim 110 146 1954 targeted 220) VHTs trained Nakapiripirit 44 399 4270 in MCG Module 1 as Nabilatuk 10 193 2624 needing support to improve Napak 56 323 3764 their group facilitation and Total 220 1,061 12,612 their health and nutrition education skills. To address the capacity gap, VHTs identified were linked with supervisors to jointly facilitate the MCG Module 1 lessons. They will continue to work in pairs until the VHT is able to work independently. Peer VHTs were provided with bicycles to increase their mobility between VHTs with facilitation skill difficulties and those supporting Lead Mothers in rolling out training to household caregivers (mothers and other caregivers of CU5).
Joint Planning and Monitoring for Nutrition Education In collaboration with sub-county Nutrition Coordination Committees, Nuyok conducted three joint planning and reflection meetings with VHTs. Key issues raised included the need for more
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 12 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 information on the DiNER (seed) fairs to support dietary diversity and requests to streamline engagement with VHTs during the upcoming busy planting season.
Programmatic Adjustments: Nuyok obtained the former RWANU MCG modules, rather than creating new ones. The original set of modules included three modules which Nuyok decided to remove, 1) trachoma, 2) family planning (which also included artificial methods) and 3) health user rights. RWANU had a special grant during their project implementation which allowed them to introduce the module on trachoma. Because trachoma prevention and treatment are not part of the essential nutrition and hygiene actions, Nuyok decided to eliminate the module. The RWANU module on family planning (which includes both artificial and natural methods) will be replaced by education on LAM and Cycle Beads. The beads will be distributed through MCA and MCGs. Health user rights, the last module to be eliminated is an activity that will be covered under Health Systems Strengthening and community monitoring of government services. The impetus for reassessing the RWANU modules came from the USAID-funded RWANU evaluation report stated that RWANU may have provided too much knowledge over too short of a timeframe. As a result, health and nutrition behaviours were not necessarily adopted. In response, Nuyok carried out a rapid assessment to understanding caregivers’ learning priorities for improved maternal and child health. VHTs and Lead Mothers prioritized cooking demonstrations for complementary feeding, and no lessons were eliminated based on the rapid assessment.
Nutrient Rich Porridge Cooking Demonstrations After prioritizing practical demonstrations for MCGs as keys for behaviour change, Nuyok trained all of the VHTs in the 165 villages reached (Abim [110], Napak [112], Nabilatuk [21], and Nakapiripirit [88]). A total of 331 VHTs were trained (including the 220 VHTs previously reported as trained in MCG Modules 1) on preparation of nutrient rich porridge using locally available foods. The VHTs are now tasked with teaching the Lead Mothers who will then teach the HHCGs.
Households Trained on Food Processing, Preservation, and Home Gardening Techniques Following training for partner staff on kitchen gardening and home-based food processing and preservation in Q1, Nuyok supported project participants in the construction of 203 keyhole gardens (34 in Nabilatuk, 98 in Nakapiripirit, and 71 in Napak). Of these gardens, 51% were planted and in use by the end of the quarter. Of those gardens that were not in use, women reported unavailability of vegetable seeds as a reason for not planting. Moving forward, Nuyok will increase access to vegetable seeds for keyhole and backyard gardens through the DiNER (seed) fairs planned for Q3.
Programmatic Adjustments: Nuyok participants provided feedback regarding the work involved in keyhole garden construction and the small quantity of greens harvested from a mature garden. The feedback echoed the RWANU evaluation which stated that keyhole
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 13 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 gardens were considered beneficial to households in diversifying their diets, but too labour intensive in construction. Based on this information, Nuyok will focus on the kitchen garden approach. A kitchen garden is intended to utilize the space around the house to grow vegetables and limited food crops. It can measure 1 meter by 2-meter plot of land. The kitchen garden technique is less time consuming then the keyhole garden to construct and does not require any additional materials. The keyhole garden requires stones or wooden poles, grasses and drainage materials. The burden of collecting the materials needed for the keyhole garden fell solely on women. The kitchen garden is labor saving because no special materials are needed and clearing land for a garden is work shared between men and women according to traditional labor roles.
Health Systems Strengthening
Natural Family Planning The goal of promoting natural family planning (NFP) is to reduce malnutrition through child spacing. One way in which this is accomplished is by increasing the demand, coverage, and use of CycleBeads. CycleBeads have the benefit of no side effects and can be promoted and explained through trained community members (couple facilitators). To equip couple facilitators, Nuyok procured 10,000 CycleBeads, calendars, and instruction booklets with illustrations.
In February, Nuyok familiarized 19 (9 male, 10 female) health workers from nine (of 16 total) health facilities in Abim on natural family planning using methods presented in The Faithful House. As a result, the health workers are now familiar with CycleBeads and are able to provide support to couples intending to use the beads for family planning. Nuyok also trained another 19 (9 male, 10 female) health workers from each of the nine health units, including the district VHT coordinator, the district health educator, the district nutrition focal person, the health facility in charge, and a mid-wife, on the WHO’s Reaching Every District (RED) approach. Through this training, the participants learned how to develop district and health facility micro-plans for better management of resources and the provision of supportive supervision to health workers. They also learned the importance of linking communities with service delivery and ensuring monitoring for action. Additional training for health workers on NFP and the RED approach are planned for Q3.
Programmatic Adjustments: To improve the quality of health and nutrition services, including the facilitation skills of health workers, VHTs, and Lead Mothers, Nuyok developed Quality Improvement Verification Checklists (QIVC) and supervision tools for natural family planning and growth monitoring. The checklists aid implementing partner staff in building the capacity of health workers, namely VHTs, and Lead Mothers. A health and nutrition quarterly support supervision checklist was also developed that conforms to the Ministry of Health format.
Village Health Team and Lead Mothers Equipped to Provide Consistent Services One of the logistical issues that Nuyok experienced during the early stages of the project involved transportation difficulties. In order to alleviate this issue, Nuyok provided 100 VHT supervisors with bicycles (29 in Abim, 39 in Napak, 19 in Nakapiripirit, and 13 in Nabilatuk). Equipping the VHT supervisors with the means by which to travel quickly allows them to more efficiently undertake referral, supervisory, and reporting responsibilities.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 14 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019
Following an assessment of the quantity and quality of anthropometric equipment in the health facilities, Nuyok procured a total of 2,446 MUAC tapes, including 1,223 for adults and 1,223 for children. The tapes will be distributed to VHTs and Lead Mothers. During the assessment, Nuyok also determined that there were a limited number of scales and height boards even though UNICEF was on board to supply these items. Nuyok will follow-up with the district nutrition focal persons to determine how the UNICEF equipment was, and will be, distributed before Nuyok considers purchasing any extra equipment.
Health Outreach Services Conducted As planned, Nuyok supported 26 of 42 health facilities in Napak, Nakapiripirit, and Nabilatuk in conducting a total of 85 integrated health and nutrition (H&N) outreaches in Napak (44), Nakapiripirit (27), and Nabilatuk (14) to increase access, coverage, and use of health and nutrition services by the vulnerable communities. These outreaches targeted PLW and CU5 with ANC, PNC, nutrition counselling, growth monitoring, vitamin A and folic acid supplements, and immunization services.
In Q2, Nuyok reached a total of 10,218 children under 2 years of age (CU2) and 2,554 PLWs with growth monitoring and promotion services at both static and outreach points. Village Health Teams referred 663 CU2 with severe acute malnutrition to health facilities for further management. VHTs also referred 979 CU2 with moderate acute malnutrition for Outpatient Therapeutic Care (OTC) which provides home-based management. Additionally, 1,048 pregnant women visited health facilities for antenatal care (ANC) and 1,048 lactating women were counselled on the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) of family planning. The 16 health facilities in Abim did not indicate that the current lack of a health system officer was a challenge for them. The position is expected to be filled by the beginning of May 2019.
Table IV: Malnourished Children Identified During Health Outreaches
Children U2 Referred to Health Facility or OTC Severe Acute Malnutrition 979 663 Moderate Acute Malnutrition 2000 979 Global Acute Malnutrition 2,979 1642 Programmatic Adjustments: In order to more fully provide health services to the target areas, Nuyok is working with UNICEF, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), and Concerned Action for Health (CAFH) in Napak and Abim districts to assist health centers in conducting integrated health and nutrition outreaches. In Napak, Nuyok will support outreaches within a 50 km radius of the health facility while VSO will support health outreaches beyond that 50 km radius. In Abim, CAFH is supported by the World Food Program (WFP) in implementing monthly outreaches in five targeted resettlement areas further than 10 km from the health facility. Nuyok will support outreaches to villages in Abim not already served by CAFH.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 15 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
In Nuyok operational areas many communities rely on boreholes for their water needs. A damaged borehole stresses the community in multiple ways, most significantly in that women and children are forced to walk longer distances to collect water for bathing, cooking, and agricultural production. In preparation for borehole rehabilitation, Nuyok assessed 42 boreholes in all four districts, Napak (11), Abim (11), Nakapiripirit (10), and Nabilatuk (10). Major defects identified include missing pump handles, pipe corrosion, broken connecting rods, defective handles, and defective pedestals. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with the community allowed Nuyok staff to understand the potential environmental and social risks related to an inoperative borehole. Those risks include: • Mosquitoes and other vectors at the water point due to stagnant water • Social conflicts arising when animals are watered at community boreholes • Difficulty in collecting water user fees • Water contamination due to poor sanitation and open defecation near the water point • Injuries sustained during and after rehabilitation (anticipated if rehabilitation crews are not adequately protected or if post-rehabilitation sites are not properly cleared) • A prolonged dry season (drought) causing the borehole to dry up
Regarding the risks discussed, Nuyok will present a mitigation and monitoring plan as part of the Environmental Review Form (ERF) being submitted to USAID. In order to rehabilitate boreholes as soon as USAID approval is secured, Nuyok has procured galvanized iron (GI) pipes, which will be installed in boreholes without corrosion problems. For those boreholes with corrosion issues, Nuyok will procure stainless steel pipes.
Programmatic Adjustments: The Nuyok WASH team mobilized 75 hand pump mechanics (HPMs) from 23 sub-counties currently benefiting from Nuyok interventions. Because the mechanics were already trained and equipped by local government and other partners, the program will not train them as previously proposed. Nuyok is set to involve the HPMs in borehole defect assessment, rehabilitation, and maintenance through a private-public partnership (PPP) approach.
Throughout this quarter, the Nuyok WASH team monitored hygiene and sanitation improvements in the 20 villages triggered in Q1 through Community-Led Total Sanitation. According to routine monitoring data collected, latrine coverage increased in all 20 communities.
Table V: Latrine Coverage Pre- and Post-CLTS Triggering
District (No. of Pre-Triggering Post-Triggering Following the Community- Villages) Latrine Coverage Latrine Coverage Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) (%) (%) triggering in Q1, the WASH Abim (10) 32.2 53.3 team continued monitoring Napak (5) 10.8 45.2 Open Defecation Free (ODF) Nakapiripirit (2) 0.3 6.4 progress in all four districts. Nabilatuk (3) 1.0 8.3
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 16 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 In March, in collaboration with district water departments, Nuyok carried out WASH education for approximately 2,250 people as part of World Water Day in Nakapiripirit. Implementing partner Communications for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) involved youth drama groups to educate the population on personal hygiene, safe disposal of fecal matter, and safe water chain strategies.
Programmatic Adjustments: While the increase in latrine coverage is encouraging, it is still far from meeting acceptable standards. Consequently, Nuyok trained implementing partner staff on the Home Improvement Campaign (HIC)/Cluster and Child Hygiene and Sanitation Training approaches. Moving forward, Nuyok will implement WASH activities using the HIC/Cluster approach. More information regarding this change is provided under the section on challenges.
Nuyok Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) Strategy CDFU, a Nuyok implementing partner, has completed the first 10 of 30 planned radio serial drama episodes and will start broadcasting on two radio stations in Q3. The serial drama focuses on nutrition for pregnant and lactating women and food security practices such as improved agriculture techniques and grain storage. The messages are shared through a dynamic story of families living in a fictional Karamojong village called “Akiiyar,” named for the Karamojong word for “life.” Nuyok also trained youth drama groups in sharing key messages for behavioral change and began the process of identifying harmful traditional practices which have the potential to hinder a community’s ability to address food and nutrition insecurity issues. Harmful traditional practices include taboos affecting pregnant and lactating women and children. In this period, training materials for Mother Care Groups were also updated in design and graphics.
ICT4D/MEAL In Q2, Nuyok revised the detailed implementation plan (DIP), logical framework, indicator performance tracking tables (IPTT), and performance indicator reference sheets (PIRS). The theory of change (TOC) and its narrative did not change. The documents were revised based on comments from USAID/FFP regarding archived, new, and revised indicators. CRS held a target and strategy refinement workshop with Nuyok implementing partners. The workshop was attended by 27 staff from both CRS and Nuyok implementing partners. The team used the revised Targeting Spreadsheet provided by USAID/FFP to devise the targets necessary for Nuyok to achieve its desired outcomes. This culminated in the revision of the IPTT targets mentioned above.
In February 2019, the Nuyok ICT4D team oriented the implementing team on the MEAL ICT4D system that uses CommCare. The orientation was decentralized and conducted in all Nuyok operational areas (Abim, Napak, and Nakapiripirit). Ninety-eight implementing staff participated.
Over the course of several meetings, WFP, along with CRS, conducted the third-party assessment of the SCOPE single registry database. An additional meeting was held with the WFP, Mercy Corps, and the Apolou activity manager to discuss progress on the data sharing agreement, which is still with the WFP as they internally discuss the different steps necessary to finalize it.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 17 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 Coordination with Partners The Nuyok project works in conjunction with many implementing partners. Over the course of the quarter, the project had the opportunity to engage with these partners on multiple occasions.
USAID From February 25 through March 1, Nuyok participated in the joint USAID/DIFID deep-dive field visit to Karamoja. As a follow-up, the project attended the March Karamoja Nutrition and Health Partners Planning and Coordination meeting for integrated Health and Nutrition outreaches at UNICEF.
Apolou/Mercy Corps Apolou and Nuyok held a joint workshop for 49 staff members to discuss the key findings from their baseline surveys, as well as end-line evaluations for GHG and RWANU. The two DFSAs used the findings to review their TOCs and implementation strategies, prioritizing activities that were proven to have been successful during the implementation of GHG and RWANU. The workshop also scrutinized the outcome and impact indicators that did not perform well from an adaptive management perspective.
CRS collaborated with Mercy Corps (MC) to adapt the SILC model, including the adaptation of training materials, methods of staff training, and cost-sharing on the consultant hired to adapt the SILC guide. CRS is also collaborating with MC to obtain MAAIF’s approval for the CAHW training. With support from SVAR at Makerere University, CRS and MC are jointly advocating for the development of CAHWs’ minimum standards by MAAIF.
Other Actors Nuyok is finalizing a MOU with the Belgium development agency Enable to engage in Instant Training with the Uganda National Methodological Authority on the dissemination of weather information. They are also working on a MOU with Harvest Plus under the MENU activity regarding the commercialization of biofortified crops and reaching vulnerable households through input dealers and seed/vine multipliers.
III. Challenges For all its success, the Nuyok program has not been without its challenges. Issues with logistics, staffing, seed procurement, adequate childcare, and sanitation all presented challenges in Q2.
Logistics and Staffing Logistically, field implementation was constrained by an inadequate number of motorcycles. In Q2, Nuyok initiated the procurement process for 29 additional motorcycles for implementing partners to facilitate their movement to and from Nuyok communities and to accelerate project implementation. With regards to staffing, CRS has filled the MEAL officer position that was left vacant when the previous officer resigned for personal reasons. The foundational team lead also resigned in Q2 after accepting a position based in Kampala. Her responsibilities are currently being covered by the Deputy Chief of Party until a qualified replacement can be found.
Agriculture
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 18 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 In preparing for the DiNER (seed) fairs, Nuyok found that only a limited number of agro-input dealers in Karamoja had the capacity to supply large quantities of seeds. Nuyok is responding with capacity building for agro-input dealers through linkages with seed companies and distributors at the national level, as well as with financial institutions to access credit and boost their stocking capacities.
Youth Livelihoods Many young mothers expressed interest in joining vocational training programs, however, actually enrolling proved challenging as most training centers do not have childcare facilities. To address this issue, Nuyok will engage with VTIs to find out if it is possible to provide childcare.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Challenges in the Community-Led Total Sanitation model can be linked to a weak village-level social support system. Heads of households without the physical ability to excavate and construct a latrine (such as households headed by women or the elderly, or polygamous households) cannot do so without support from the community. Latrine collapse due to soil conditions is also a commonly cited problem. Because of these challenges, Nuyok is shifting to the Home Improvement Campaign approach and the team will focus on the following: 1. Quality assurance: This will be achieved through community training, guidance regarding construction materials, and pit designs that are more likely to withstand poor soil conditions and rain. 2. Building a community support system: Nuyok will mobilize communities to form groups (clusters) to serve as an entry point for training, latrine construction, and social support for vulnerable households as identified above. Local communities (and interested youth) will be given additional training on latrine construction so that they can act as local engineers to assist households in construction.
Lessons Learned The upside of challenges are the lessons learned from meeting them. The Nuyok project has benefitted from many lessons learned in the current (and previous) quarter(s), lessons that will allow the program to evolve over the upcoming life of the project and allow for more sustainable impact on food security for its targeted communities.
Partnership The Nuyok project works in concert with many invaluable implementing partners in order to achieve the greatest benefit for the vulnerable populations they serve. These partners have a wealth of historical knowledge regarding what works in Karamoja and are key in helping the project avoiding the repetition of past failures. CRS’ lead implementing partners’ participation in adapting training materials to the local culture is also crucial for maximizing the impact of the project.
Coordination and Collaboration The quantity and diversity of civil society, government, and UN agencies operating in Karamoja requires a constant and concerted effort to collaborate and coordinate with other actors. Because of the joint DIFID and USAID visit to Karamoja, Nuyok staff participated in a coordination meeting with other organizations working in health and nutrition to streamline and harmonize support to integrated health outreaches as well as incentives and training for Village Health Teams.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 19 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 In the next quarter, Nuyok will identify which sector working groups need to be formed or revitalized to increase coordination and collaboration and to avoid duplication of services.
Private Sector Engagement The involvement of the private sector in Karamoja is still in its nascent stages. Identifying agro- input dealers with the capacity to provide improved and diverse seeds to farmers was a challenge. Building up the capacity of these dealers will be key to the sustainability of improved agricultural practices through access to seeds. This strategy also involves enhancing financial linkages between beneficiary SILC groups and financial service providers.
IV. Planned Interventions By the end of Q3, Nuyok aims to implement project activities in 262 villages, or half of the total villages targeted for the life of award. The planned interventions cover multiple aspects of the project and refer back to the Foundational Purpose and sub-purposes. Below, planned interventions for Q3 are detailed.
Foundational Purpose: Community and institutional capacity to improve food and nutrition security improved Governance and Gender: Beginning in April, the first group of 165 couples will be trained in The Faithful House approach from which local trainers will then be selected. The Faithful House approach is the leading activity for promoting healthy communication between couples about jobs, children, and natural family planning, among other topics. Additionally, a training of trainers and roll-out of the Male Change Agent approach will begin in May. Nuyok will identify women and youth leaders and will conduct a leadership training capacity-gap assessment. Following the assessment, Nuyok will develop a tailored curriculum for women and youth on governance and leadership. Nuyok will continue to follow-up on the district-developed action plans for improved service delivery and will provide training on equitable and strategic targeting for local government activities that support improvements in food and nutrition security.
The foundational purpose staff will train communities on the basics of monitoring to hold local government accountable for nutrition, health, agricultural, and other key service delivery areas mandated by the government that directly support food and nutrition security. Lastly, communities will go through a guided process to identify harmful traditional practices that may impede a community’s ability to address food and nutrition insecurity. Communities will develop responses to these practices while traditional and formal leaders will receive training on how to speak out against such practices in public forums.
Purpose 1: Community resilience to shocks and stresses improved Nuyok will conduct a workshop with sub-county officials to consolidate the Village Disaster Management Plans (VDMPs) into a Sub-County Disaster Management Plan (SDMP). In addition, early warning information sharing mechanisms will be set up. Nuyok will continue with Community-Led Disaster Management Assessments (CLDRM) in the remaining villages in support of the Village Disaster Management Committees (VDCMs). Community leaders will be trained on conflict situation analysis and management, and on how to set up conflict resolution platforms. Nuyok will strengthen/establish micro-catchment management committees and will train participants on natural resource management. Training will focus on bush burning,
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 20 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 deforestation, and erosion. Public works (cash-for-work) activities will commence based on the results and priorities garnered from the Village Development Management Plans. Prior to public works activities, Nuyok will conduct environmental screening and prepare Environmental Review Forms for construction interventions.
Purpose 2: Vulnerable households' livelihoods sustainably improved Lead Couple Farmers, women, and youth will receive training on Climate Smart Agriculture techniques, livestock feed and feeding practices, basic marketing, and selection of commercially viable crops and livestock. All participant farmers will receive training on the safe use and handling of pesticides. Nuyok will identify labor-saving tools and the technology needs of project participants, especially women. Nuyok will conduct participatory market information assessments with producer and marketing actors. In order to continue building the capacity of Community Animal Health Workers, the Nakapiripirit CAHW training is scheduled for April 29-May 31, 2019.
Nuyok will also graduate the first and second groups of young people to have completed the life skills and basic entrepreneurship training. Graduating students will receive start-up kits to begin using their new skills. The third class of 300 youth will be formed in Q3. Nuyok implementing partners will plan and conduct a Community Asset Building activity (CAB) with the graduating class. Functional Adult Literacy classes will commence, continuing to focus on women and a refresher training will take place for SILC field agents.
REAP will conduct a survey using the Participant Targeting Tool (PTT) in consultation with the district leadership of Napak to verify and screen women identified by the community as ultra-poor. Ultimately, the project aims to support a group of 1,635 ultra-poor women. Upon identification, the women will self-select into groups of three, resulting in 545 groups. Group formation will be followed by a baseline assessment to measure the women’s standard of living which will form the basis for determining the criteria for poverty graduation. In Q3, REAP participants will receive business skills training and their first cash disbursement, as well as a consumption smoothing stipend to start a small business and to reduce the risk of the women using the business grants for other family needs.
Nuyok will train the SILC groups in Business development skills to enhance their capacity to engage in income generating activities where some of their loan fund will be locally used to finance their microenterprises. Where possible linkages will be made to the Skills development agencies like Enabel to build various skills of the beneficiaries. In addition, linkages to commercial financial service providers will be initiated for interested higher cycle SILC groups to access large credit facilities and manage their liquidity. Financial literacy training will be done for the SILC participants, and for the SILC groups that demand for federating to form SACCOs, they will be supported in collaboration with the District Commercial Officers to register and comply with Microfinance Institutions and Money lenders Act, 2016.
Purpose 3: Nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under 2 improved Nuyok will continue training Lead Mothers and their Household Caregiver Groups and will provide support and counseling to care group members through home visits. Nuyok will follow up
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 21 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019 on the development of district and health facility micro-plans and procure anthropometric equipment (scales, height mats/boards, MUAC tapes [child and adult]) for the 42 health facilities in the program area. Nuyok will also conduct a defect assessment on selected boreholes and mobilize for private-public partnerships for water points maintained in selected villages. The staff will conduct ODF verification in selected villages and will monitor latrine construction and hygiene improvement in the villages. Nuyok will train water user committees and project staff on environmental compliance requirements for borehole rehabilitation in line with the Environmental Review Form. A WASH marketing assessment will also be conducted in Q3.
MEAL/ICT4D Nuyok will implement a hotline through CDFU (an implementing partner) beginning with a data security assessment of the current CDFU hotline, orientation of the hotline staff, and finally, a formal launch of the hotline. A staging database and microsite will also be established with support from CRS’s Global Knowledge and Information Management (GKIM) unit. The microsite will make it easier to share updated tools and reporting formats with implementing partners. CRS will conduct an Evaluative Thinking workshop in April, and Apolou and Nuyok plan to conduct a joint data quality assessment (DQA) in four of its operational districts in May.
CRS Uganda | Nuyok DFSA | AID-FFP-A-17-00005 | Quarterly Program Report | Q2 FY19 22 Resubmission Date: 5 July 2019