Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) Cooperative Agreement No. AID-FFP-A-16-00005

FY 2021 Quarter 1 Report October 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020

Awardee Name and Host Country Catholic Relief Services - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Award Number AID-FFP-A-16-00005 Project Name Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) Submission Date January 29, 2021 Revised Submission Date March 3, 2021 Reporting Period Quarter 1, FY 2021 Awardee HQ Contact Name Courtney Plummer Awardee HQ Contact Address 228 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201 Awardee HQ Telephone Number + 1.410.234.3130 Awardee HQ Contact Email Address [email protected] Host Country Contact Name John Shumlansky Host Country Office Contact Telephone Number (+251) 112 788 800 Host Country Office Contact Email Address [email protected]

1 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 Acronym List BOLSA Bureau of Labor and Social Affairs LQAS Lot Quality Assurance Sampling CA Community Animator LRO Livelihoods for Resilience - CAHW Community Animal Health Worker MC Mercy Corps CC Community Conversation MCHN Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition CCG Community Conversation Group MCS Meki Catholic Secretariat CCL Centre for Creative Leadership MEAL Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and CCFLS Community-based Complementary Learning Feeding and Learning Sessions MF Microflush CHAST Children Hygiene and Sanitation Training MFI Microfinance Institution CHNP Community Health and Nutrition Promotors MG Marketing Groups CLA Collaboration, Learning and Adapting MIS Management Information System CLTSH Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene MoANR Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources CRS Catholic Relief Services MT Metric Tons CU5 Children Under Five NSA Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture DA Development Agent ODF Open Defecation Free DFSA Development Food Security Activity O&M Operations and Maintenance EI Economic Infrastructure OTP Outpatient Therapeutic Program ESDM Environmentally Sound Design and OSC One Stop Centre Management PDS Permanent Direct Support ESMF Environmental Sound Management Framework PICS Purdue Improved Crop Storage ETB Ethiopian Birr PIM Program Implementation Manual FDP Food Distribution Point PLW Pregnant Lactating Women FES Fuel Efficient Stove PTC Pastoral Training Center FA Field Agent PSNP Productive Safety Net Program FFP Food for Peace PSP Private Service Provider FMNR Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration PW Public Works FSP Financial Service Providers PWD Persons with Disabilities FTC Farmer Training Center Q Quarter FY Fiscal Year RUSACCO Rural Saving and Credit Cooperative GBV Gender Based Violence SAM Severe Acute Malnutrition GoE Government of Ethiopia SEI Social/Economic Infrastructure HC Health Center SILC Savings Internal Lending Communities HCS Hararghe Catholic Secretariat SPX Cross-cutting Sub-Purpose HDA Health Development Armies SSI Small Scale Irrigation HEW Health Extension Worker SWC Soil and Water Conservation HF Health Facilities TFH/IFH The Faithful House/Islamic Family HFW Health Facility Worker House HH Household TWG Technical Working Group HTP Harmful Traditional Practice ToC Theory of Change IGA Income Generation Activity ToT Training of Trainers IMNCI Integrated Management of Newborn and Child USAID United States Agency for International Illnesses Development IP Implementing Partner WBC Water Benefit Calculator JEOP Joint Emergency Operation WC&YO Women, Children &Youth Office JRIS Joint Review and Implementation Support WoHO Woreda Health Office JSMR Joint-Structured Monitoring Review WFSTF Woreda Food Security Task Force KFSTF Kebele Food Security Task Force YCC Youth Community Center LSAO Labor and Social Affairs Office YCCG Youth Community Conversation Group LEW Livelihood Extension Worker YDC Youth Development Center LICU Livelihood Coordination YLG Youth Livelihood Groups Implementation Coordination Unit LF/LH Lead Farmer/Lead Herder LG Livelihood Group

2 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 i. Activity Summary

COVID-19 has continued impacting DFSA interventions throughout Q1- FY21. However, based on FY20 lessons in using technology investments and adapting interventions where possible while adhering to WHO and Government of Ethiopia (GoE) precautionary measures, CRS implemented various key interventions including preparation for the start-up of public work (PW) activities, the completion of remaining small scale irrigation (SSI) schemes post-harvest management and technology promotion, Microflush Toilet Construction, Community Based Complementary Feeding And Learning Sessions (CCFLS), and supportive health facility supervisions. ii. Activity Outputs

While not a DFSA led activity, CRS has continued to monitor the progress of GoE led cash transfers to PDS clients (scheduled from July to December 2020) in line with local BHA Mission requests since DFSA’s inception. While the July transfer was significantly delayed due to the late release of the budget from Ministry of Finance to the regions including Oromia, significant progress was made in Q1 FY21. The final (December) transfer shall begin and be completed in January 2021. Please see Q1 performance in Table 1. Note there were no DFSA led commodity transfers to PDS clients in Q1.

Table 1: FY21 Q1 cash transfer to PDS clients by GoE Cash transfer October November December Unique Participants

Actual 12,303 12,303 0 12,303 Male Planned 12,303 12,303 12,303 12,303

Actual 15,088 15,088 0 15,088 Female Planned 15,088 15,088 15,088 15,088 iii. Programming Performance

SPX: Women and youth have increased access to and control of community and HH resources Community Conversation Groups (CCGs) and Youth CCGs in all woredas resumed regular meetings (many had been suspended in FY20 due to COVID-19). Frontline staff continued to support existing CCGs, with a focus on FY20 groups, with materials that had not been delivered earlier due to COVID-19. Support included refresher trainings to CCG leaders in MCS woredas as well as training to 78 (29 female) youth CCG leaders/volunteers and Woreda WC&Y Affairs experts to help youth leaders guide and shape youth led dialogue. These efforts will enhance their knowledge on youth participation, gender-based violence (GBV), early marriage and harmful traditional practices (HTP).

According to CCG members, positive changes continue - improved saving cultures, more joint discussions and decision-making within families, reduced domestic violence, and improved male engagement in domestic tasks. In HCS, a network of 18 CCGs was established in Babile included local GoE stakeholders to discuss success, challenges and upcoming priorities. If this CCG network is successful in Babile, it will be scaled up to all CRS DFSA woredas.

Ten young gender champions (male) from who were trained in FY20 but not recognized then due to COVID-19 were acknowledged and provided with incentives. Recognition such as this continues to motivate and encourage many other young men in rural communities to better support their families and partners with household chores and more supportive behaviors. 84 model youth volunteers (25 female) from Deder, Melka Belo, and were trained for two days from 15-25 December on gender and youth integration to facilitate YCCGs and to support Community Animators (CA) The trained volunteers have already initiated this integration in target cluster centers facilitating 4 to 5 YCCGs monthly. 3 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 Two job aids were developed for youth volunteerism activities. The first job aid will guide DFSA stakeholders, including the government, IPs, Youth Development Centers (YDCs), and others, to mobilize, engage and manage youth volunteers. The second job aid is intended to be used by youth engaging in volunteerism activities. These resources help sustain youth volunteerism interventions. CRS’ DFSA trained 191 (52 female) youth volunteers from 8 DFSA woredas in Project Design and Local Resource mobilization and social entrepreneurship. Training participants developed social entrepreneurship skills and learned how to develop mini-project proposals based on local problems. The training should help increase youth participation in decision-making processes that affect their livelihoods.

CRS’ DFSA conducted a Faithful House/Islamic Family House (TFH/IFH) training for 94 couples (69% of target) between December 9 to 19, 2020. Each of these couples is expected to reach out to 10 couples in Q2. Following the training, participants commented that relationships among family members had improved leading to a reduction in GBV; better open discussions within the household; improved joint decision makings around household resources; and increased male engagement in domestic activity.

DFSA trained 196 women and youth leaders (all female) (54% of annual target) in communication, leadership and decision making in HCS’ woredas. between November 9 and 25, 2020. The training was facilitated by trained partner staff with support from CCL experts. The objective of the training was to enhance women and youth leaders’ leadership skills and help them to effectively execute their responsibilities. CCL conducted mentoring and coaching support (44% of annual target) for gender and youth teams from 4 woredas (Dire Dawa, Babile, Deder and Midega Tola). The main objective of the coaching / cascading support was to ensure the quality of cascaded trainings. During the trainings, CCL provided technical and training tools including job aids, facilitator manuals and experiential activity materials.

MCS (14-15 December) and HCS (27-29 November) conducted refresher training to 59 (15 female) (131% of target) Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) facilitators and woreda Education Office experts to support renewed in-person FAL classes which had been interrupted due to COVID-19.

DFSA celebrated of 16 days of Activism against GBV in all DFSA woredas in collaboration with stakeholders including Woreda WC&YA, woreda Administrations, GBV service providers and community representatives. The 2020 theme was “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, and Collect”. Activities included awareness raising and education on GBV, and panel discussions on GBV prevention, response, coordination and collaboration between stakeholders. Events were also used as an opportunity to share other messages including COVID-19 and gender and youth engagement and participation by gender and youth volunteers. During the event in Dire Dawa, the government Administration awarded a recognition certificate to DFSA’s SPX team for their active engagement and contribution to reduce GBV and HTP.

P I: GoE and community systems respond to reduce communities’ and households’ vulnerability to shocks DFSA conducted a Community Score Card training for 69 (19 female) woreda/Kebele GoE and partner staff. The achievement percentage was 383% against the annual target in FY21. The original budget planned for 18 participants; however, given local enthusiasm, HCS and MCS adjusted their budgets to address the interest of all 69 participants. It also demonstrates that local government staff are taking accountability measures seriously with clear commitments. The objective of the training is to introduce participants to basic Social Accountability and Community Score Card concepts, knowledge and skills and to enable them facilitate similar trainings and conduct interface meeting at community level between service users (communities) and providers (HCS & MCS and woreda/kebele GoE) to identify the pressing issues in DFSA implementation.

Building on the findings from the discovery workshop (fact gathering field assessment from WASH and Irrigation Water Users Association committee members and partners’ staff on leadership and resource management gaps) conducted in MCS and HCS, the training was provided to 54 participants (10 female) in MCS woredas on leadership and communication essential skills for 38 WASH committee members and 16

4 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 Irrigation Water User Association committee members. A three-day workshop on public work operation and maintenance (O&M) which provided participants with the skills needed to prepare their own O&M plans took place at Meki town from 18-20 November with 36 participants (2 female) from 4 MCS DFSA woredas. DFSA will monitor the effectiveness of these trainings to measure if these show positive change in user association assets.

CRS’ DFSA staff particiapted in several GoE and NGO fora and TWGs in support of the development of the PSNP 5 design document and related operational manuals. In addtion, CRS participated in the Federal level Joint Review and Implementation Support (JRIS) virtual workshop from December 14 -17 with federal/regional governments, development partners and NGOs. Issues discussed included the completion of PSNP 4 and preparatory activities for PSNP 5 and the Ethiopian FY 2013 annual work plan/budget.

MCS organized a learning exchange visit (6-8 December) to Shala woreda (and review workshop) for 30 participants (1 female) from GoE, MCS and CRS. The learning exchange focused on recommended social and economic infrastructure practices (design, quality and costs). that can be adopted and implemented across DFSA woredas.

HCS conducted a joint monitoring visit with East Hararghe zonal and DFSA woredas GoE officials focusing on implementation status of DFSA activities from December 18-29 across 16 sites - linkages of area closures (PW) and livelihood activities; construction of classrooms, irrigation canals, hand dug wells, night storage pond; and cash transfer to PDS clients. Implementation gaps were identified, and action plans were prepared around PW quality, lack of O&M plans, and the functionality of completed infrastructure schemes. The most critical gaps identified were as follows: 1. Water leakage was observed in some parts of the lined irrigation canal constructed in Gambela kebele, Babile. 2. Some of the completed social and economic infrastructures had inadequate operation and maintenance plans such as irrigation canals, additional classroom blocks and night storage facilities. 3. There was no fencing around a hand-dug well in Ifaa, Babile which is a primary water source protection measure. 4. There were some issues with the construction of the irrigation canal in Ifabas, Deder such as incomplete canal excavation, plastering, cement lining and night storage construction - all of which were delayed due to abnormal rains in Q4 FY20. To address the gaps, the following action plans were developed and will be completed in Q2/FY21: 1. For technical issues or questionable work quality, the contractors will repair all associated tasks and uphold their contract responsibilities. 2. Each WFSTF in Babile and Deder will provide support to the sector Irrigation Office to correct the water leakage and accelerate the canal completion by providing local and industrial materials. 3. Babile’s woreda water office will provide the necessary fencing through its own resources. 4. The relevant woreda GoE institutions and HCS will complete operation and maintenance plans for the PW sub-projects, accompanied by regular joint supervision by HCS and relevant woreda GoE.

Proposed action items to address the gaps in Q2 include close monitoring by WFSTFs to support relevant woreda sector offices; timely provision of materials by HCS and woreda sector offices; recruiting adequate labor force by contractors to complete the sub-projects on time; and greater attention by WFSTFs to area closures and livelihood activity linkages

HCS and MCS conducted environmental screening on PW sub projects using the Environmental Sound Management Framework (ESMF) tool for 174 kebeles (one ESMF per kebele). As part of the Environmental and Social management Framework, an EMMP was prepared and attached to the PW plan of each community or kebele and shared with kebeles for implementation. CRS’ DFSA conducted field testing of WBC version 2. 110 soil samples and drone photos were collected from selected watersheds areas. Following field testing, two-day WBC V2 workshops were organized separately for MCS and HCS staff (17) on the WBC user

5 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 platform from Nov 9-12. Participants learned how to use the WBC user manual and application software to make decisions on NMR practices, land type uses and crops and practiced in selected watersheds.

P II: Households improve their sustainable livelihood and economic well-being Building livelihoods: DFSA conducted a review meeting among Livelihood Implementation Coordination Unit (LICU) members in all operational Woredas from 1-4 December. A total of 75 (3 female) LICU members from government offices and Woreda based DFSA staff participated in the review meetings. The main objectives of the review meeting were to discuss the status of livelihood activities, challenges and then develop joint action plans focusing on areas that need improvement. A DFSA and LRO livelihood Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting) was conducted at for 3 days from 7- 9 December. The result was that all technical teams were able to synergize with the same understanding of priorities to enhance the quality agriculture and livelihoods activities. The teams also recommitted to continuous improvement of service delivery efforts.

Basic Business Skills (BBS) development training from 13-15 November was provided to 10 (all male) community animal health workers (CAHWs) in Dire Dawa using a customized BBS training manual prepared based on their literacy level to help them maintain their business and deliver veterinary inputs and services to farmers. As per the Ethiopian Government National Minimum Standard Guideline, veterinary techniques and skill development refresher training was given to 92 (1 female) CAHWs from Dire Dawa Administration and Midega Tola Woreda over five days to provide them with up-to-date emerging practices and to further strengthen their capacity. Certified professional trainers gave the training with assistance from government senior animal health workers in their respective areas based on the pre-identified technical gaps.

Diversifying economic opportunities for PSPs - 33 PSPs were linked with agro dealers in DFSA woredas as sales agents (also known as agro-dealer agents) receiving commissions (typically 5%) to supply agricultural inputs to SILC group members and to help generate greater awareness of and demand for agro dealers. The main agricultural inputs PSPs supply to farmers through agro dealers include animal feed (molasses and other concentrates), PICs bags, vegetables seeds and agricultural tools. PSPs also supplied improved chicken breeds to farmers; for example, 200 chickens were supplied to farmers by the PSP in Gegewisa kebele, Deder woreda. PSPs participated in the promotion of Microflush toilet technology within P III as an additional business opportunity/model. PSPs will promote, create demand and register communities who show interest to construct a HH toilet and generate income as per the number of members they mobilized on a commission basis. In Q1,11 PSPs received orientation and were linked with toilet makers and are ready to promote the technology with communities in Shalla Woreda of MCS.

Business plan development: A total of 63 (9 female) LEWs received a business plan development refresher training for two days (1-2 December for Dire Dawa and 3-4 December for East Hararghe woredas in ) with four objectives. First, it helped them improve their capacity to support PSNP clients with business plan development. Second, they acquired more diverse skills to initiate business development. Third, they learned how to transfer the content and skills to benefit LGs and MGs business plans. Fourth, they learned how to strengthen linkages with external financial service providers to access different loans. All COVID-19 precautions as per GoE and WHO guidance were undertaken during the training; this included, for example, managing a maximum 10 LEWs in each training session, keeping 2 meters apart as a social distance measurement, wearing masks, using sanitizer and washing hands with soap.

In Q1, 486 (190 female) LG members developed business plans (97.2% of the annual plan). From the 486 client business plans developed (190 of these led by females), 118 clients (60 female) submitted their business plans to financial service providers (MFI and RUSACCOs). From this group, 83 clients (40 females) who fulfilled the criteria set by these financial service providers accessed funding for their business plans in Q2.

Business mentoring: Bi-monthly Livelihoods Extension Workers (LEWs) review meetings were conducted in each woreda. A total of 103 (12F) LEWs and 10 Woreda livelihood experts participated in the review

6 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 meetings with participants identifying strengths and areas that require improvement. The review meetings also helped HCS and MCS identify strong and poor performing LEWs allowing both partners the opportunity for LEWs to support each other and to identify support needs for poor performing LEWs.

Youth employment: Mercy Corps (MC) facilitated a one-day discussion forum on youth employment in Dire Dawa (December 29) and Harar (December 31). A total of 67 (13 female) people participated from private business companies, Government officials (BoLSA, Public Service Office, Enterprise and Industry Development [EPA], Rural and Urban Job Creation Offices and other employment-related offices, OSCs, EPAs), and DFSA staff. The forum discussed current youth employment challenges and creating opportunities in both employment and internship. An entrepreneurship and business skills ToT refresher training from 19-22 October was provided for 26 (2 female) One Stop Center (OSC) experts from 4 MCS DFSA Woredas for 4 days. The training was aimed at strengthening Woreda OSC expert capacity on entrepreneurship and business skills so that they can train and assist youths to engage in different businesses. Upon the completion of the training, the OSC experts developed action plans to cascade the training to reach more youths and YLG members.

Job creation: MC organized a one-day consultative meeting on October 23 around job creation opportunities with 21 officials from government sectors including the zonal and woreda-level OSCs, Enterprise and Industry Development, Labor and Social Affairs agencies, TVET Colleges, EPAs, job creation offices, and implementing partners. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges and opportunities and made joint plans, including creating an informal network for future collaborative effort on enhancing youth employment.

Coordinating job opportunities: After developing and installing a database (supported by DFSA) in nine Woreda OSCs, trained OSC experts started tracking the different services they are providing (for example, youth employment opportunities). In Q1, Dire Dawa Administration’s OSC linked 88 (28 female) job seekers to different government agricultural, education offices and industrial parks. HCS’ youth team organized I am an Entrepreneur (IAE) training for 130 (37 female) YLG leaders in three rounds for three days in each Woreda facilitated by DFSA’s Youth experts and provided the full entrepreneurship package including business idea generation, innovation and marketing.

Improving access to informal financial services: 1,883 groups with a total membership of 43,543 (24,447 females) continued to engage in SILC activities. 4,269,160 ETB (US$113,844) and 705,509 ETB (US$18,814) was mobilized for loans and social funds, respectively. A total of 2,113,806 ETB (US$56,368) in loans was provided to 1,054 (625 female) SILC members in Q1 to engage in different IGA (i.e. 50% of loan utilization rate). 58 groups with a total member of 1,251 (714 female) shared out 478,193 ETB ($12,752). To expand and sustain SILC beyond the life of the Activity and to target non-PSNP clients, DFSA certified 102 (40 female) private service providers (PSPs) formed SILC groups through the fee for service model. 288 (98% of annual target) SILC groups with a total membership of 6,982 (4,846 females) non-PSNP community members were established by PSPs. (These all are secondary adopters, non-PSNP.) These new groups have saved 246,323.50 ETB (US$6,569) to date.

Improving access to formal financial services: DFSA SILC group members with experience in saving and credit practices were linked with formal financial service providers to access larger loans for their business – Oromia Credit and Saving Cooperatives in Babile, Deder and Midega Tola and Metemamen in Negele Arsi. In Q1, a total of 83 (40 females) accessed 742,000 ETB (US$19,787) with an average loan size of 8,940 ETB (US$238). Additionally,137 (101 female) SILC group members in Shala accessed a total of 491,826 ETB (US$13,115) in loans from Rural Saving and Credit Cooperative (RUSACCO) with an average loan size of 3,59 0ETB (US$96).

Several opportunities associated with PSP modelling in management of SILC activities are listed below: • SILC’s scalability is driven by growing community demand, especially from non PSNP clients who were not prioritized as a target group in Years I and II. The original focus was on PSNP clients.

7 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 • Beyond the management of SILC activities and expansion, PSPs have proven to be versatile in their fee- for-service approaches. They are offering additional services to groups such as agricultural input supply options from agro-dealers (where PSPs operate as sale agents). PSPs are helping create demand for MicroFlush toilets as a layering follow-on to CLTSH. • PSPs have become strong interconnectors. They support input and output market systems by providing market information and market linkages for producer and marketing groups. • PSPs are valued by more external actors. Financial service providers are looking for active PSPs to facilitate mobile banking and become agents. • PSPs continue to advance the maturity of SILC groups to increase their financial transactions and average loan sizes as a primary example. The encouragement from PSPs instills confidence in groups to be more engaged in members’ business plan development while enhancing the financial capacity of each SILC group. Due to the lack of financial sector reform and the low relevance of formal financial services at the field-level, PSPs help PSNP and non-PSNP clients meet their financial needs through regular monitoring, mentoring, and troubleshooting.

Challenges associated with the PSP modelling in management of SILC activities include: • In many rural communities, households are accustomed to accessing a number of free services and trainings from different stakeholders (NGOs and GoE). This can impact PSP-led services where there’s an expectation that others will pay for the financial services or trainings. DFSA is addressing this challenge with a consistent field presence to demonstrate the value of services provided by PSPs and promote relationships between PSPs and clients without the need for CRS DFSA involvement. • Charging fees for services among community member is a relatively new concept after decades of government welfare approaches and reliance. Given that many PSPs come from within their operational communities, PSPs can be reluctant to charge and ask for service payments. However, through mentoring and coaching, CRS’ DFSA is helping PSPs understand the importance of charging reasonable and fair fees to sustain their work. • The PSP model is new for the GoE and given years of strong government management of markets, CRS’ DFSA recognizes that it will take time to nudge government partners to loosen control so others can participate in market systems. CRS’ DFSA has been engaging with government partners since the introduction of the PSP Model and those efforts to showcase the impact and progress of PSPs as a catalyst for local level financial service improvements will continue through Year V.

Mobile money: In partnership with OCSSCo and MOSS ICT, CRS’ DFSA continued providing technical and financial support for mobile cash transfers to 15,783 PSNP clients in Ziway Dugda, Deder and Melka Belo woredas. In Q1, cash transfers were made to 3,475 PDS beneficiaries in the three woredas. CRS’ DFSA proposed to conduct an impact assessment, led by MC, to document key lessons and share lessons on mobile cash transfer in piloted woredas. The SOW will be shared with BHA for review and approval.

Basic adult literacy (BALT) for 2nd cycle training started for 296 (97 female) LG members while maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols. Education materials such as exercise books, pen and pencils were purchased and distributed to participants. In Q1, 187 (67F) LG members completed the 8 components of the PSNP checklist indicating they received the necessary technical training and follow up to finalize their linkages to external financial service providers. MC trained 7 representatives (all male) from Youth Livelihood Groups (YLG) with an interest in beekeeping from 3 MCS woredas on bee colony multiplication, transferring and queen rearing. The training was done by a professional trainer from National Bee Research Center with support from a successful beekeeper for 10 consecutive days. The objective of the training was to equip members of the YLGs with skills to help their fellow honey producers by supplying apiary inputs (including colonies which was identified as a limiting factor in honey production) and providing necessary beekeeping technical support services required to establish, operate and manage sustainable apiary businesses.

Good agricultural practices: In Q1, CRS’ DFSA demonstrated numerous on-farm practices and technologies based on the seasonal calendar. These promoted practices and technologies include intercropping 8 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 (maize with haricot beans), groundnut sole cropping, compost making, crop rotation in the highlands (beans with wheat/barely), use of high yielding crop varieties, drought tolerant and short maturing seed varieties mulching, row planting, post-harvest technologies, furrow and spate irrigation, fattening (ox and shoat), feed improvement with natural treatments and agroforestry. These efforts assisted Lead farmers/Lead Herders (LF/LH) and follower farmers to increase their production and spurred the secondary adoption of other farmers to learn from the existing fields to apply on their farms. To scale up and share best practices, LF/LH demonstrated these techniques and technologies on their own farms and, additionally, farmer field days were organized at FTCs/PTCs to engage wider community members including non-PSNP clients and government staff. During the field demo days, a total 133 people - (48 female) LF/LH and 44 (5 female) LEWs and respective government experts - participated to share their experiences while also enhancing peer learning.

Post-harvest handling: A refresher training on post-harvest handling and technology was provided from 14- 15 December to 103 (12 female) LEWs for 2 days at Dire Dawa and Shashemene for HCS and MCS, respectively. This training was cascaded to 1,283 (317 female) LFs/LH with practical PICS demonstrations who, in turn, provided a practical training to 2,095 (847 female) follower farmers (smallholder farmers). Based on the cropping calendar, smallholder farmers are currently adopting the technologies to use PICS bag to store their grains -accessed from their nearest agro-dealers (DFSA supported). DFSA has a found a high adoption rate of PICS bags given affordability (50 to 70 ETB per bag) along with greater recognition that these bags are effective and efficient in storing grains and pulses. PICS bags are also easily transportable and available locally with agro-dealers. From the agro dealers tracking form (using DFSA supported agro-dealers), smallholder farmers - both PSNP and non-PSNP farmers - have purchased 13,491 PICS bags across DFSA’s nine woredas. These sales were verified in the sale registration books from DFSA supported agro-dealers and so the number could be much higher if farmers are accessing PICS bags from other sources. Following PICS bag training and demonstrations led by LF/LHs, there has been a sustained interest in and purchase of bags.

Irrigation and high value cropping: P II is working with P1 to promote high value crops on DFSA supported small scale irrigation (SSI) schemes. Currently, a total of 15 SSI schemes covering a combined command area of 787 hectares with 1,751 users (709 PSNP and 1042 non-PSNP clients) are focusing on vegetables (onion, cabbage), potatoes, and maize. In Q1, training was given for 3 irrigation user associations (88 users, 28 of them female) in Negele Arsi on irrigated land management, crop and vegetable pre- and post- harvest management and marketing.

Good livestock practices: In Q1, MC worked with Haramaya University to construct two-floor portable poultry houses, which can hold up to 30 chickens, to distribute to selected female LFs/LHs in the DFSA intervention woredas, as a pilot and to promote the use of the house for other uses. 13 poultry houses were constructed and 20 female LF/LHs were identified for distribution. These LFs/LHs are members of poultry marketing groups who currently own chickens. They are also active in mobilizing and promoting new technologies for group members, peer farmers and the wider community. These women LFs/LHs will help introduce modern family-based poultry production systems to their respective areas.

Good livestock management training: MC distributed livestock production and management training materials on ox fattening, sheep/goats, poultry and beekeeping (technical guides and job aids) to the livelihood officers, GoE (subject matter specialists and DAs) and LEWs. In Q1, 53 (9 female) LEWs received communication, adult education, and facilitation skills training. The objective of this training was to provide LEWs with necessary communication, adult learning, and facilitation skills to provide technical skill training, and community rapport-building with emotional intelligence. At the end of the training, a well-designed and simplified training manual prepared in English and Afan Oromo was given to all trainees.

Private sector engagement: The agro-dealers established by DFSA continue to perform. One recently established agro-dealer in Dire Dawa was linked to Dire Microfinance and accessed a loan of 50,000 ETB (US$1,149) to expand his business. All recently established agro-dealers used Q1 to update their inventory with the necessary different agricultural commodities and tools.

9 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 Desert Locust (DL) response: Together with local governments, CRS and its implementing local partners are addressing the critical needs of rural communities affected by DL in Dire Dawa Administrative Council and in partner operational woredas of Oromia. Using BHA funds (approved through a concept note), CRS’ DFSA has worked at strengthening the capacity of Woreda and kebele agriculture offices, DFSA field staff, and local communities to implement and monitor responses to DL. Also, in response to the modified concept note, CRS’ DFSA identified DL affected households and targeting is underway to provide PICS bags and modern beehives.

P III: PLW and CU5 have improved nutritional status As a follow-up to previously conducted trainings, and based on the JSMR, CRS’ DFSA continued conducting regular supportive supervisions and joint monitoring of health facilities workers and health extension workers (HEWs) to help them apply learned skills and knowledge at the community and HH levels. A total of 185 (55 female) DFSA woreda agriculture extension workers (AEWs), DFSA community health and nutrition promoters (CHNPs) and community animators (CAs) from all 5 HCS woredas were trained on Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) including homestead gardening for 3 days using the Sustainable Under Nutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) training manual. Trained CHNPs also cascaded the training to 776 households/model families (71% of the quarter/annual target of 1100 model families). The main objectives of these activities is to promote dietary diversity. Most of the visited HHs (after finalizing the CCFLS sessions), particularly model families. have been planting different nutrient dense crops in their main farmlands and vegetables in their backyards.

Cooking demonstrations are useful tools that show participants quick, easy ways to prepare nutrient balanced diets. The demonstrations focus on new foods and locally available recipes that the participants are consuming. CRS reached 1,781 individuals or households through cooking demonstration all woredas and Dire Dawa as part of CCFLS, at health facilities and using other kebele platforms.

CRS’ DFSA conducted training on behavioral change and interpersonal communications to 28 HFWs (11 female) from 30 November to 2 December. The training sought to improve the capacity of HFWs to use different communication channels to promote positive health behaviors with households’ and in the community. The training on behavioral change counseling and interpersonal communication was conducted at HCS by the government MoH staff who have the experience and were already trained on this. The objective was to ensure that HFWs in DFSA woredas have the skills and they would be able to use the skills in fully utilizing the local community structures, platforms, MCHN SBC materials and tools like Speaking Books, earlier distributed job aids and other supplies to promote healthy behaviors. The focus of the training was feeding, hygiene and other health practices. The trainees will further cascade similar training to HEWs.

In Negele Arsi and Shala woredas, 59 new HEWs (48 females) were trained in in conducting screening for malnutrition and identifying cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Along with the various MCHN tools such as SBC materials, the training should also help HEWs in conducting an Out-Patient Therapeutic Program (OTP) for SAM to maximize coverage and improve the quality of services provided at the community level.

P III has already started to distribute speaking books in all implementation Woredas and targeting CHNPs, HEWs, health centers and community members. Speaking Books address the issue of low literacy and empowers the user to look, listen, and learn, so that the message is clearly understood and retained. In Q1, 1,688 (53% of the annual target) individuals were reached in all DFSA woredas. Using the monitoring checklists for Speaking Books post-distribution, frontline staff were able to track those reached with the Speaking Books messages. With the resumption of activities following COVID-19 restrictions for much of FY20, CRS also distributed an additional 1,584 Speaking Books with speaker plugs in all woredas.

CRS’ DFSA, in coordination with woreda health offices, conducted 8 sessions of quarterly supportive supervision using the integrated standard checklist developed by DFSA and government offices to HFs in 8 DFSA Woredas, covering a total of 53 health facilities. In addition, DFSA health & nutrition experts based in

10 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 woredas conducted monthly coaching and mentoring to HFWs. As a result of the joint supervisory support sessions, frequent coaching and mentoring activities and quarterly woreda based performance review meetings, significant improvements have been seen among DFSA supported HFWs. Of those assessed, 33 HFs scored >80% (for their MCHN & WASH service delivery status) using the integrated supervision checklist.

240 (95 female) teachers, health supervisors, HEWs and students delegated from target schools from all 4 HCS East Hararghe woredas participated in the adolescent nutrition training in Q1. The training was delivered using the revised adolescent nutrition training manual which was developed by JSI/TPHCU and adapted by CRS. Following these trainings, action plans were developed by the participants, all participating schools in the woredas have been engaged in the school club establishment/strengthening and started running regular adolescent nutrition related discussion sessions.

CCFLS training was given in Dire Dawa for 38 (17 female) newly recruited CHNPs and recently hired HEWs (replacing those who left or were transferred). Following the training, 1,781 children, pregnant and lactating women (PLW) were enrolled in CCFLS - of these, 875 are caregivers of children under five years (CU5) and 906 are PLWs. End date body weight measurement values showed the majority (96%) of the enrolled children gained more than 250-grams from their beginning body weight during the CCFLS sessions. The mothers and care givers are well oriented to ensure that the weight gains will be sustained. The continuous promotion of the usefulness of the recipes at home is being carried on and they have been positive about the impact.

CRS’ DFSA conducted woreda level latrine coverage progress review meetings in Shalla and Heben Arsi, and then CLTSH committees review meetings at the kebele-level in 24 kebeles of Shalla, Ziway Dugda, Negele Arsi and Heben Arsi woredas as part of CLTSH post triggering follow up to verify latrine construction with placement of hand washing facilities. Accordingly, in kebeles where follow up was done, 35% of households (11,275) have constructed and are using latrines. 35% are those households in kebeles where follow up was conducted as a result of training, triggering, post triggering and follow-up with supervision and review meetings.

Children Hygiene and Sanitation Training (CHAST) was provided to 39 participants (6 female) - 35 (6 female) teachers from 18 primary schools across all CRS DFSA woredas and 4 woredas education office experts. After completing the training, all teachers received CHAST tool kits to cascade the training into their respective school WASH clubs and then to entire school populations.

Led by GSAP, Microflush technology training was given to 29 teachers (7 female) of Shalla and Negele Arsi TVETs. As part of that training, two demo toilets were also constructed in each TVETs. 21 demo sites constructed prior to COVID-19 were handed over to the institutions officially and are currently in use by local communities and schools. As of December 31, 2020, cumulatively, there are 62 demo toilets at government institutions or PSNP structures in 21 kebeles in Deder, Shala and Negele Arsi. Fifty t-shirts and 100 makers manuals were distributed at 21 handover events. The communities were coached and mentored on how to use their Microflush toilet. In addition, there are 4 vermiculture stands established at FTCs in Deder Woreda; (Lele Kufa, Burka Geba, Geba Gudina kebeles and Deder town). This continues to be emphasized to strengthen adoption.

Seven groups of Microflush toilet makers in Shala who were trained prior to COVID-19 have been legally registered with a licensed certificate to operate as a Small Sanitation Enterprise by the GoE Woreda Micro/ Small Enterprise Development and Job Creation Office. These makers have been mentored to construct their first four household toilets.

PSPs are interested to be Microflush Toilet agents as an off-farm opportunity. As a result, MCS and GSAP led a Microflush technology orientation for 7 PSPs (all males) in Shala including associated possible business opportunities. This orientation will strengthen the integration between P II and P III by building business partnerships with Microflush Makers and strengthen the PSP enterprise network. These PSPs assisted Makers

11 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 to develop client lists to begin selling household toilets. In HCS, there is a growing list of 25 clients to purchase toilets. The clients are just from Makers themselves discussing with their community and therefore the DFSA sees opportunity for growth. A similar PSP Microflush orientation will be conducted in Q2 for HCS woredas.

CRS’ DFSA provided training on Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan to 32 participants (2 female) from government Natural Resource Management, Water and Health offices in HCS Woredas, CRS and partners for five days. 103 members (37 female) of 14 WASHCOs (from Ziway Dugda, Babile, Deder, Melka Belo and Dire Dawa) were trained on scheme governance, leadership, revenue and property management, tariff setting, roles and responsibilities of each member and hygiene and sanitation topics. 11 WASHCOs in Q1 (from Dire Dawa, Deder, Babile and Melka Belo) opened O&M bank accounts (though Cooperative Bank of Oromia. 43 caretakers (all male) from 22 schemes in Ziway Dugda, Babile, Deder, Melka Belo and Dire Dawa received practical training on scheme operation and minor maintenances. 20 schools, across all DFSA woredas, with no or very limited access to water were selected in coordination with the woredas government education offices to receive rainwater harvesting tanks. Roof water harvesting tankers (10,000 liters capacity) were procured and distributed to these schools in Q1. (Installation will take place in Q2.)

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning DFSA’s MEAL team conducted a MEAL TWG meeting to roll out FY21’s Indicator Tracking Table (ITT) and discuss issues around indicator tracking and interventions. Participants discussed the FY21 DIP and budget and the overall data management processes. As a follow-up, the partners cascaded the FY21 ITT to Woreda level MEAL staff. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the data management at Woreda and Kebele level and improve data quality.

The MEAL team conducted a series of data reconciliation visits at partner level. This is a monthly exercise aimed at identifying inconsistencies between data entered in the Digital Management Information System (DMIS) and what is reported or contained in partners indicator reports. DFSA’s MEAL team identified and addressed challenges causing data inconsistency - including limited capacity to use the data entry applications by new staff at partner level, late reporting due to security and other challenges and use of outdated forms. CRS team guided partner staff on how to access digital reports, developed login accounts for each partner and mentored them on the use of digital devices and applications for data management. Other topics covered during the three day visit to each partner included mobile device management, data collection processes, report access and data visualization.

CRS’ DFSA conducted routine data quality assessment (RDQA) for two selected indicators in collaboration with CRS field-based staff, and partner technical and MEAL staff. The selected indicators include: 1) Number of people benefiting from USG-supported social assistance programming and 2) Number of couples mentored by IFH/TFH ToT training. The team presented the finding of the assessment to the management and identified improvement areas to follow-up on to strengthen data quality. The team also shared the finding with TWG participants and discussed on the challenges, lesson learned and exchange experiences with other partners. The RDQA results showed an improvement in data accuracy as there was no mismatch between source document and what is reported. The data was complete, and data is timely collected. There were some gaps noted in the office set-up in support of MEAL. Issues include the absence of latest data collection forms in the MEAL operating manual, and some technical staff, especially the new ones, did not understand the use of the forms. The team worked on a plan to orient and ensure the teams were clear on the use of all MEAL tools.

As part of its CLA approach, CRS’ DFSA held an after-action review in November 2020 to reflect and learn from the FY20 ARR and annual monitoring processes - 20 (6 female) representatives from all DFSA consortium members attended. Participants reviewed their achievements against the LOA targets, identifying areas of low achievement and develop improvement action plans. They also reflected on overall performance of the theory of change, considering the challenging operating environment and with a view to improve on the sustainability of interventions. Furthermore, the team planned on ways to follow-up on interventions that were

12 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 not performed well in the ARR or where they had additional questions. For example, the P3 team scheduled to conduct LQAS with an aim of further assessing quality status of health facility interventions.

CRS’ DFSA is in the process of designing a Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) study. The objective of the LQAS is to assess the quality of implementation of health facility interventions within DFSA operation areas. In December 14-15, 2020, CRS held a participatory design workshop for two days involving partner staff while adhering to COVID-19 measures. Participants discussed and agreed on survey design including sampling, data collection, reporting, dissemination of use of the results. Participants also identified priority indicators for quality measurement and drafted the data collection tools.

As part its CLA efforts, CRS’ DFSA held various experience sharing sessions with CRS ’s DFSA. CRS Ethiopia’s DSFA MEAL team presented their ICT4D/MIS and system to Kenya’s DFSA MEAL focal person including DFSA form structure, data flow, digitization process, field data collection, data cleaning and reconciliation, data analysis, reporting and visualization. In addition, we shared and presented the tools we have been using for data management. The two teams discussed some of the lessons learned and good practices in setting up their systems.

CRS continued to monitor implementation of its feedback and response mechanisms. There was increased use of the feedback mechanism as the team had to follow-up with more feedback from communities in line with CRS MEAL policy and procedures. However, we noted that majority of feedback coming through Interactive Voice Response was from non-DFSA operation woredas. We are working with the service provider to improve the accuracy of feedback sources. Other mechanism including kebele intervention committees and suggestion boxes remained functional. iv. Challenges and Lessons Learned

• COVID-19 challenges are a cross-cutting issue across all purpose teams. CRS’ DFSA continued to use and build off last years’ experiences in implementing activities. All standards and measures are maintained while conducting planned trainings under DFSA. • Security/unrest in Oromia, especially in October and November affected implementation of activities. Nonetheless, CRS’ DFSA continued to implement activities using our experiences over the past four years – for example, identifying areas prone to unrest ahead of time, and adapting flexible implementation measures (shifting staff and focusing on those areas once it’s possible to continue implementation). • Delays in opening of schools and the adoption of a shift system (split classes to manage numbers in response to COVID-19) has affected school gender, WASH & Nutrition club meetings, discussions and related activities. CRS’ DFSA is discussing mitigation measures with woreda government offices. v. Market Analysis

Trends for food prices was not as expected in previous years probably due to the unprecedented contextual factors including insecurity, and COVID-19 which change the flow of goods in the markets. For example, in Oromia region within the CRS DFSA woredas, prices of staple foods fluctuated. In October, the average price for staple crops was 1,472 ETB/quintile while in November they came down to 1,417 ETB/quintile and they rose again in to 1,625 ETB/quintile. This was the same with all the staple crops. For example, maize prices were high in October (1,188 ETB/quintile) then low in November (1,109 ETB/quintile) and rose again in December (1,289 ETB/quintile). The expected trend is that prices should be high in October and decline in November and December due to harvest in November and December. In Oromia, prices of sheep and goats were high in November (ETB 1,858) compared to October (ETB 1,762) and December (ETB 1,820). The price change between November and December was not substantial. On the other hand, in Dire Dawa, prices exhibited a normal trend for sheep and goat with an upward trend from ETB 2,000 in October to ETB 2,200. This is attributed to the expectation of festive season which cause prices to rise in December.

13 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 As we can see, these price trends, especially in Oromia, are not the norm and the team is still trying to establish the actual reason for this trend, but in the meantime, we believe it is caused by the unrest in Oromia during November as well as the weakening of the market systems as a result of COVID-19 containment measures. We have a farmer survey schedule for March which will let us know some of the possible factors that affected prices. We will also coordinate with JEOP to get further details through mobile survey on reasons for the current unusual trends. vi. Planned Q2 Interventions

SP X 1. Undertake TFH/IFH assessment (1st phase) 2. Strengthen adult and YCCGs; facilitate handover and linkage 3. Continue group coaching to gender and youth teams in the remaining 5 woredas (CCL) 4. Undertake refresher training for school gender club leaders on life skill, leadership, negotiation and communication skills 5. Continue training of WFSTF on PSNP-PIM gender and youth provision 6. Train school community on GBV prevention and referral system 7. Follow up FAL program 8. Provide support to GBV victims service providers and referral system staff 9. Continue establishment of kebele GBV committees 10. Continue training of youth CCG leaders and Woreda WC&Y Affairs experts, volunteers in youth CC facilitation guide (HCS) 11. Training in youth volunteer mobilization and management for Woreda WC&Y Affair, Youth and youth development centers 12. Training to School gender club Mentors on Volunteerism work 13. Training on youth volunteer mobilization and management for Woreda WC&Y Affair, youth and youth development centers 14. Continue mentoring and coaching of youth trained in project development and resource mobilization

Purpose I 1. Provide training through CCL and GoE staff on Leadership & Communication essential skills to irrigation users and WASH committee: for HCS targeted woreda 2. IPs support PW foremen/forewomen on PW quality and sustainability 3. IPs conduct interface meetings with service providers (GoE, IPs) and service users (PSNP communities) on selected DFSA activities using Community Score Card tool (2 kebeles in each woreda) 4. Conduct monthly WFSTF meetings to discuss synergies, complementarities and issues 5. Provide supervision and monitoring of FY21 social & economic infrastructures and uncompleted FY20 projects 6. Dispatch and distribution of food to PDS clients in DFSA woredas

Purpose II 1. Facilitate PSP network formation. Continue monitoring PSPs by SILC supervisors (reporting SILC groups formed and supported by PSP though fee for service) 2. Host review meeting with PSPs 3. Conduct review meeting with FSPs (Dire Micro Finance, OSCCOS, Metebaber, RUSACCOs etc.), agro dealers experince sharing 4. Conduct livelihoods transfer economic impact assessment 5. Conduct training on bakeries for YLG by linkage with TVET 6. Hold training on mechanical works, e.g., welding, for YLG by linkage with TVETs, strengthen Youth linkage to OSC (YLGs, TVET graduates) 7. Hold a workshop with regional and Zonal offices to orient and integration of OSC database, organize consultative workshop with zonal and woreda to handover the preparation of career fairs

14 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021 8. Lead a quarterly review meeting with OSC, enterprise development office and wolsa discuss on YLG, Provide Refresher training on livestock technical training for LEWs 9. Conduct a demonstration of local poultry house and feeding system for selected female LHs, 10. Conduct a micro franchising business model of livestock feed, cash transfer and provide training on the mobile platform banking services and commission based business model

Purpose III 1. Finalize training on revised sections of Integrated Management of Newborn and Child Illnesses (IMNCI) & Integrated Community Case Management of Newborn & child illnesses (ICCM) 2. Conduct CCFLS for PLW of children 0-6 months 3. Monitor utilization of Speaking Books 4. Finalize conducting DFSA MCHN LQAS monitoring at facility and community levels 5. Conduct adolescent nutrition activities (according to GoE guidelines and action plans) with existing and new school nutrition clubs 6. Host fora with religious leaders, clan leaders and traditional leaders to discuss HTP. 7. Expansion of water sources in 4 kebeles (In Ziway Dugda, Heben Arsi, Deder and Babile woredas) 8. Installation of roof-topwater harvesting tankers 9. ODF declaration in kebeles 10. Implement water safety plan on DFSA schemes developed, rehabilitated and expanded 11. Provide O&M tools for WASHCOs 12. Conduct water quality analysis training and provision of testing kits to government 13. Carry out marketing of Microflush toilet at HH level

MEAL 1. Conduct Agriculture Indicator Survey 2. Document DFSA MEAL system 3. Document DFSA survey protocols and development of facilitation guidance 4. Finalize LQAS survey 5. Carry out annual data quality assessment 6. Conduct joint monitoring and learning visits with operation staff to project sites vii. Success Stories

See Annex 1. i and I.ii viii. Local and Regional Purchase Commodity (LRP) Not applicable ix. Cash Transfer and Food Vouchers Not applicable x. Loss Reporting Not applicable this quarter xi. Commodity Quality and Safety See Annexes 2.i, 2.ii, 2.iii and 2.iv

15 Catholic Relief Services, Ethiopia DFSA, AID-FFP-A-16-00005, Submitted January 29, 2021; Revised March 3, 2021

A Certified Microflush Maker - Deder

Nasir Jamal is a 25-year-old Nasir found the Microflush resident of Burka Geba kebele, technology as a “good, new Deder woreda who has worked in opportunity to learn about using the construction as a daily laborer. He local materials to construct a toilet found this work inconsistent and and it is easier to construct than even felt the pressure of financial a pit latrine.” insecurity as a youth in Deder where livelihood options were Recently, Nasir reached the point difficult to come by. of being certified as a Microflush Maker, meaning he has built three Nasir Jamal had the opportunity to Microflush toilets which meet participate in a Microflush training quality standards and he became at the Burka Geba school where ready to start his own business. Nasir had the hands-on Following the certification Nasir is Photo 1 Nasir Jamal with the toilets he built at opportunity to construct 8 constructing a Microflush toilet in Burka Geba school (photo by GSAP) Microflush toilets. Through this his home and has begun gathering training Nasir became clients for his new Microflush to a SILC group, where the knowledgeable in the Microflush business. average loan size is within range to technology, which is a solution to buying one. the rural sanitation issue in Nasir claimed that finding clients Ethiopia through the use of local was easy. “It is a good business Nasir will begin building toilets for materials, minimal amounts of opportunity because it is easy to his clients at the end of January, water and vermicomposting. promote since the clients have never getting materials from his local The Global Sustainable Aid Project seen anything like it, so the demand Agro-dealer who is not far from (GSAP) participates in USAID’s is high,” Nasir said. Community his client base. He expects that as Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance members have come to visit the some community members have (BHA) funded five-year high-profile toilet and through the toilets in their homes that the Development Food Security use of marketing materials the demand will only grow. “I want to Activity (DFSA) led by Catholic news of Microflush has spread. see a Microflush toilet in every home Relief Services/Ethiopia (CRS) - a here,” Nasir excitedly quipped. program that seeks to improve He already has a list of 20 clients, and sustain food, nutrition and half of which are ready to make an livelihoods security. initial deposit now, and a few who are ready and willing to pay the whole price up front. “The community members think the price is fair, others who cannot afford the full price will gather materials themselves and I will build the toilet for them,” Nasir explained. Nasir will use PSPs in his community to assist him in marketing for sanitation and selling toilets. The PSP will get a commission for toilets they sell, and Nasir expects to make around $25 profit for each one, or 20% of Photo 2 Nasir Jamal, Burka Geba Microflush the estimated price of the toilet. Maker (photo by GSAP) The PSP will also help link Makers

Microflush Influence at Shala TVET

An Ethiopian TVET is a Technical opportunity to learn a new, deterred these 20 clients from and Vocational Education and supplementary livelihood. signing up for a household toilet. Training school to develop The households will develop an competent and self-reliant citizens GSAP trainers completed a individual payment plan with each which contribute to the economic Microflush training at the Shala Maker teamed with the local PSP. development of Ethiopia through TVET. Kedir Hebo and Abush their education on skilled-labor Berisa, two Shala instructors, This technology has introduced a and livelihood opportunities. became particular champions for new business opportunity to the TVETs, typically found at the Microflush. These two individuals two TVET instructors but beyond Woreda level, are expected to are construction and that, they will be able to share this transfer knowledge on new manufacturing professors at the knowledge, and livelihood technologies in order to increase Shala TVET. They had a natural opportunity with others. the competitiveness of their talent for picking up the student body. Microflush technology.

One competitive, new technology Kedir and Abush became so skilled introduced to the Shala TVET is at the Microflush technology that Microflush. Microflush is a solution after receiving the Microflush which uses local materials, minimal certification they were able to amounts of water, and share their knowledge with the vermicomposting to transform a TVET and conduct a sanitation challenge in rural training there- being the first Ethiopia into a long-lasting Ethiopian Microflush trainers. solution and means for new They took a lot of pride in being livelihoods. The Global Sustainable able to share a technology they Aid Project (GSAP) participates in believed could be the solution to USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian the sanitation challenge in Assistance (BHA) funded five-year Ethiopia. Photo: GSAP Staff Training TVET Instructor in Development Food Security Shala Woreda (Photo by GSAP) Activity (DFSA) led by Catholic Kedir and Abush have now taken Relief Services/Ethiopia (CRS) - the knowledge they learned in the a program that seeks to improve TVET and developed a business. and sustain food, nutrition and They gathered all the necessary livelihoods security. documentation to register with the Woreda Small Business and CRS’ DFSA, with GSAP, has Microenterprise office where they partnered with the TVET in Shala will receive more support in to bring this Microflush solution to growing their business. They took their students, faculty and staff. their marketing skills and went out The Microflush intervention to sell toilets. The demand was involves training participants to there and easy for them to learn how to build Microflush generate. They now have a client toilets, which becomes a business list of 20 households waiting for opportunity as they learn ways to their Microflush toilet and three market Microflush to their have already made a deposit of communities. This is where the $15. In Shala, many of the marriage between Microflush and community members are the TVET is the perfect bond; comfortable with the price point TVET students have the of $125 USD per toilet. It has not