PROJECT REPORTS
Summary Report: OSD's Interventions in Afar Region (September 2022 - December 2024) for the specific project funded by DKH-AA
Context and Background:
The Afar Region of Ethiopia has faced multiple crises from the end of 2020 to 2023, including prolonged conflicts, severe drought, desert locust invasions, disease outbreaks, and persistent inflation. These crises have led to significant loss of lives and livestock, displacement of populations, and the destruction of essential public services. In response, the Organization for Sustainable Development (OSD) initiated a project titled “Conflict-affected households increase economic activities leading to better resilience, reintegration, and reduction of conflict in the targeted border area of Afar region,” funded by DKH – AA. This project aims to save lives, improve access to basic services, and restore living conditions for vulnerable communities in Yalo and Gullinaworedas.
Project Objectives
A. Provide rapid intervention to support displaced and returning populations.
B. Enhance food security, WASH, protection (GBV), livelihood, energy, disaster risk reduction/management, and emergency response services.
Key Achievements:
Beneficiaries: Initially aimed to support 15,900 people (2,650 households). The project scaled up to reach 101,208 direct beneficiaries (30,363 males and 70,845 females) and 16,868 households across multiple outcomes.
Training and Capacity Building: Trained 960 community members and government authorities on child protection laws and GBV prevention systems. Established and trained 16 groups (320 participants) to focus on GBV prevention
Psychosocial Support: Provided ongoing professional counseling and in-kind support to 1,800 GBV victims, aiding in their emotional recovery and economic independence.
Food Security: Distributed essential food items (75,000 kg of wheat flour, 27,000 kg of lentils, 15,000 liters of oil, and 3,000 kg of iodized salt) to 1,500 vulnerable households.
Energy: Distributed 45,000 briquettes and 500 stoves to 500 households, reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
Water Supply: Supplied 2,880,000 liters of potable water to 1,000 households over 60 days in Kelwan town.
Sanitation: Constructed 20 community-led latrines and 22 hand-washing schemes in Yalo and Gullina woredas. Organized street theater sessions to promote hygiene and COVID-19 prevention.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Conducted a regional workshop on Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) with 40 participants. Provided DRR training to 200 community members. Conducted research on flood protection measures and proposed suitable solutions.
Outputs:
Output 1 (GBV and Protection): Conducted trainings, workshops, regular meetings, and distributed information materials. Provided psychosocial counseling and economic support to GBV victims.
Output 2 (Food Security and Livelihood): Distributed food items, briquettes, and stoves. Implemented water trucking services and established Village Water Committees.
Output 3 (WASH): Constructed latrines and hand-washing facilities. Promoted hygiene through street theater.
Output 4 (DRR/M): Organized workshops, training sessions, and conducted research on flood protection.
Impact:
The comprehensive intervention by OSD has significantly improved the resilience, reintegration, and living conditions of conflict and climate-affected populations in Yalo and Gullinaworedas. By addressing urgent needs and promoting sustainable practices, the project has contributed to the overall well-being and stability of the communities involved.
This summary highlights the successful implementation and impact of the project, showcasing OSD’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Afar Region through multi-faceted and sustainable approaches.