Final evaluation of Mercy Corps" emergency assistance to conflict-affected populations II, Orientale and North Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo

The program is composed of two main components: (1) emergency WASH support for IDP camps in North Kivu; and (2) economic recovery activities such as non-food item (NFI) voucher fairs, cash for work (CfW) programs, and income generating activities (IGA) for IDPs, returnees, and local inhabitants of the Orientale Province. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and to a lesser degree, impacts of the EACAP II program components in order to better understand program successes and challenges and to inform strategic decision-making and the design and implementation of future programs. The evaluation found that Mercy Corps WASH activities were appropriate and effective, meeting North Kivu WASH Cluster standards for the provision of potable water and sanitation infrastructure. Respondents in all camps visited have reported improved health and security for women, children and elderly residents due to Mercy Corps WASH provisioning. Camp-specific impacts cited by respondents include an increase in: (1) the safety of women fetching water in Ibuga; (2) the sense of security for women when bathing in Mweso; and (3) the use of latrines due to hygiene promotion activities in Nyanzale. The economic recovery program was designed, planned and implemented in a highly participatory manner, preventing potential frustrations, misunderstandings and misuse of funds which can occur in cash-based programming. In general the activities were appropriate, although in some of the intervention areas, items purchased at the voucher fairs were sold to purchase food or livelihood assets. With respect to the CfW program in general, the most commonly cited positive impacts were improved health, market and education services due to the newly built (or renovated) respective structures built by the CfW participants. With the IGA program just completed, it was difficult to evaluate its effectiveness or impacts. However, in a few cases, the evaluation noted not only profitable income-generating ventures, but also positive impacts on the local economy. (Excerpt, modified)