OFDA Quarter Four Report: April – May 2016

The reporting period covers April 1 to May 31, 2016. The programme, implemented by GOAL, aimed to address the needs of crisis-affected communities through health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities. The programme was ongoing in Abyei Administrative Area and Maiwut, Melut, and Ulang Counties in Upper Nile State. However, activities in Baliet were suspended due to ongoing insecurity, and some services in Ulang were disrupted due to communal unrest, displacement, and looting. The programme focused on improving agricultural production and food security through integrated pest management, agronomic practices, and land and nursery bed preparation training. A total of 706 participants were trained in pest control practices, with 41 trainers (women) trained directly by GOAL. These trainers cascaded the learning and training to their nutrition groups, ensuring all participants received training. In the area of economic recovery and market systems, GOAL facilitated the running of seven REFLECT circles in Agok, comprising 210 members. The groups were on course to graduate as planned, with examinations producing an average score of 86%. REFLECT groups received micro-grants in Q4 to be invested in individual or collective income-generating activities (IGAs) or small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A total of 210,000 SSP was distributed, with 135 businesses established, including farming, teashops, restaurants, and small shops. The programme also provided supervision and support to 10 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) formed by 300 REFLECT graduates. The VSLAs had a total value of savings of 84,655 SSP, with an average monthly saving contribution of 60 SSP. The total value of loans was 119,521 SSP, with an average monthly loan distribution of 244 SSP. The proportion of loans used for IGAs was 52%, and the interest rate set by group members was 2%. In the area of health, GOAL supported eight health facilities in Agok and six facilities serving the IDP populations of Upper Nile State. However, intercommunal violence interrupted service provision and caused substantial displacement of the population in Ulang, affecting the catchment of Ringyang and activities at this facility. A weekly mobile clinic was established in Malek, and OTP activities were re-established at Nyangora clinic in May. However, health activities did not resume by the end of the reporting period.