Project assistance completion report [: refugee self-reliance project 649-0123]

Support to the NRC Planning Unit produced mixed results. While the Unit benefited from the introduction of information and monitoring/evaluation systems, improvements in interagency communication, and out-of-country staff training, there is little evidence that the Unit is capable of coordinating activities between NRC departments to facilitate planning. Of the 6 socioeconomic and technical studies completed under the research component, only 3 were useful in planning program and refugee settlement strategies. SP"s involved farming, skills training, infrastructure improvement, and regional development. Agricultural SP"s implemented by three PVO"s exceeded targets for rainfed land but fell short for irrigated land. Overall, 4,275 refugee households received land plots of 0.1 to 1 ha. Extension activities included seed, tool, and tractor distribution and on-the-job training of refugee extensionists and farmers. Major constraints were the lack of suitable farmland, policy issues regarding land distribution and plot size, lack of a land tenure policy for refugees, delays in access to UNHCR funding and equipment and, in the case of SCF, management difficulties. Vocational skills and management training programs were developed for both refugee and indigenous beneficiaries by PfP. The component was appropriate for local economic conditions and successful in providing business advice to new enterprises, upgrading beneficiaries" skills, and surveying local businesses" perceived needs and opportunities. The impact of the EIL SP, which provided training to project administrative personnel, is unclear. NTF"s infrastructure SP constructed or rehabilitated 240 km of roads in the northwest and Awdal regions using intensive wage labor. This effort was well received by beneficiaries and cut transportation time in half for rations distribution between the Darayamaane, Darbi Hoore, and Tugwajaale refugee camps. Under the regional development SP, NTF found significant water sources near Borama and Baki and established an on-going metal fabrication capacity in Hargeisa town. The SP also created employment opportunities through refugee participation in the construction of the Hargeisa drainage system. The project demonstrated that, inter alia: refugees respond to opportunities to earn income and can adapt well to new farming techniques; PVO SP"s should rely on one donor to avoid delays and conflicts; apprenticeship training of refugees by local businesses is an appropriate approach; and refugee projects should be flexible and stated in realistic terms.