MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (MOND)
AND
UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAM (UNCT)
Mid-Term
Review
SEPTEMBER
2015
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
COOPERATION FRAMEWORK
(SPCF) 2013 – 2016, ERITREA
Prepared by: Dr. Ghiorgis Tekle (Team Leader)
Dr. Melake Tewolde
Dr. Stifanos Hailemariam
Dr. Gebremichael Kibreab
Mr. Hagos Fesshaye
FINAL DRAFT
BUREAU OF STANDARDS AND
EVALUATION (BS&E)
1
Table of Contents
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................... 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 6
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 13
2.
COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT AND SPCF PREPARATION ....................................... 18
3. FINDINGS OF THE SPCF MID-TERM REVIEW .......................................................................... 21
5. IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED................................................... 70
6.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................. 76
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 78
ANNEXES .................................................................................................................................................. 80
2
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ANC
BS&E
CBRV
CDs
CEDAW
CEE
CPAP
CRC
CVRS
CWC
DAEM
DPH
DRR
EIT
EMIS
EPHS
EPI
FAO
FFS
FGM/C
GOE
HHs
HMIS
HSSP
IDSR
IMAM
IMNCI
IPM
MDGs
MOA
MOE
MOF
MOH
MOI
MOJ
MOLHW
MOLWE
MOMR
MOND
MTR
M&E
NCDs
NCHE
NE
NGAP
NSO
NUEW
OVCs
ORA
Antenatal Care
Bureau of Standards and Evaluation
Community based Rehabilitation Volunteer
Communicable Diseases
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women
Complementary Elementary Education
Country Program Action Plan
Convention of Rights of Child
Civil and Vital Registration System
Child Wellbeing Committee
Department of Adult Education and Media
Department of Public Health
Disaster Risk Reduction
Eritrean Institute of Technology
Education Management Information System
Eritrean population and Health Survey
Expanded Program of Immunization
Food and Agriculture Organization
Farmers Field School
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Government of Eritrea
Households
Health management Information System
Health Sector Strategic Plan
Integrated Disease Surveillance Report
Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition
Integrated Management of Child Illnesses
Integrated Pest Management
Millennium Development Goals
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Information
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare
Ministry of Land Water and Environment
Ministry of Marine Resources
Ministry of National Development
Mid Term Review
Monitoring and Evaluation
Non Communicable Diseases
National Commission for Higher Education
Nomadic Education
National Gender Action Plan
National Statistics Office
National Union of Eritrean Women
Orphan and Vulnerable Children
Office of Refugee Affairs
3
PA
SAM
SGBV
SPCF
TOR
UASC
UN
UNDAF
UNDP
UNFPA
UNICEF
UNHCR
UNRC
WASH
WHO
WRD
Protected Area
Severe Acute Malnutrition
Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework
Terms of Reference
Un-Accompanied Street Children
United Nations
United Nations Development Assistance Framework
United Nations Development Program
United Nations Fund and Population Agency
United Nations Children’s Education Fund
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
United Nations Resident Coordinator
Water Sanitation and Hygiene
World Health Organization
Water Resources Department
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The SPCF (2013-2016) MTR Consultancy Team wishes to thank the MOND and UNCT Eritrea for
the opportunity given to them to undertake this important assignment. It is well recognized that the
SPCF will become useful and instrumental in the efforts to bring change in the improvement of the
quality of life and living standards of the Eritrean people. The products of this work are also expected
to improve the SPCF implementation and contribute to better results. The Consultancy Team is
especially thankful to MOND and to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator/UNDP Resident
Representative, Mrs. Christine N. Umutoni for adequate oversight of the assignment. The Head of the
UN desk at MOND was very skillful and cooperative in facilitating the consultancy work and in
making the data collection process to be completed in time. We are equally grateful to Mr. Dan
Odallo, the UNFPA Representative, Dr. Luka Jovita Okumu, Economics Advisor at the UNDP, Mrs.
Lolo Mkhabela of the RCO and Mrs. Tsehai Afewerki of UNFPA. UNFPA made significant
contributions in pushing the MTR work forward and most of them were there until the final
completion of the report. While the discussions held and their guidance, to a very large extent, shaped
the outcome of this review, any errors in this report remain the responsibility of the consultancy team.
Special thanks go to all the stakeholders, line Ministries and other institutions and organizations that
provided data and shared their implementation experiences with the consultants. The Consultancy
Team is also grateful to the staff and representatives of the following UN agencies: UNDP, UNFPA,
UNICEF, WHO, FAO and UNHCR, who enthusiastically shared their perspectives on their
respective program areas. The time they took off their very busy schedules to share their experiences
and provide useful feedbacks and comments on the draft report is greatly appreciated.
This acknowledgment would not be complete without paying special tribute to the BS&E, NCHE that
made this MTR work be conducted smoothly, notwithstanding some challenges. Its skillful
organization and coordination of the final stakeholder validation workshop meeting is highly
appreciated. Finally, the list of persons, to whom the consultancy team owes debts of gratitude, is too
long for this space and thus it takes this opportunity to say “thank you” to all who, in very different
ways, made the review successful.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dr. Ghiorgis Tekle (Team Leader)
Dr. Melake Tewolde (Member)
Dr. Stifanos Hailemamriam (Member)
Dr. Gebremichael Kibreab (Member)
Mr. Hagos Fessehaye (Member)
5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Government of the State of Eritrea (GoSE) and United Nations System signed a cooperation
framework – the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Framework (SPCF) 2013-2016 at the
beginning of 2013. The Framework focuses on five strategic areas, namely, basic services; national
capacity development; food security and sustainable livelihoods; environmental sustainability; and
Gender Equity and Advancement of Women. These priority areas are further elaborated into eight
specific outcomes (in line with eight MDGs) consisting of three outcomes for basic services, two
outcomes for national capacity development, and one outcome for each the remaining strategic areas,
underlining the importance of accelerating delivery of basic services and strengthening the country’s
capacity.
The UN Guidelines on UNDAF processes recommends annual reviews for relevance and progress
towards its set of outcomes. In 2014, the GOE and UNCT jointly reviewed the SPCF’s first year of
implementation. After two years of the SPCF implementation, the GOE and UNCT agreed to conduct
an MTR instead of an annual review of 2014 implementation.
The overall objective of the SPCF 2013-2016 MTR was to assess the relevance, effectiveness,
efficiency, and sustainability of UN delivery of support and alignment to the GOE’s national
developmental priorities and needs, as well as implementation progress made, and to identify
challenges, emerging issues and opportunities, lessons learned, and propose corrective actions to
better implementation of the current SPCF, and inform the next SPCF.
In conducting the MTR, the consultancy team followed a participatory and consultative approach that
would ensure close engagement with stakeholders mostly the Implementing Partners (IPs) and
program staff. The team reviewed relevant documents supplied by both GOE and the UN, conducted
interviews and extensive consultations with SPCF focal persons of implementing line ministries and
institutions, thematic groups of relevant outcomes, UNCT project staff and working group on M&E.
The questions for MTR were framed based on the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and
sustainability as defined and explained in the UN Guidance for conducting reviews/evaluations of UN
supported projects. The progress made in achieving outputs was assessed based on the baselines,
targets, and the status of the indicators (as available) as at the end of 2014 and as per RMM.
FINDINGS
Outcomes and Outputs:
Outcome1: The focus of SPCF Outcome 1 is on health and nutrition. The outcome was found to be
highly relevant and consistent with the development priorities of the country. It was also found to be
largely effective. Late approval of work plans and late release of funds were observed which affected
implementation, particularly in 2013. In addition there were procurement delays, cost overruns due to
price increases and high transportation costs, high staff turnover, DSA and capacity constraints that
affected efficiency. The outcome is likely to be sustainable if the government commitment and
adequate budgetary allocations as well as community efforts and participation are ensured. For large
scale health projects, such as HIV/AIDS, EPI, and nutrition, sustainability will depend on the
continued partnerships between GOE and UNCT. Out of the eight outputs for this outcome, the
progress made to achieve two of them is highly satisfactory while the progress made in achieving the
remaining six outputs is satisfactory.
6
Outcome 2: This outcome focuses on children in hard to reach areas including refugees to have
equitable access to quality basic education. The Outcome is relevant and in line to balanced
development and social justice. It was found to be effective because through CEE and NE several
children in remote areas who have been deprived of education have been reached. There were budget
limitations, delays in releasing funds in 2013 and 2014, procurement delays, higher prices and cost
overruns that affected efficiency of project implementation. The sustainability of NE and CEE largely
depends on the communities and government support. On the other hand sustainability of educational
services at the refugee camp largely rests on GOE and UNHCR partnerships and increased resources
being channeled to the activity. Low retention of teachers, declining student interest, early marriage
by girls are some factors that work against sustainability of education services in the refugee camp. In
terms of progress made towards achieving outputs, out of the two outputs for this outcome, progress
made to achieve one output is highly satisfactory and the progress made to achieve the other is
satisfactory.
Outcome 3: Under outcome 3, emphasis is on strengthening the protection of OVCs and other
vulnerable groups from the impact of poverty, harmful practices, exploitation and injuries in high
prevalence areas. This was found to be highly relevant because it encourages the participation and
social integration of vulnerable children, adolescents, young people, women and people with special
needs including refugees. It was found to be effective in raising community awareness and
sensitization as well as in making the OVCs self-reliant and productive. It was found that the UN
system of fund release and reporting requirements under the HACT led to funds be returned
unutilized due to, some case, capacity limitations on the part of IPs. At the zoba level, staff shortages,
over stretched work, and capacity problems also affect efficiency in implementation. For
sustainability, government commitment and support is in place and community ownership of projects
is the key factor. However, inadequate funding may affect sustainability. Thus, expanding sources of
funds from the public and development partners to others such as the private sector and supporting
income generating activities of OVCs and other disadvantaged groups including refugees play would
be viable complementary funding sources. Regarding progress made towards achieving outputs,
highly satisfactory progress made been made in achieving output 3.1 (Villages in Gash Barka, NRS,
Debub and SRS including refugee camps, are FGM/C free), satisfactory progress made in achieving
output 3.2 (Enhanced national integrated protection systems for the vulnerable in place), and
moderately satisfactory progress has been made in achieving output 3.3 (Increased access to child
justice and adolescent-friendly social services).
Outcome 4: The outcome targets strengthening of capacity of selected government institutions such
as NSO, MOF, MOJ, NCHE, NUEW, and MOH. Given the human and institutional capacity
constraints facing Eritrea, activities under Outcome 4 are designed to improve the capacity of these
institutions to effectively and efficiently deliver services. Thus, the MTR found this outcome to be
highly relevant. In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, the MTR found mixed results because
implementation of some activities lagged behind while others progressed well. The sustainability of
the outcome results will depend on the establishment of a dynamic institutional and organizational
structure, government commitment and adequate budgetary allocations as well as community efforts
and participation. With regards to progress made towards achieving outputs, for outputs such as
capacity improved and systems strengthened within NSO, sectoral ministries and regions for effective
development planning and management, and enhanced capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
diplomacy and international treaties, the progress has been far below the expected results while for
the other outputs, the progress is highly satisfactory.
7
Outcome 5: The focus of SPCF Outcome 5 is on strengthening national and sectoral disaster risk
management which is found to be highly relevant. Although the country has not faced serious
disasters in recent times, it is believed that zobas NRS, SRS, Gash Barka and Debub are prone to
disaster related risks such as land mines, volcanic eruption, windstorm, earth quake, outbreak of
locust, malaria, drought and land degradation etc. The program was found to be less effective with the
exception of IMRE where training and awareness raising activities to children, youth, students and
adults brought positive results on prevention from land mines. Most of the activities at the technical
level were not conducted efficiently as there have been delays due to the limitations in skilled
manpower in the field. There is a gap between planning and implementation and there are changes in
the institutional structure of DRR that have not been consolidated yet. Disaster response mechanisms
at the level of institutions and communities are in place, which positively contribute to sustain the
results achieved. At the same time disaster response teams are established in the zobas to provide
information about what happens in the ground such as in the case of disease outbreaks, environmental
changes, crop failures etc. Overall, the progress made towards achievement of outputs under this
outcome has been marginally satisfactory.
Outcome 6: This outcome was designed to support achievement of food security of households and
enhance their production capacities; it is a highly relevant outcome as the country strives to promote
food security and reduce poverty. The project has been effective in addressing gender based
participation and more women are in the projects directed to expansion of crop, livestock and fish
production and other related income generating activities. It has been able to improve the livelihood
of poor households through increased consumption and supporting children to attend schools. There
were no fund disbursement problems and no delays or funds unutilized. This led to high budget
utilization rate and therefore relatively efficient. The outcome is sustainable because of the high
degree of community involvement and exhibited government commitment. Continued strong
partnership with UN agencies such as FAO, UNDP, IFAD, and others will play a key role in
contributing to sustainability of the results achieved. The progress made towards achievement of
outputs is highly satisfactory except in improving utilization of quality food measured by prevalence
of underweight children under five years of age, which was found to be moderately satisfactory.
Outcome 7: Under outcome 7, the focus is on achieving environmental sustainability which is one of
the top priorities of GOE. The outcome relevant as it targets to bring a balanced development in the
country. Most of the activities implemented such as distribution of energy saving stoves and training
of women on production of modern stoves, construction of latrines, introduction of PAs, banning of
plastic bags etc., were effective. However, there were some activities that were not completed on time
and there have been cost overruns which negatively affected implementation. Technical efficiency
was also a problem due to inadequate expertise and trained manpower which led to delays in
implementation such as in GPS land mapping and converting it to the actual land topography. There
is government commitment and support which plays key role in sustaining results achieved in this
outcome. While the regulatory instruments are intact, there is a need to strengthen the enforcement of
the rules and laws in place. To this end sustainability is highly dependent on the readiness of the
communities and the general public to change and protect the environment. The partnerships with UN
agencies also strongly contribute to environmental sustainability. Progress towards achievement of
three out of five outputs is highly satisfactory while for the remaining two outputs is satisfactory.
Outcome 8: This outcome deals with national institutions to develop gender responsive sector plans
and policies and promote empowerment of women with focus on three programmatic areas namely
advocacy on gender issues; CEDAW reporting; and gender mainstreaming in development sectors.
All the three program areas are relevant and contribute to gender empowerment and advancement of
8
women. Gender equality is a key poverty and development issue and the program design includes
gender dimensions and mechanisms that are effective to reach the vulnerable and disadvantaged
women including refugees. The NUEW has long years of experience with an effective organizational
structure extended to grassroots level which is functional and effective for communication and
coordination with NUEW members.
But there are delays in transfer of funds to zobas and subzobas in the case of programmes involving
ministries. At the same time reports are also not prepared and submitted in time, thereby affecting
efficiency e.g. in terms of budget utilization, and performance. However, partnerships with UN
agencies and collaboration with other development partners is a sustainability strategy that would
likely continue in the future. Overall progress made in achieving the outputs is highly satisfactory.
SPCF Coordination and Monitoring and Evaluation
Overall, the coordination mechanism for the SPCF 2013-2016 has been the task of MOND and
UNCT. However the vehicle for the delivery of the development agenda in the sector plans appears to
be based on a decentralized implementation strategy. This would imply that there is a need for
effective harmonization and inter-sectoral synergy to achieve better results. The MTR found that that
there are some problems of coordination of related activities and there has been little focus on joint
programs and activities. At the policy level the M&E system has been satisfactory while at the
programmatic level the M&E system has not been effective for some outcome areas. For instance, for
outcome 2, little budget is allocated for M&E activity while in the case of outcome 3, effective and
regular field trips are conducted. In the case of UN agencies, its project staff undertake M&E field
trips more often in spite of the travel permit requirements and high transportation costs.
Resource Mobilization and Funds Utilization
In addition to the Government’s own resources for funding the SPCF outcomes, the UNCT’s required
resources amount to US$ 187.9 million. As of December 2014, the funding snapshot for the SPCF
shows that US$ 90.9 million, or 48 per cent was mobilized with a funding gap of US$97.0 million.
The budget utilization rates for 2014 (expenditures compared to work planned budget) were high for
most of the outcome areas.
Challenges related to the current SPCF Design and Implementation
Among the major areas for improvement drawn from UNDAF 2007-2011 are:
 MTR found some improvements in the gender disaggregation of data in some of the line
ministries such as MOE, MOA, MOLHW, MOTI etc. but little evidence of gender analysis
 The overall absorption capacity while still low has improved as well. However, for large
funds there are still absorptive capacity issues due to technical and capacity constraints
 As already mentioned, there is still substantial room for improvement in coordination and
fragmentation of UN approach
 There is still limited joint programming and joint monitoring within the UN agencies
A number of constraints and challenges were drawn from the discussions with the IPs and focal
persons from the participating UN agencies. These are summarized below:
i.Policy and Planning: the SPCF formulation was mainly based on sectoral strategic plans but not all
institutions had up to date strategic plans. As a result, indicators, baseline and targets were not well
9
defined and in some cases were not decided. Thus some indicators were indicated as TBD in the
SPCF Resources and Result Matrix
ii.Duplication of efforts and some IPs compete rather than supplement one another and there is little
coordination in their activities. However, MTR found improvements in this due to the role of MOND.
iii.M&E systems, M&E Plans and Operationalization: M&E systems and the structure of
implementation and monitoring are largely inadequate in the IPs and UN agencies. M&E framework
needs to be worked out as it is not done systematically and in a coordinated way. For instance,
monitoring field trips are done independently while it could be coordinated to reduce transaction costs
and improve effectiveness.
iv.Reporting, Management and Operations: Reports prepared by some IPs mainly focus on activities
and not on results, and they are of low quality mostly due to capacity issues.
v.Procurement, Fund release and Resource Mobilization: The procurement procedures and processes
for both local and foreign purchases contributed to delays and affected effectiveness of project
implementation in many cases. Cost overruns also occurred in a number of cases due to high prices
and increased transportation costs. For instance, outcome 2 faced cost overruns in the purchase of
furniture, desks, blackboards and other school materials from local sources. In addition, school
construction sites have been identified but construction work did not start due to design work that
took a long time to be done, shortages of construction materials, procurement delays, and
transportation problems.
Financial resources are limited and sometimes funds or budgets are cut after being earmarked which
affects implementation rate. In general, while funds reprogramming is possible, funds are insufficient
for many activities such as for scaling up support for NCDs, Fitsula patients, OVCs, Persons with
Disabilities, Fishing communities, refugees etc. Delays in approval of work plans and in releasing
funds were equally a problem in particular in 2013. In some situations, it took five to six months until
it reaches to the zobas. For instance, this delay of funds happened for outcome 2 on education which
impacted in particular activities such as training of teachers that are conducted during the summer
time when schools are closed.
vi.Database, Information Flow and Research: The production and dissemination of MIS and other
statistical reports by line ministries is commendable. However available data are not disseminated and
provided on time. Moreover, there is low research capacity in many institutions despite the recent
efforts undertaken to improve the situation. This is largely due to limitations in capacity of existing
staff, scarcity of data and information, staff turnover and limited research budget. This is more serious
in MOH, MOE, MOA and others where shortages of qualified manpower leads to serious gaps in
project implementation, research and the quality of services provided. For instance, quality problem
in the delivery of education is partly believed to be related to low incentives and motivations of
teachers as well as skill mismatches which suggests that a lot needs to be done to improve it.
vii.Education in CEE, NE and Refugee camp: The main challenge is the retention of students and
teachers and more so for girls due to early marriages. In addition, attendance for boys and girls is low
for the refugee students, mostly due to engagement in casual labour. Retention of Somali refugee
teachers is has been a problem because many of the teachers leave for other countries through
resettlement programs after they have been trained. Other main challenges in the refugee project are
in adequate budget, shortage of health staff which increases workload on a single nurse.
Other Observed Gaps in the Current SPCF Design and Implementation

Some of the baseline figures are not correct such as those for proportion of qualified teachers
or HIV prevalence of 15-49 age group in the population
10






Some of the indicators lack clarity and not comparable with international standards
SPCF 2013-2016 outcomes are themselves unusually broad with many outputs andas such
they generally encompass the program objectives of every implementing partner and in some
case leading to duplication
SPCF Resources and Results Framework (RRF) was not attached to the SPCF document and
thus some implementing partners were not familiar with the baseline and targets set to be
achieved at the end of SPCF in 2016
SPCF RRF faces problems of logical consistency and absence of direct relationships and links
between the activities, outputs and outcomes
SPCF 2013-2016 was designed at a time when the external environment was unfavorable and
domestic challenges existed such as interruptions in electricity supply, rising fuel prices and
transportation bottlenecks
The economic and social contexts that gave birth to the SPCF 2013-2016 in its current form
have changed considerably. This is in particular true in the case of resource mobilization
where the ability to mobilize and raise funds for various activities appears to be declining
having its implications to the design of effective sustainable strategies.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The SPCF 2013-2016 is overall found to be relevant to the country and is tuned to the national
development priorities. Despite all the constraints, it is important to note that GOE and UN
partnership under the SPCF 2013-2016 has contributed to significant achievements of the outputs
stated in the SPCF Resources and Results Matrix. The progress towards achieving the output targets
is encouraging in most of the SPCF outcome areas. There are a number of opportunities and positive
achievements that are supportive in the efforts made to achieve better results. However, there is a
need for a strong coordination mechanism and tools to avoid duplication of efforts.
Recommendations for the current SPCF 2013 - 2016
1.Improve delivery in health facilities, which has been low (about 37%) in the health facilities in
spite of the high rate of ANC. Home delivery needs to be discouraged and more follow up support,
continuous sensitization, and expansion and consolidation of Maternity Waiting Homes are needed.
2.More is required on follow up and support to fistula center as has been done in Mendefera and
Massawa.
3. Promote and encourage boys or men to be circumcised in health facilities through the help of
trained health service providers.
4. Conduct situation analysis on ground to identify problems related to low retention of children and
high dropout rates in order to improve retention and reduce school dropout rates of children.
Continuity of programs such as the Early Childhood Development (ECD) is required to reduce the
number of out of school children.
5.Reduce turnover of school directors by provide training including in data collection and analysis
as well as improving their research capacity.
6.Recruit an international consultant to facilitate the development and implementation of the
minimum quality standards.
7.Conduct an education sector review, involving local stakeholder for purposes of accountability and
avoiding duplication of efforts.
8.Consolidate NE and CEE and improve quality of teachers, learning spaces, and other facilities to
increase enrolment.
11
9. Consider building more schools in remote areas to improve access to schools as the number of
students expands in these areas where a large number of children that have not been provided access
exists.
10.Undertake training in-house and in other local institutions, provide foreign scholarships to raise
capacity of human resources.
11.Strengthen CBR and community based victim’s assistance.
12.Expand and build well-equipped youth centers, recreational as well as multipurpose centers is
order to promote youth development and fulfill the mission of creating a versatile youth in the long
run. Establish training institutions or centers and workshops and conduct Vocational and Skills
training (VST) on a continuous basis for the new and upgrading of skills and orientation to new
technology for the already trained youth in employment.
13.Focus attention on training in basic skills that contributes for self-employment of youth.
14.Improve timelines for approval of plans and release of funds
15.Improve financing and resource mobilization by partners in order to raise the level of funded
projects and reduce on activities that depend on unsecured resources.
16.Strengthen the capacity of Red Sea Corporation and develop a database for list of products to be
procured; the MOND and MOF need to agree to review the procurement procedures to minimize
delays
17.Strengthen the capacity of MOND through capacity building.
18.Improved data sharing through integration and harmonization of the MIS systems with MOND.
19.Improve M&E system and budget allocation for M&E development and functions.
20.Delivering as one: UN agencies should do more towards ‘delivering as one’ to achieve significant
impact.
Recommendations for the next Eritrea SPCF 2017-2021:
 Focus more on disabled and vulnerable persons
 Strengthen and enhance national capacity building
 Promote stronger cooperation between MOND and UNCT
 Strengthen NSO capacity and research collaboration with IHEs
 Improve indicators and baseline data
 Give more emphasis on the fishery sector
 Design women empowerment priorities and programme based on wider consultations and
discussions with NUEW and other partners
 Establish a strong and effective multi-sectoral national coordination committee
12
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
The UNDAF (called Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework (SPCF) in Eritrea) is an
operational framework that guides the work of all UN Agencies towards a common vision and
strategy in support of the member country’s socio-economic development priorities. As part of the
UN Secretary-General’s Agenda of Reform (1997), which aims to make the UN a more resultsdriven, effective and efficient institution, the UNDAF and the Common Country Assessment (CCA)
have become the primary tools for facilitating a common program framework for the UN system at
the country level. As such, the purpose of UNDAF is to enable the UN System to work together and
in close cooperation with the GOE and development partners for enhanced efficiency and impact in
response to the development challenges confronting the GOE.
The UN guidance on UNDAF processes recommends annual reviews for relevance and progress
towards its set of outcomes. In 2014, the GOE and UNCT jointly reviewed the SPCF’s first year of
implementation in order to identify and address implementation concerns for the balance of the
programming cycle. In the case where annual reviews are not undertaken, MTR becomes expedient.
After two years of the SPCF implementation, the GOE and UNCT in Eritrea agreed to conduct a
MTR instead of an annual review of 2014 implementation. To this end a decision was reached by
MOND and UNCT for the BS&E, NCHE to conduct the SPCF MTR. The MTR is particularly
important in that it will provide an improved platform for developing joint programs with clearer
targets and lay the groundwork for common funding mechanisms and foster the design of better
coordination arrangements.
1.2.
Purpose and Objectives
The overall purpose of the MTR was to examine the progress of the SPCF in its two years of
implementation, 2013-2014, as well as its continued relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and
sustainability of UN delivery of support and alignment to the GOE’s national developmental
priorities and needs. Specifically, the purpose of MTR was to provide GOE and the UNCT with
feedback on the effectiveness of UNDAF’s programming framework in identifying and addressing
implementation concerns for the remainder of the programming cycle, and for more effective and
efficient delivery of developmental support. Besides, the MTR was intended to identify weaknesses
and strengths of the project design and execution and come up with recommendations for any
necessary changes in the overall design and orientation of the project and on the work plan for the
remaining project period. The MTR also reviews the M&E system and framework and assesses early
signs of project success or failure and provides recommendations for prompt adjustments.
The overall objective of the SPCF 2013-2016 MTR is to assess the relevance, effectiveness,
efficiency, and sustainability of UN delivery of support and alignment to the GOE’s national
developmental priorities and needs. More specifically the objectives of the MTR are to:

assess the continued relevance of the SPCF 2013-2016 and the contribution made by the
UNCT in the framework of the SPCF to national development results through making
judgments using evaluation criteria based on evidence. An assessment is made on the extent
to which the activity is suited to local and national development priorities and organizational
policies, including changes over time. (Relevance)
13








1.3.
assess the extent of progress towards achieving the expected results described as outcomes in
the SPCF results framework over the two years of implementation of the SPCF. An
assessment is done on the extent to which an objective has been achieved or how likely it is to
be achieved. (Effectiveness).
identify the gaps to be addressed and factors that have affected the UNCT’s contribution
answering the question of why the performance is as it is and explaining the enabling factors
and bottlenecks (for learning and application for modification). An assessment needs to be
made on the extent to which results have been delivered with the least costly resources
possible. (Efficiency)
assess the contribution of the UN system to the pursuit of the national priorities articulated in
the SPCF
identify emerging issues from the national context that may call for review and/or
reorientation of the SPCF
identify lessons learned in terms of what has worked, what has not and why that can benefit in
the revision of the SPCF and the design of future ones, and
provide important information for strengthening programming and results at the country level,
specifically informing the planning and decision making for the next SPCF program cycle
(2017-2021), Country Program Document (CPDs), and for improving UNCT coordination at
the country level. This requires an assessment of the “likelihood of sustainability of outcomes
at project termination. (Sustainability)
support greater accountability of the UNCT to SPCF stakeholders.
provide actionable recommendations for improving the UNCT”s contribution, especially for
incorporation into the new SPCF. These recommendations should be logically linked to the
conclusion and draw upon the lessons learned identified through the evaluation.
Scope and Methodology
1.3.1 Scope
The MTR focuses on the implementation of the SPCF during the period 2013 and 2014, addressing
programming principles, progress made against the strategic intent laid out in the SPCF and its
Results Framework as indicated in the Results and Resources Matrix (RRM), as well as challenges. It
has also been agreed to keep the SPCF MTR light, informative and forward looking and it thus more
specifically deals with its progress in contributing to the outcome/output in the SPCF RRM.
1.3.2 Methodology
The MTR follows UNDAF approaches and focuses on the overall progress and specifically on the
achievement of each of the SPCF Outcomes and the corresponding outputs. Findings are presented
and evaluated based on a set criteria and in light of the baselines and targets set and contained in the
SPCF RRM.
Overall, the methodology employed in this MTR was participatory and consultative in order to ensure
close engagement with stakeholders, including implementing partners, senior management, and
program staff. Data collection was done through desk review of relevant documents, as well as
consultations, discussions and interviews. Interviews and consultations with SPCF focal persons of
implementing line ministries and institutions, technical and project staff of UN agencies, thematic
groups of relevant outcomes and UNCT working group on M&E were undertaken.
14
Specifically, the methodology employed in the review are as follows:
First, an Inception Report was prepared in response to the UNCT TOR (Annex 1). Together with the
data collection tool (Questionnaire), they were presented to the UNCT Working Group team led by
the UNFPA Representative, Mr. Dan Odallo. During the presentation of both the Inception Report
and the data collection tool, the consultancy team received very valuable inputs from the UNCT
Working Group, considered them, and reviewed both documents accordingly.
In the second step of the MTR, the consultancy team undertook extensive and intensive Desk Review
of the relevant documents, including GOE and UN documents and various reports such as HMIS
Report, MOH Report, EPI Coverage Survey, Annual Crop and Livestock Assessments, MDG Report,
CEDAW Report, UNICEF Reports, UNDP Reports, UNFPA Reports, WHO Report, Sector Plans,
2013-Joint Annual Review Report, UNICEF Reports, UNDP Reports, etc. This was done
concurrently with consultations with MOND and responsible staff of the UNCT and participating line
ministries and other implementing organizations. Consultations also involved interviews.
In the third step of the MTR, field trips were conducted to Zoba Debub (Mendefera), Zoba Northern
Red Sea (NRS) (Massawa and Ghindae) and Zoba Anseba (Adi Teklezan, Keren/Glas) during the
month of August, 2015, first, to corroborate the findings from the desk review of documents,
consultations and interviews already done, second, to observe evidence of progress of the SPCF
implementation on the ground, and third, to conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) interviews and
discussions with key informants. FGDs involved groups and sub groups of stakeholders, decision
makers, and thematic groups.
Interviews with Key Informant Interviews targeted: i) convenor (sector ministry) and co-convenor
(UN agency) ii) with line ministries, organizations and UN participating institutions and iii) M&E
staff and the thematic groups on the identified key outcome areas of the SPCF and the identified key
outputs under each outcome specified in the SPCF RRM (list of contact persons in Annex 2a&b).
The MOND was very supportive in facilitating the MTR work and the overall data collection process
from the IPs.
The questions for the MTR were framed based on the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency
and sustainability as defined and explained in the UN Guidance for conducting reviews/evaluations of
UN supported projects. Some of the questions covering each of these criteria are contained in the
TOR and explained on below.
Relevance: To assess the relevance of the SPCF, questions were asked to establish the usefulness of
the outcomes in the current country context and the challenges identified at the time of formulation.
Effectiveness: In assessing effectiveness, the key focus was on the progress that has been made
towards the realization of the SPCF outcomes and in terms of indicators as reflected in the Results
and Resources Matrix (RRM). Questions such as, which are the main factors that contributed to the
realization or non-realization of the outcomes? How were risks and assumptions addressed during the
implementation of programmes and projects, were asked.
The effectiveness of the SPCF as a coordination and partnership framework was also assessed by
asking questions (i) on the extent and in what ways the SPCF contributed to achieving better
synergies among the programmes of UNCT, (ii) whether the SPCF has enhanced joint programming
by agencies and /or resulted in specific joint programmes, (iii) whether the strategies employed by
agencies were complementary and synergistic, (iv) whether agency supported programmes have been
15
mutually reinforcing in helping to achieve the SPCF outcomes, (v) whether the programme support
by individual agencies has been enhanced as a result of joint programming, and whether the SPCF
promoted effective partnerships and strategic alliances around the main SPCFoutcome areas (e.g.
national partners, International Financial Institutions and other external support agencies).
Efficiency: Using the traditional measure of efficiency which divides outputs by inputs was on
possible. Instead, efficiency measured in terms delivering expected output within the planned time
frame, executing the budget as per its design, and assessment of the quality of outputs was applied.
Key focus was also on the extent and in what ways the SPCF has contributed to a reduction of
transaction cost for the government and for each of the UN agencies, and in what ways could
transaction costs be further reduced. The question of the results being achieved at reasonably low or
lowest possible cost was explored as well.
Sustainability: In establishing sustainability, the overall focus was whether the benefits achieved due
to the support under the SPCF could be continued after it ended. Specific questions asked were: To
what extent and in what ways have national capacities been enhanced in government, civil society
and NGOs? Have complementarities, collaboration and/or synergies fostered by SPCF contributed to
greater sustainability of results of Country Programmes and projects of individual UNCT agencies?
What would be required for sustainability to be achieved?
The progress made in achieving outputs was assessed based on the baselines, targets, and the status of
the indicators (as available) as at the end of 2014 and is report in Annex 4.
The MTR process continued till the completion of draft report and its presentation in a workshop
validation, which took place on the 8th of September, 2015 (List of participants in Annex 3) and the
final document was prepared after incorporating useful comments and feedbacks received from the
workshop.
1.4.
Limitations of the MTR
In the SPCF RRM baseline data and targets were not decided for some of the outputs and were
indicated as Tbd (To be determined). Most importantly some of the baseline figures were not correct
such as those for proportion of qualified teachers or HIV prevalence of 15-49 age group in the general
population. Some of the indicators in the SPCF RRM were not clear and are not comparable with
international standards, therefore making comparison difficult.
The SPCF 2013-2016 outcomes themselves are unusually broad with many outputs and as such they
generally encompass the program objectives of every implementing partner. While it is useful to be
comprehensive, possibilities of overlaps are very likely as have happened in the case of FGM/C and
underage marriage, disaster reduction, etc. Moreover, the SPCF RRM was not attached to the SPCF
document and thus some of the implementing partners were not familiar with the baseline and targets
set to be achieved at the end of the SPCF in 2016.
SPCF RRM has some problems related to the absence of direct relationships between the activities,
outputs and outcomes. This is the case in most of the outcomes where it was difficult to assess the
progress on the outcome based on the findings regarding the outputs. This made the review process to
be largely dependent on the overall findings and achievements on the specific outputs.
16
1.5.
Organization of the MTR report
The structure of the MTR report is as follows. The first chapter provides an introduction to
UNDAF/SPCF 2013-2016 focusing on the background, purpose and objectives of the evaluation,
scope and methodology, limitations of the review, and organization of the report. In chapter two the
development context and the SPCF 2013-2016 preparation are presented. In chapter three, the
findings are presented and discussed under the SPCF Outcomes and Outputs, Coordination and M&E
system, Funding and resource mobilization, and assumptions, risks and emerging opportunities.
Chapter four presented implementation challenges and lessons learned. Finally, in chapter five,
conclusions and recommendations are provided.
17
2.
COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT AND SPCF PREPARATION
2.1
Country and Development Context
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa region bordered by the Red Sea to the east, Djibouti to the
southeast, Ethiopia to the south, and the Sudan to the north and west. It has an area of 124,000 square
kilometers with an economy largely undiversified and limited by a small internal market. A complete
population census is pending. However, based on the EPHS 2010, the NSO estimates Eritrea’s
resident population as 3.5 million in 2014. It is estimated that the population under 15 years
constitutes 47 percent while the population 65 years and above 7 percent. The population is
essentially rural with about 65 percent living in the countryside. Eritrea is a multi-ethnic society with
nine different ethnic groups speaking nine different languages and professing two major religions,
namely, Christianity and Islam (NSO, 2013). Administratively the country is divided into six regions
or zobas, namely, Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Maakel, NRS & SRS.
Arid and semi-arid climatic conditions prevail and rainfall in the country ranges from less than 200
mm per annum in the Eastern Lowlands to about 1,000 mm per annum in a small pocket of the
escarpment. As a result, the country vulnerable to adverse effects of climate variability, recurring
droughts and environmental degradation, hampering development efforts. The economy is largely
based on subsistence agriculture, with 80% of the population depending on farming and herding yet
arable land accounts for only 12% of land use. Persistent drought has had adverse effects particularly
on the vulnerable communities, groups and households (especially the female-headed). The country’s
socio-economic conditions (livelihoods, food security, and national budget), human capital,
infrastructure, energy, industries, environment (land degradation, desertification) all suffered due to
the thirty years war of independence.
The country’s development aspiration as stated in the Macro-Policy of 1994 and the National
Indicative Development Plan (NIDP), 2015, is to achieve rapid, balanced, home-grown and
sustainable economic growth with social equity and justice, anchored on the self-reliance principle.
Moreover, the Government places emphasis on community and individual rights as well as issues of
social justice, such as access to education, health, food and equitable access to services regardless of
locality.
Following the country’s independence in 1991, Eritrea formulated and implemented socio-economic
development policies and strategies that were directed at rehabilitation and reconstruction of the
economy. As a result the economy grew at an average annual growth in GDP of 7% until 1997.
However, a border dispute with neighboring Ethiopia (1998-2000) escalated into a full-scale war and
affected negatively the economy reversing the economic gains that were achieved. The war has left
large areas of land unused due to unexploded landmines especially in the prime fertile agricultural
regions of Gash-Barka and Debub that are considered to be the “bread baskets” of the country.
Although a number of possible national socio-economic initiatives and resources remain tied to the
border stalemate, the GOE has been relentlessly exerting efforts towards reducing poverty and
ensuring food security in the country. As the result, Eritrea has made tremendous progress towards its
own development goals and aspirations. Although there are no data to make conclusive statements the
country is also believed to have made good progress on environmental sustainability while much
remains to be done as regards to MDGs 1 and 2 in eradication of extreme hunger and poverty and
attainment of universal primary education. More recently, there have been signs of good economic
18
prospects in the country as investments in the mining sector continue to grow, with Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth projections of 6% in 2012 and 7% in 2013 (http://country.eiu.com/Eritrea).
Despite the challenges and setbacks faced, Eritrea is one of the few countries in Africa that is making
steady progress towards achieving the health related MDGs 4, 5 and 6, i.e. reduction of child
mortality; reduction of maternal mortality and combating HIV and AIDS (MOH, 2014). There has
been reduction of under-five mortality to 50 per 1000 live births by 2013. The maternal mortality
ratio also decreased to 380 per 100,000 live births in 2013 compared to 480 per 100,000 live births in
2010 (UNICEF 2014).
The context in which SPCF 2013-2016 outcomes are being pursued is rapidly changing. In recent
times, external shocks of rising food and fuel prices, climate change, and the global economic
slowdown have altered the perceived responsibilities of some UN Agencies. In this context, the SPCF
2013-2016 seeks to build on and sustain the gains and progress achieved by GOE in the MDGs as
well as address areas that still need to be facilitated. Along these lines, lessons drawn from the last
UNDAF 2007-2011 evaluation reveal that the UN has a role to play in accelerating the progress
towards the MDGs while supporting the integration of key supportive activities critical to effective
programming; such as capacity development; data management, effective monitoring and evaluation
as well as building the institutional capacity of the government to manage and respond to risks,
disasters and emergency situations.
In general some of the key country challenges remain to be:
 Attaining food security, poverty reduction, employment and job creation
 Attracting significant increases and expansion in local and foreign investments
 Achieving a stable and conducive macroeconomic stability
 Provision and establishment of adequate and up-to-data database and information
 Building an effective institutional and human capacity and filling existing gaps
 Development of the industrial sector and promoting small and medium industries
 Development of the free trade area, ports and expansion of tourist industry
2.2
SPCF Preparation
The SPCF preparation was initiated following the Government’s letter to the UN Resident
Coordinator dated 27th June 2012, indicating GOE’s willingness to cooperate with the UN in its
development agenda building on the past UNDAF (2007-2011). The UNCT with the support of the
United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Regional Director’s Team (East and Southern Africa),
however, decided not to opt for a full UNDAF exercise given the limited time that was available to
finalize the SPCF preparation before the end of 2012. This framework is, nevertheless, based on key
considerations applicable for UNDAF in general, follows the basic UNDAF programming principles,
and provides a succinct overview of the main areas of intervention and collaboration of the UN
system in Eritrea. In the absence of a national development plan which was still under preparation, it
was agreed that the sector plans, policies and strategies, most of which end in 2016, would form the
basis for formulating the programs, hence the SPCF runs from 2013-2016.
As a first step, the UNCT instituted a facilitation team and seven inter-agency sectoral teams to
review available materials and reports such as Government sector plans, UNDAF MTR and UNDAF
final evaluation and reviews and evaluations of UN agencies’ Country Program Action Plans
(CPAPs). They also made extensive consultations with various sector ministries and departments to
get indications on government priority areas and emerging issues. In addition, various international
19
goals and commitments such as the MDGs and other internationally agreed commitments and
obligations, including the CRC and the CEDAW were also reviewed. Based on the reviews and
consultations, a prioritization workshop was held with the support of the UN Regional Quality
Support and Assurance (QSA) to agree priority areas for support. Drafts of the SPCF were discussed
with the GOE and UNCT culminating in the final SPCF document.
The SPCF focuses on five strategic areas of cooperation over the four years. These five strategic areas
are further elaborated into eight specific outcomes (in line with eight MDGs) as shown in the Table 1
below. It capitalizes on the collective comparative strengths of the UN system in responding to the
identified priority areas. It also takes cognizance of the contributions from Non-Resident Agencies
(NRAs), such UNWOMEN, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and United Nations
Environmental Program (UNEP) which could be in form of technical assistance or direct program
support. Moreover a key strategy in the implementation of the SPCF is to tap into the South-South
cooperation initiatives aimed at capacity building, synergies, sharing of best practices and
experiences. At the same time, efforts are made to support Eritrea’s involvement in regional and subregional initiatives in economic development and integration, peace building, cross border health
initiatives, food security and disaster risk reduction.
Table 1: Strategic Priority Areas and SPCF Outcomes
Strategic Priority Areas
I. Basic Social Services
SPCF Outcomes
Outcome 1: access and utilization of quality and integrated health and nutrition services improved among
the General population with particular emphasis on children under five, youth, women and other
vulnerable groups
Outcome 2: children including refugees have equitable access to quality basic education in the hard to
reach areas in Anseba, Gash Barka, Southern Red Sea (SRS), Northern Red Sea (NRS) and Debub
Outcome 3: strengthened protection and participation of vulnerable children, malnutrition, young people,
women and people with special needs, including refugees, from the impact of poverty, harmful practices
(e.g FGM, early marriage) exploitation and injuries in high prevalence areas
II. National capacity Development
Outcome 4: selected government institutions have the capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver
services to All
Outcome 5: strengthened national and sectoral disaster risk management
III. Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods
Outcome 6: Poor and vulnerable households have improved access to and utilization of quality food and
enhanced livelihood opportunities
IV. Environmental Sustainability
Outcome 7: Eritrea is on track towards the achievement of MDG targets for environmentally
sustainability (MDG 7)
V. Gender Equity and Advancement of Women
Outcome 8: National institutions have gender responsive sector plans and policies and promote
empowerment of women
20
3. FINDINGS OF THE SPCF MID-TERM REVIEW
In this section, overall progress of the SPCF for the period 2013-2014 is presented and analysed
under eight Outcomes and related Outputs. Best practices for each of these outcomes is also report.
The progress in achieving Outcomes have not been fully assessed because of paucity of relevant data
and the fact that the SPCF has been implemented for only two years. Usually, outcomes these
interventions may not be fully realized in a period of 1-2 years. However, their relevance,
effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability has been assessed to the extent possible. The progress in
achieving Outputs has been assessed mainly based on indicators, baselines, and targets contained in
the RRM. The section also presents the findings with regard to coordination, monitoring &
evaluation, funding and resource mobilization, as well as the assumptions, risks and emerging
opportunities.
3.1
SPCF Outcomes and Outputs
SPCF Outcome 1: Access and utilization of quality and integrated health and nutrition services
improved among the general population with particular emphasis on children under five,
youth, women and other vulnerable groups.
This outcome focuses on support in health and nutrition, and HIV/AIDS. The key components are:
reproductive health; child health and nutrition; prevention, control and management of communicable
and non-communicable diseases and injuries; and strengthening the health systems including the
essential health care package (cross- cutting interventions and health systems), as well as support
provided to the national response to HIV and AIDS towards zero new infections, zero AIDS-related
deaths, and zero discrimination of people living with or affected by AIDS.
Output 1.1: Increased coverage of IMNCI by 20% maintaining 80% of access by targeted
population in every zoba. Increased coverage of EPI by 12% in every zoba.
 % of boys and girls under five having access to IMNCI services
In 2014, IMNCI coverage increased from 20% to 60% in Zoba Gash Barka and from 50% to 60% in
Zoba NRS and both Zoba Anseba and Zoba Debub sustained 80% coverage (UNICEF, Annual
Report 2014). Findings indicate that access to these services for children has improved, health
facilities are able to deliver quality IMNCI and maternal health interventions. From 2013 to 2014 the
expansion of IMNCI was concentrated in regions where the program was non-existent at the
community, and hard-to-reach areas of SRS and Maekel.
 % of health facilities with at least two health workers trained on IMNCI
No baseline is provided, but the target is 100%. As a rule all health facilities are expected to have at
least two IMNCI trained health workers and thus the target of 100% is achieved. But there is high
attrition and turnover of trained health staff in particular in the health facilities located outside of
major urban areas and remote places. IMCI activity at the community level for 2014 shows that, 728
CHWs were actively working in all the six zobas (DPH, 2014, Annual Report). IMNCI training
manuals have been revised in order to adopt new WHO protocols and printing of the manuals is in
progress. A Manual for home based Maternal and Neonatal care is translated into Tigrigna and it is
under printing. 52 CHWs have been trained on household health and IMNCI to fill the gap in demand
for IMNCI services in communities. In addition 928, HWs were trained: 238 in immunization in
21
practice, 464 in introduction of new ROTA vaccine and 222 in data quality self- assessment
(UNICEF, 2014).
 % of fully Immunized children under one year
The base line is 82% and the target is 90%. According to the available data from MOH, as of
November, 2014, the EPI Coverage Survey of 2013 indicated that immunization coverage had
reached to 90 per cent (fully immunized children) while national measles coverage was 74 per cent
(UNICEF, Eritrea, Annual report 2014).
The discrepancy between the low administrative coverage from routine administrative data sources
and the high figures from the EPI coverage survey is due to the denominator problem. The country
has never had population census and the population figures used in planning and prioritization are
estimates. Eritrea’s population and estimated under-one-year population had been overestimated for
the last few years, as shown by the last two EPI coverage surveys in 2009 and 2013. The challenge
for the program is lack of an exact denominator for planning and reporting results accurately. While
the EPHS 2010 comes with a population figure of 3.2 million it does not provide data on the number
of children under one year.
 Proportion of unvaccinated children in remote and hard to reach areas
No baseline is provided but the target is 12%. The MTR found that the proportion of unvaccinated
children in remote and hard to reach areas is estimated by MOH at 2%.
 Coverage of pentavalent3 vaccine
The baseline is 80% and the target is 90%. The MTR found the coverage of pentavalent3 vaccine to
be 98%. (DPH, MOH, Annual report, 2014).
Output 1.2: Improved access to integrated reproductive health services by women, men
including youths and adolescents

% of health facilities providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care
(bEmONC)services
The baseline was 80% and the target is 100%. At the time of MTR, access to bEmNOC increased to
97% in 2014 (UNICEF Annual Report, 2014). There are about 41 maternity waiting homes
established in the country. In many cases they function as extensions of health facilities in the remote
areas solving some of the major barriers for pregnant women that do not come to health facilities
during delivery.
Findings indicate that during 2013-2014, a total of 129 pregnant women from remote areas have been
beneficiaries of maternity waiting homes. All of them have delivered at the health station assisted by
skilled health workers and have avoided the maternal and child deaths related to delivery
complications. Some of the pregnant women that delivered in maternity waiting homes stay up to two
months before they return to their place of residence.
The MTR team has also visited the Fitsula Rehabilitation Center in Mid-August 2015 and
conducted interviews with the director of Mendefera Referral hospital.
22
FGM and under age marriage are believed to be the main causes of Fistula. From the discussions and
direct observations it was found out that most of the fistula patients are young, dominantly from the
same ethnic group and with similar kind of FGM performed on them (involving stitching of the
vagina). According to data from the Mendefera Referral hospital, in 2014 there were 98 fistula
patients at different stages of treatment in the Fistula Center. The strategy followed is to direct all
efforts to reduce the incidence of new cases and raise the prevalence so that many women with fistula
cases that remain hidden are encouraged to come for treatment. The rehabilitation center within the
referral hospital has contributed to the integration of the women with fistula to lead normal lives by
overcoming the stigma and isolation they faced as the result of their situation. Assistance is provided
in the form of food and other supplies as well as household furniture and equipment that assist them
to lead their daily life and acquire skills. The progress made in the treatment of fistula patients is
considerable and is highly satisfactory. Among the main problems are limited budgets, shortages of
high protein food and medicines for the patients, inadequate post treatment support (income
generating activities) and availability of only one surgeon for the task.
Output 1.3: Children Under-5, pregnant and lactating mothers have better access to nutritional
services and supplies

% of Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children having access to Integrated Management
of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM)
The baseline is 80% and the target is 90%. In 2014, about 11,732 children were reached with
treatment for SAM out of an estimated caseload of 13,000. This represents a more than 90%
treatment coverage, in which a cure rate of 88.5 per cent was recorded (Supplementary Feeding
Program (SFP), Mid-2015).
 % of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) received supplementary feeding
The baseline is 80% and the target is to reach 90%, with a yearly target of reaching 63,000 children
per year at a rate of 12.6%. Moderately malnourished children enrolled in target supplementary
feeding program are 36,963. About 17,000 acutely malnourished children have been identified and
referred for MAM (UNICEF, 2014). Estimated 376,000 children 6-59 months have been
supplemented with Vitamin A and screened for MUAC during the first round of child health and
nutrition week and recent figure for overall Vitamin A coverage is at 81% (by 2015). Dissemination
of Iodized salt consumption, breast feeding and other key messages on maternal malnutrition
prevention messages were undertaken and according to MOH First Round nutrition surveillance has
been undertaken but results are not yet available. In this area 94 HWs were trained as trainers of
infants and young child feeding (IYCF) to train community volunteers. Training was also provided to
89 HWs and 339 community health workers on MAM. In the refugee camp 82 children were reported
to be malnourished or MAM cases in 2014.
 % of pregnant and lactating women receiving iron plus folic acid
The base line is 57% and the target is 80%. About 35,000 iron folic acid was procured for
pregnant mothers in 2014 and iron folate supplementation to pregnant mothers at ANC followed up.
(DPH 2014 Annual Report).
The MOH has given special attention to the health and welfare of mothers and children. Technical
and financial support was provided to MOH to implement the Blanket Supplementary Feeding
23
Programs (BSFP) serving 14,400 of the vulnerable population in the high-risk, arid areas of Zoba
SRS to prevent deterioration of the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating mothers.
Output 1.4: National capacity enhanced in reducing incidence of major communicable diseases
namely STI, HIV&AIDS, TB, Malaria and NTDs.
 Proportion of Tuberculosis (TB)patients counseled and tested for HIV
The baseline is 75% and the target is 95%. At the end of 2014 out of 2,435 TB patients 2,311 were
tested for HIV making the proportion at 95.3% (MOH Program Report, CDCs). Among the refugee
population, only 8 cases of TB patients were reported and they are under treatment while no malaria
case was reported in the camp and impregnated bed nets are distributed (Interview, UNHCR).
In principle and as a policy all TB patients are required to be tested for HIV and with it necessary
counseling services are provided. The Eritrean National Strategy on HIV and AIDS (ENASP 20122016) and the activities of National HIV-AIDS Control Program (NACP) have contributed
significantly in the improved counseling of TB patients. Some of the major activities include
awareness raising activities, integrated training and knowledge on TB and HIV collaboration, use of
mass media to improve VCT performance and ANC HIV testing. Above all the triple threat of HIV,
TB and malaria is being tackled through a partnership involving the GOE, Global Fund and the
UNCT.
 % of new TB cases reported
In 2014, the MOH Program notified 771 bacteriologically confirmed new pulmonary TB cases and 38
new extra pulmonary TB cases (HMIS, 2015).
 Proportion of HIV + adults 15-49 years on treatment 12 months after initiating treatment
Based on the 2013 ANC SSS adult HIV prevalence is estimated at 0.85% (ANC, SSS, 2013).
Technical support as well as drugs and other supplies for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS
were provided. There were 7570 patients on Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) as of Nov-Dec 2014 with 783 of
them new patients that started ARV in all zoba hospitals and other referral hospitals including the
Eritrean Air Force Hospital (EAF) (DPH, Annual report, 2014). Among the refugees only 2 cases of
HIV were reported during 2013 ad 2014 and this indicates a 0.07% prevalence rate. These are on
ART (Interview, UNHCR).
HIV/AIDS prevalence is evaluated every two years and the overall progress made in reducing the
prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Eritrea is positive. Significant amount of money for HIV/AIDS project
comes from the GOE and the Global Fund. The program requires strong partnership and coordination
among various groups of the society and recent activities, include targeting commercial sex workers,
truck drivers and the youth.
 Percentage of babies of HIV Positive women receiving virology test by 2 months of age
Based on PMTCT performance indicators as proxies, it was found that HIV exposed infants tested by
PCR at six weeks were 89 and HIV exposed infants tested positive at 6 weeks were zero (DPH, 2014,
Annual Report).
24

% of young people aged 15-24 reporting use of a condom during sexual intercourse with a
non -regular sexual partner
As a proxy for condom use, data on male condom distribution is used. Based on this indicator, it has
been found that male condoms distributed during 2013-2014 were 3,672,602 (DPH, Annual report,
2014). Previous partnerships and support programs involving NUEYS, ESMG, the military and
others with its wider network of condom distribution contributed not only in preventing HIV/AIDS
but also STDs and unwanted pregnancies. This suggests that the confinement of condom distribution
in health facilities would not provide easy availability of condoms for the young people.
 % of HHs in targeted areas that received indoor residual spraying during previous 12 months
Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) coverage in Zoba Gash Barka was 95.50%. It included 211 villages and
90,460 structures with 261,801 population protected. In Zoba Debub, in 131 villages and 28,740
structures, IRS coverage was found to be 88.60% and the population protected was 75,825. In a total
of 342 villages, 119,202 structures received indoor residual spraying with a total population protected
reaching 337,626 and coverage of 92.5% (DPH, 2014 Annual Report)
Output 1.5: National capacity enhanced to detect early and respond timely to the epidemic
prone diseases
 Proportion of disease outbreaks reported to the authorities within 48 hours
Rapid response teams are established in every zoba and IDSR is in place to report any outbreak of
disease above certain threshold level within 48 hours (WHO, interview).
 % of reported cases responded in time
In general the outbreak of any epidemic disease has been low in the country.

% of health facilities with trained HWs on early detection of disease outbreaks and response
using the new IDSR guideline
Most of the health facilities have HWs trained on IDSR guidelines to detect disease outbreaks. The
mechanism however involves communities and not only health facilities. Community members are
trained and provided with guidelines to work through kebabi health committees that have to report
about what happens in the ground. There have been improvements in the tracking and reporting on
outbreaks of major communicable diseases. For instance, for EBOLA National Task Force was
established by MOH with support of UNCT.
Output 1.6: Major hospitals and health centers will have functional services for the major
NCDs
 % of health districts with integrated NCDs services
There is a growing frequency of NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers, chronic lung diseases
(asthma) and mental health problems, and re-emergence of chronic Neglected Tropical Diseases
(NTDs). These are straining the health system and will need to be addressed more comprehensively
with more policy and strategic interventions. NCDs, malnutrition, occasional disease outbreaks
compounded by socially created health challenges such as FGM/C and violence against women
including abortion complications worsen the situation. Much is needed to be done in the NCD
services and it seems that activities and projects are underfunded compared to CDs.
25
It is however important to note that support was provided to strengthen the capacity of MOH in terms
of quality and access to health facilities. MOH was provided with new and updated ICU equipment
that contributed to improvement in the quality of service provided by all intensive care units of the
MOH.
 % of Health Centers with integrated NCDs services (WHO PEN)
WHO PEN was piloted in Zoba Makael and rolled out in all zobas (WHO, interview),
Output 1.7: Enhanced community participation in health related decisions and processes.
 Proportion of zobas that conduct multi-stakeholder reviews
All zobas conduct reviews of health situations and there is active participation of communities.
According to MOH, health promotion materials/and booklets have been developed for safe
motherhood and adopted in nine languages.
 % of administrative areas with functional kebabi health committees
The structure of health service delivery and the dissemination of health related messages and
education at the community level requires the establishment of kebabi health committees. Most of the
administrative areas have kebabi health committees that are expected to be functional although their
strength can differ from kebabi to kebabi.
Output 1.8: Universal access to and rational use of safe medicines and technologies
 % of availability of essential medicines in health facilities
Previous MOH and WHO studies indicate availability of essential drugs in health facilities to be
about 90%. There existed no serious supply problems and the MTR found that essential drugs for
maternal and pediatric care ordered in 2014 were distributed to CHWs and HWs to cover contingency
stock for 5,000 children. Rational drug use is promoted by MOH and WHO and medicines of the
right quality are emphasized. Moreover, drugs, equipment and vaccines for child and maternal health
were ordered with support of UNCT and charter flights containing medicines and other supplies
arrived twice and a third one is expected to arrive by the end of 2015. In addition, drug use survey is
conducted and studies are undertaken on the availability of essential drugs. Partnership with GAVI
helped to ensure that vaccines are available in the country to maintain MOH’s capacity to undertake
immunization of children.
 Number of hospitals with fully functional Medicine and Therapeutic Committee
All hospitals in the six zobas including Orotta hospital have therapeutic feeding. There are six
warehouses that have been established in the past which are functional in the zobas for distribution of
medicines to the sub zobas. This helps effective distribution of medicines to hospitals and avoid drug
expiry before use and solve problems of having situations of excess supply in some hospitals and
shortages in others.
 Number drugs (medicines) tested for quality control
400-500 tests are conducted internally for cases of drugs within the local expertise and capacity
(Interview, WHO). Quality control laboratory exists at MOH and the work mostly involves laboratory
staff and foreign experts employed by MOH. When it is necessary drugs are tested in other countries
with WHO technical support using external and foreign experts.
26

Number of health training conducted in collaboration with MOH, or other external partners
for health workforce in refugee camp
Training is provided to health workers in the refugee camp including refugees such as those involved
in VCT services and provision of other support services to the refugee population
 Proportion of relevant refugee health cases referred to secondary and tertiary medical care
Health care is provided for the refugees through a camp based health clinic with further referrals
being made to bigger health facilities/hospitals in Massawa, Ghindae or Assmara. A total of 146
patients in 2014 and 103 patients during the six months of 2015 have been referred to Massawa
hospital. In addition, refugees departing for resettlement also benefit from both medical assessments
and pre-departure medical fitness tests undertaken at either Massawa or Orotta hospitals, with
national doctors working in collaboration with staff from the International Organization of Migration
(IOM), All refugee mothers are also encouraged to give birth in national health facilities and they
receive baby birth certificates.
 % of health service providers providing access to safe medical products and technologies
The emphasis of MOH has been on the types and safety of drugs rather than on companies supplying
drugs. Supply of essential drugs are ensured and health services are provided with safe medical
products (affordability of communities are also taken into account but quality of drugs is not
compromised).
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 1.
Outputs
1.1 Increased coverage of IMNCI by 20% maintaining 80% of access by
targeted population in every zoba. Increased coverage of EPI by 12% in
every zoba
1.2 Improved access to integrated reproductive health services by
women, men including youths & adolescents
1.3 Children Under-5, pregnant and lactating mothers have better access
to nutritional services and supplies
1.4 National capacity enhanced in reducing incidence of major
communicable diseases namely STI, HIV&AIDS, TB, Malaria & NTDs
1.5 National capacity enhanced to detect early and respond timely to the
epidemic prone diseases
1.6 Major hospitals and health centers will have functional services for
the major NCDs
1.7 Enhanced community participation in health related decisions and
processes
1.8 Universal access to and rational use of safe medicines and
technologies
27
Assessment of progress
Highly satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Highly satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Relevance
Outcome 1 is highly relevant and it is in line with the health related priorities of the country as it
focuses on support in health and nutrition, control and management of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, prevention of injuries and supply of essential drugs. It is in fact
one of the priority areas of the government.
Effectiveness
The progress and achievements recorded in outcome 1 are due to the concerted government
programmatic and resource investment in the health sector and support of development partners.
Implementation arrangement is effective where MOH is the convenor and WHO is a co-convenor.
Effectiveness of this outcome is clearly evident in the achievement of the MDGs 4, 5 and 6 by Eritrea
ahead of the deadline of 2015. Besides, mostly line ministries, other stakeholders and UN agencies
have met the standard of work required to deliver high quality services. In this respect the high degree
of staff commitment at all levels and the absence of corruption and misuse of resources has
contributed positively to effectiveness and efficiency.
Efficiency
In outcome 1 in some cases activities have to wait for months and longer before agreement can be
reached and as a consequence, funding situation and implementation may be negatively affected.
Examples of such activities include those that require construction, frequent transportation, and or
procurement. As regards to efficiency in resource utilization, the MTR found that funds were
inadequate and in some cases there was significant delays in releasing them. For instance, in
supplementary feeding to children, pregnant and lactating mothers, fitsula patients and other
programs, budgetary resources have not been sufficient and thus affecting efficiency in
implementation of activities and service delivery.
Sustainability
The sustainability of the results achieved in outcome 1 is highly dependent on government
commitment and budgetary allocations as well as community efforts and participation. At the same
time the support of UNCT and other development partners is crucial for sustainability. It is also
important to note that sector ministries and other organizations as implementing partners have gained
experience and strengthened their implementation capacity which contributes positively to
sustainability of the results achieved. However, it is important to look beyond human capacity
development and work towards the establishment of the necessary systems, policies and institutions
and more importantly adequate funds are necessary for sustainability. In conclusion outcome 1
requires continuous partnerships of MOND and UNCT for its sustainability as there are financial
requirements that may jeopardize sustenance of project outcomes. It is in the interest of key
stakeholders that project benefits continue to flow and the Eritrean people get adequate health
services. It is believed that there is sufficient public/stakeholder awareness in support of the long term
objectives of outcome 1.
SPCF Outcome 2: Children, including refugees have equitable access to quality basic education
in the hard to reach areas of Anseba, Gash-Barka, SRS, NRS and Debub.
The MOE is mandated to expand the access of the various sections of the population to education. A
new program to enhance access to education in remote and difficult places to reach is contributing to
easing up access to education by females, the disabled and generally children living in terrain
geographic areas. Bringing schools closer to the home of the students in the various grades is
28
contributing to a decrease in dropout rates and increase in enrolment. Nomadic schools constructed
by communities are reaching out children previously left out of education.
Complementary Elementary Education (CEE) schools are elementary schools in remote areas that
provide access to over aged children mostly aged 9-14 years. They allow children to complete
elementary level education in three years rather than five years. However, Nomadic Education (NE)
and CEE was not given due consideration in the past. The provision of effective education requires
learning places that are conducive but this has not been there and permanent classrooms have not
been built.
Output 2.1: Sustainable learning spaces established
 Number of nomadic schools constructed
The baseline for the number of nomadic schools to be constructed was 64 (2013) and the SPCF target
was 198 (2016). The MOE started the program as a pilot in 8 schools and it is to be recalled that in
the early and initial stages of the programme, 10 to 15 tents were provided under the SPCF for
nomadic education. MTR findings show that the number of nomadic schools constructed is about 169
(UNICEF 2014 and MOE interview). Considering that this is only 29 short of the terminal target, it
means that there has been tremendous progress in achieving the target of 198 by 2016. As part of the
work on NE a study tour was conducted by MOE to Sudan to learn from their experiences and
lifestyle of nomads and the nomadic schools.
 Number of CEE schools constructed
The baseline figure in 2012 was 64 and the target by 2016 is 135 CEE schools. MTR findings
indicate that by the end of 2014, 100 CCE schools had been constructed, which is more than 50
percent of the number of schools to be constructed by the end of 2016. Thus the programme is on
track. The schools and learning spaces are constructed through locally available materials which are
not standard permanent schools but learning is made conducive and is provided to children in the hard
to reach areas particularly those of age 9 to14 years. Community is actively involved in the
construction and maintenance of CEE schools (UNICEF, Annual Report, 2014).
 # of children enrolled in nomadic education
One of the aims of this output was to scale up NE and increase enrolment in nomadic schools by
expanding learning spaces. Every year about 7,000 nomadic children are expected to be enrolled for
four years. The target by 2016 is 30,000 children for NE. MTR findings show that in 2014 enrolment
in NE improved to 11,934 from 7,555 in 2011, an increase of 4,379 children over a three-year period
(UNICEF Annual Report, 2014). From these findings, the progress made in this indicator is less
impressive and the target of enrolling 7,000 nomadic children every year for four years is unlikely to
be met. From interviews with MOE, UNCT’s contribution in campaign and awareness raising among
the nomadic communities was very effective and positive for NE although financial support was
limited.
 # of children enrolled in CEE schools
The target enrollment was 7500 children (age 9-14) every year in CEE schools for four years,
reaching a target of 30,000 children by 2016. As of December, 2014 the total enrolment in CEE
schools was 29,823 children (45.5% girls) (UNICEF, Annual report, 2014); the baseline was 7,531
children. This is an increase of 22,292 children enrolled. The program has experienced high levels of
enrolment and retention and it has already surpassed its MTR targets. In 2014 enrolment into CEE
29
increased by 79% over the enrolment of 2013 (UNICEF Annual Report, 2014). Moreover, according
to MOE, in 2011/12 the percent of out of school children aged 7-11 including in nomadic education
and CEE was at 23.2 and it declined to 18.9 by 2012/13 (MOE Report, EMIS).
Output 2.2: Enhanced quality education in schools and learning centres
 # of sector plans finalized and operationalized
The GOE identified the highest priority interventions required to develop the education system in the
country and accordingly a Five-year Education Sector Development Plan (ESDP) was developed with
a focus on improved access; curriculum, textbooks, quality assurance and school support system;
teacher education and development; and capacity building. The plan has four pillars, namely, Basic
Education; Secondary Education; Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) and Capacity
Development for Service Delivery.
 Number of sector policies reviewed and implemented
One Draft School Health Policy was developed but not implemented. A draft school WASH facility
design and guidelines were developed by the Technical Working Group comprising the MOE Quality
Assurance and Monitoring Section, MOE Project Management Unit (PMU) and the UNCT. The
Technical Working Group conducted an assessment of WASH facility design in three zobas
representing the range of climatic and geographic conditions in the country, as well as a final review
of the developed guidelines which incorporate menstrual hygiene management aspects.
After finalization of the National Design & Construction Guidelines for WASH in Schools, funding
will be transferred to the MOE for construction in assessed schools. UNCT is working closely to
coordinate activities between WRD and MOE to ensure that schools are provided with water supplies
(under the rural water supply outcome area are prioritized for latrine construction – this will ensure
results are maximized efficiently with a full “package” of WASH service, with the hygiene
component completed in coordination with MOH. Request for proposals was made for a consultancy
on menstrual management in schools and technical and financial proposals have been submitted by
consultants to the PMU/MOE.

Minimum standards for quality education, including generally accepted pupil-teacher ratio
developed and implemented
In this area, activities undertaken so far include, assessment and situation analysis, and a
comprehensive framework on standards for quality education has been developed which is ready for
further discussion and elaboration. However, this needs to be further articulated and an international
consultant is needed to finalize the work before implementation of the minimum standards for quality
education.

# of people, including refugees regularly attending adult education
In 2012/13, there were 46,745 people attending adult education at the national level, of which 41,216
(92%) were female and the rest 5,529 (8%) were male. There was also an adult literacy program in
the refugee camp, i.e. 408 participants in 2012 and 50 in 2013, even though the attendance was not
constant and regular owing to various reasons. For women refugees, they were busy with domestic
chores as well while for male refugees, their presence was interrupted with occasional departures
from the camp to look for casual labor to supplement their assistance basket.
30

% of gender disaggregated qualified teachers including refugees
At the national level, the baseline figure for the percent of qualified teachers was 85% and it is
believed to have slightly increased as the result of training provided to teachers and efforts being
made to improve teacher qualifications at all levels. Thus, the target of reaching 90% by 2016 is
likely to be achieved. MOE data base is gender disaggregated as reported in EMIS and in 2012/2013,
there were 14,408 teachers at the elementary, middle and secondary levels, out of these, 31% were
female and 69% male.
In the refugee camp, according to UNHCR, the total number of refugee teachers is 30, out of which 7
are male and 23 are female.

% of children including refugee children enrolled and regularly attending primary and
secondary education
The total number of children enrolled at all levels in the country is 349,652 (including those in special
education); in primary level 155,526 and in secondary level 110,369 and thus the percent of children
attending primary and secondary levels is 74.7%. At national level, the percentage reduction in out of
school children at basic education level stands at 18.9%, of which 53 % are girls (EMIS, DAEM,
2012-2013).
Access to schooling in the refugee camp has been ensured for kindergarten, primary and junior level.
By the end of 2014 the total number of refugees enrolled was 1066 and out of this 554 were male and
512 female (almost 50% each). Access to secondary level education and above to higher level
education is provided to refugees by joining in the national education system where they are allowed
to continue their studies. According to UNHCR, performance of refugee students in school is low and
this is among others, because of low level of interest and little encouragement or support from
families (most of the students come from family backgrounds of nomadic herders). School retention
has also been problematic. Part of the reason has been the nature/quality of education received in the
camp owing to few or no Somali teachers and the gaps existent in the transition between camp
education (Somali curriculum) and mainstream national education (Eritrean curriculum).
 Number of scholarships (tertiary) provided to refugees
The number of refugee students attending tertiary level education in the country was 3 in 2013 and 4
in 2014. One refugee student completed his studies with a Diploma in Nursing from Orotta College of
Health Sciences and is currently employed in the Orotta hospital in Asmara.
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 2.
Outputs
2.1 Sustainable learning spaces established
2.2 Enhanced quality education in schools and learning centres
31
Assessment of progress
Highly satisfactory
Satisfactory
Relevance
The SPCF outcome 2 focuses on NE as well as CEE and it also includes provision of educational
services to the refugee population in Eritrea. This outcome is in line with the educational priorities of
the country in view of the policy to expand access to education for those neglected and far to reach
communities, fight illiteracy and promote social justice. The partnership between UNCT and MOE in
implementing the program is relevant to improve access and quality of education and encourage girl’s
education.
Effectiveness
The progress and achievements made in providing access to education to the nomadic population,
CEE students and refugees in Eritrea has been positive. Mobile schools in the nomadic areas have
enabled nomadic male and female children to enroll in schools (CEDAW, 2012). Under the SPCF,
the program to a large extent has been able to reach the population in remote areas that have been
deprived of education. The total number of learning spaces established for NE & CEE increased to
269 (EMIS) and the number of children enrolled through NE and CEE by late 2014 was 41,766
(EMIS, DAEM, 2014). The employment of teachers from local community members (multi-grade
teachers) and training provided to teachers was found to be effective in solving the existing shortage
of teachers in NE and CEE.
Access to schooling in the refugee camp has been ensured at all levels. By the end of 2014 the total
number of refugees enrolled was 1,066 with almost equal ratio of boys to girls. Information and data
from BS&E shows that during summer of 2013, the number of refugee teachers to be trained at the
certificate level was expected to be 23 and the actual number trained was 22, which was effective.
Likewise, in 2014 a total of 22 participants attended the summer refugee teachers training program
where 16 out of the 22 teachers were found to be in good academic standing (BS&E, 2015).
Efficiency
Budget limitations, delays, cost overruns and procurement problems were among the major factors
affecting efficiency in project implementation. For instance, the IPs faced procurement problems and
high prices for products necessary to run the schools, even those purchased from local sources such as
desks, shelves, blackboards etc. and thus leading to cost overruns. However, employment of teachers
from local community members who teach in mother tongue contributed to improved attendance and
increased enrolment of CEE and NE students. Moreover, the efficiency in the teaching and learning
process was enhanced due to the training and skill upgrading provided to the teachers and reduction
in the number of teachers hired from outside of the communities.
Sustainability
Sustainability of NE and CEE schools is highly dependent on the communities and government
support. Budgetary allocations from the government capital budget, as well as local community
contributions make the learning centers more sustainable. The CEE and NE schools are more
sustainable with local resources. But, given the huge budgetary allocations of GOE to education
sector and other development activities that require financing, the sustainability of educational
services at the refugee camp largely rests on the support of UNHCR and increased resources
channeled for the activity. However, there are factors that need attention such as low retention of
teachers, declining student interests, early marriage by girls that work against sustainability.
Moreover, given the unfavorable global economic situation and crisis, there is high likelihood that
sufficient financial and economic resources may not be available. This calls for looking at other
sources of funds to sustain NE and CEE as well as education in refugee camp.
32
SPCF Outcome 3; Strengthened protection and participation of vulnerable children,
adolescents, young people, women, and people with special needs, including refugees, from the
impact of poverty, harmful practices, exploitation and injuries in high prevalence areas.
Under this outcome, the focus is on support to the development and implementation of an integrated
social protection framework, increased access to adolescent friendly services, reduction in FGM,
early marriage, risk reduction and victim assistance.
Output 3.1: Villages in Gash Barka, NRS, Debub and SRS including refugee camps, are
FGM/C free.
 % of girls under 15 years uncut in target villages
According to EPHS, 2010, FGM among 15-49 years was at 83% in 2010. For girls under 15 years, it
was 33% while for girl children under 5 years, it was 12%. It is believed that FGM among the young
girls is declining and preliminary findings of the mapping exercise of 112 villages for FGM Free
status indicated that the prevalence of FGM for girls under 15 is 18.8% while, for girl children under
5 it is 6.9% (UNICEF Report, 2014). This represents a significant and encouraging result for the
younger generation of girl children, women and all stakeholders in the country.
 Number of villages that collectively and publicly declared FGM/C free
Sensitization campaign and community dialogue went on in a number of villages of each zoba on the
Zero tolerance to FGM/C (initially 2 from each zoba and in 12 villages). In 2014 focus was given to
community initiated collective and public decisions to abandon FGM in 112 villages. UNICEF
Mapping Exercise Report (2014) shows that 67 villages (58.8%) meet the criteria set for declaring
FGM free villages while the rest, 45 villages required further community mobilization and
sensitization. In the refugee camp, individual declaration statement to abandon FGM was signed.
Former FGM circumsizers, were given support to change their means of livelihood and avoid the
practice of FGM in the camp.
 % reduction in child marriage
Data on child marriage is unavailable. But the approach of mediation and also sensitizing the
communities on the health consequences of child and underage marriage such as fistula complications
and other diseases have been intensified by IPs with UNCT support. Although it has been a difficult
task to enforce, child marriage is also illegal and many communities have been aggressively involved
in advocating against it. On the other side, despite the efforts to reduce child marriage there are
communities that believe a girl is ready for marriage if she has started menstruation and this is also
true for the Somali refugees in the camp. In 2014, four cases of child marriages were reported in the
refugee camp.
The MTR team visited the Fitsula Rehabilitation Center in Mid-August 2015 and conducted
interviews with the director of Mendefera Referral hospital (see photographs on captions a&b below).
FGM and under age marriage are believed to be the main causes of Fitsula. From the discussions and
direct observations it was found out that most of the fistula patients are young, dominantly from the
same ethnic group and with similar kind of FGM performed on them (involving stitching of the
vagina). According to data from the Mendefera Referral hospital, in 2014 there were 98 fitsula
patients at different stages of treatment in the Fitsula Center. The strategy followed is to direct all
efforts to reduce the incidence of new cases and raise the prevalence so that many women with fistula
33
cases that remain hidden are encouraged to come for treatment. The rehabilitation center within the
referral hospital has contributed to the integration of the women with fitsula to lead normal lives by
overcoming the stigma and isolation they faced as the result of their situation. Assistance is provided
in the form of food and other supplies as well as household furniture and equipment that assist them
to lead their daily life and acquire skills. The progress made in the treatment of fistula patients is
considerable and is highly satisfactory. Among the main problems are limited budgets, shortages of
high protein food and medicines for the patients, inadequate post treatment support (income
generating activities) and availability of only one surgeon for the task.
 Proportion of refugees counseled
In the refugee camp counseling services are in place and 80% of the refugees are counseled to create
durable and stable relations among themselves and with the host communities.
 Refugee victim/survivor referral mechanism
Refugee victim/survivor referral mechanisms are in place and this is provided directly through the
activities of a full-time social worker present in the camp and under ORA’s supervision. Standard
operating Procedures (SOPs) and protection strategies are also in place. Suggestion box approach,
discussions with community groups and UNHCR individual case follow up and monitoring every
month are among the ways of getting secure and confidential reporting in the refugee camps. In the
case of SGBV, a number of actors are present and these include: health workers, a social worker,
camp management, teachers, elders/leaders and the existing national legal structures. While there are
instances of exaggeration of claims the difficulty is that there are no details of abuse and most of the
victims want secrecy and do not want to reveal their experiences for fear of further victimization or
how the information will be used and that may further make them more vulnerable. This remains to
be a very challenging area and the involvement of NUEW, NUEYS and others is very useful as there
are plans to establish and strengthen existing camp mechanisms with valuable lessons learnt/practiced
by these associations in the refugee camp. There are also cases of teenage pregnancy and early
marriage among the refugees which also need to be dealt with in the camps. Certain reasons behind
these trends are very specific to the refugee setting and the whole idea of presence of/or lack of
durable solutions to their plight. According to UNHCR, incidences of FGM/C have however not been
reported or related signs witnessed for quite some time. The medical nurse in the camp clinic
confirmed that when the practice of FGM/C was at its peak, a number of refugees would request for
antibiotics to help in the healing process, but these demands have since declined in recent times.
 Proportion of women who support FGM/C
The baseline was 60% and at present it is estimated to be less than 10% (NUEW, Interview, 2015).
There have been continuous sensitization and awareness raising programs to stop FGM practices in
the country. Most important were Anti FGM campaigns by NUEW and other partners and the
commitment on the part of GOE to support women’s issues and rights and promote their welfare. In
2007, the GOE legally banned FGM and in 2010, it was believed that over 95% of the women in the
zobas have heard about the proclamation except in zoba Gash Barka where the percent of women that
have not heard about the proclamation was relatively higher at about 25% (EPHS, 2010).

Number of community based committees/groups working on SGBV prevention and response
established and functioning
Most Kebabi administrations have kebabi health committees but their effectiveness differs depending
on the capacity of its members and commitments to serve their communities.
34
Output 3.2: Enhanced national integrated protection systems for the vulnerable in place
 No: of young people with increased comprehensive knowledge on risk and health education
In 2013 and 2014 Integrated Mine Risk Education (IMRE) was conducted using cross-sectional
community and school based approach involving 500 teachers in high landmines impact areas. A total
of 450 CBR workers were also trained and through CBRV vulnerable children, young people and
women and other community members were sensitized and their awareness on the prevention from
risk of landmines and explosives remnants of war and other child injury risk factors for children was
raised. As a result about half a million children that are at risk in the impacted communities were able
to be reached with MRE services and sensitized (MOLHW, UNICEF). Field monitoring in schools
revealed that the checklist on Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) indicated that the school children
scored 85% on tests of safety, practice and knowledge on safety promotions. Sensitization campaign
for more than 50% of the young people has been undertaken.
 No: of reduction in injuries and child deaths from all injuries among children
In 2014 the HMIS indicated 50,767 injury cases and there is a trend of reduction of injuries by 7 to
8% compared to that of 2013 (HMIS, 2015). According to field monitoring data of UNICEF 17 out of
22 injuries of mine or ERW were children. A wide range of stakeholders including academic
institutions were involved in various interventions for reducing the exposure of children and young
people to injuries, violence and disabilities. MOLHW also conducted sensitization workshop of the
CBR volunteers and training of social workers to prevent different types of injuries and violations and
disabilities prevention.
UNCT in partnership with University of South Africa (UNISA) organized a capacity building
workshop training/study tour to South Africa for 12 partners which led to preparation of a draft TOR
to form a national coordination and technical working group on child injuries, violence and
disabilities prevention.
 Proportion of persons with disabilities receiving specific support
The donkey for school project has been implemented in four zobas (Maakel, Debub, Anseba and
Gash Barka). In 2014, support was provided to 64 children with disabilities through the ‘Donkey for
School Project”. They received donkeys as a mobility/means of transport to attend school and also
promote livelihood of the vulnerable families.
Support was provided by UNCT through 3 orthopaedic workshops with necessary appliances for use
by the disabled and follow up of the supply of appliances through CBR helps in bringing behavioral
and attitudinal changes of people with disabilities. These are introduced in 52 sub zobas and a
strategy followed is from rural areas to urban areas. In addition, training is provided by MOLHW to
social workers to provide support to people with disabilities, but fund shortages exist to encourage
and motivate volunteers and other people that provide support in taking care of persons with
disabilities. In 2014, 42,000 CBR training manuals were printed to aid trainers, CBR baseline
information was completed, conference for 400 stakeholders was conducted, 100 persons with
disabilities were identified for training, and CBR disability programme introduced in Keren.
 National Social Protection Integrated Framework in place
The establishment of CWC in 56 sub zobas and strengthening of the existing ones, CBRV and social
workers has been given much emphasis by MOLHW. Their main tasks are to raise community
35
awareness about child rights and provide necessary protection to children, avoid mistreatment and
abuse of children, abandonment or exploitation such as use of children for getting money through
child labour or by begging on streets. According to MOLHW, 40 CWCs are established and already
existing ones have been strengthened to protect children in their respective communities. Out of
these, 30 CWCs in six zobas were reviewed and assessed and discussions were conducted at zoba and
sub zoba level to consolidate their activities so as to raise awareness, monitor and report on child
violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect observed or heard in the communities.
It is important to note that some cases of violations of the right of the child have been reported by
CWC in 2014. There are also cases of legal actions being taken with support of CWCs on cases of
children born from mothers with mental problems, child beaten by step mother and infants abandoned
by mothers. Local action plan has been prepared for 2014, with focus on prevention on street children
offences, school drop outs and violence, Anti FGM and early marriage practices and abandonment of
infant children. The integration of UASC in the refugee camp has also been initiated.
 % of families with specific needs receiving cash grants
The target every year is 4000 OVCs for support (mainly school children) by providing school
materials such as uniforms, exercise books, pen, pencils, instrument tables etc, as well as cash
assistance for registration and purchase of textbooks to OVCs including those children engaged in
street vending and at risk of drifting to streetism.
MTR findings show that in 2013, school supplies were provided to 4,000 economically disadvantaged
and street children and as a form of protection from economic hardship and support to continue their
education. Cash assistance was given to 1,000 disadvantaged and street children to cover expenses of
school uniforms, textbooks etc. 280 OVCs were supported with cash assistance to 75 host families
(UNICEF, 2013 Review Report)
Cash was transferred in the last quarter of 2014 and in 2015 and through this 192 families of OVCs
will be supported through income generating activities in the form establishment of small shops,
distribution of goats and sheep based on their needs and locally suitable activities. Additional 136
children will be reintegrated with close families or foster families (MOLHW Report, 2014 and
Interview)
The strategy of UNHCR on SGBV incorporates elements of child protection and there are separate
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection of case management of UASC. The placing of
UASC in the Umkulu camp has been considered as an alternative care arrangement although the
number of orphans in the refugee camp is very small. Thus UNHCR and ORA have an established
referral mechanism for SGBV cases in the camp.
 Proportion of children living in formal care who are in residential care
There were 210 OVCs hosted in 60 families and care givers were assisted to undertake various
income generating activities in four zobas namely, Maakel, Debub, Anseba and Gash Barka
(MOLHW, 2014). Vulnerable children are joined to families and close relatives and this has been
found to be very positive for child integration into the community. Similarly adoption is also allowed
after careful treatment and case by case assessment of those that request or apply to adopt a child.
There is residential care where children stay up to 4 to 5 years in orphanage center until they join
foster care or get adopted in volunteer families and this is encouraged by MOLHW. There are also
36
community based group homes that are administered by MOLHW where the orphans stay until they
complete secondary education or reach 18 years of age.
 Proportion of single parent families receiving specific support
In the case of refugees there are 96 single parent families and all get support in the camp.
 Proportion of older persons in refugee camps receiving specific support
There are 39 older persons in the refugee camp that receive specific types of support.
Output 3.3.: Increased access to child justice and adolescent-friendly social services
 No of children in contact with the law supported with social services
In 2014, it was not possible to make any progress with regard to movement of 50 per cent of children
in contact with the law from regular correctional facilities to child-friendly rehabilitation, due to
shortage of funds (UNICEF, Annual Report, 2014). Procurement problems and unavailability of
construction materials in the country are affecting implementation of this activity.

# of community based diversion schemes established and functioning for children in contact
with law.
In line with juvenile justice, separate correctional center have been emphasized for children or the
underage. A study tour to the Sudan was conducted to learn from the experience of Sudanese juvenile
system. A similar trip to Malawi was done, and on the basis of the experience gained, and taking into
account the Eritrean context, an action plan on how to improve the situation of children in contact
with the law was prepared by the participants. But, little progress was made with regard to the
establishment of standard correctional facilities and community based diversion schemes to deal with
children in contact with the law.
 % of adolescents utilizing integrated, community youth-friendly services
There are 32 school based child and adolescent friendly spaces formed in Gash Barka and NRS so
that children are attracted to the safe area and not be exposed to mine risk areas. As a result, over
90,000 children, young, women and adolescents were able to access safer environment from risk and
violence (MOLHW, Technical and financial Report, 2014). In 2013, over 20 adolescents and child
friendly spaces were established in schools and health facilities serving 132 high risk communities
reaching over 63200 children with about 41% females (MOLHW, Technical and Financial Report,
2013). GOE endorsed an elaborated adolescent development strategic plan as well as national
adolescent development policy which are revised and finalized in collaboration with WHO
(UNICEF/UNHCR 2014 Review Report).
 % of under 5years Children registered at birth.
Birth registration for under 5 children has not been completed and this is part of the CVRS that has
not been implemented.

Proportion of relevant partner and Government staff provided with general training on child
protection and child rights
In 2014 study tour was done to South Africa by UNICEF staff and relevant partners to share
experience and lessons on safety promotion for children. In addition, six workshops on the guidelines
37
of CWCs were conducted in six zobas with about 300 participants, and also 119 CWC members were
trained in 11 sub zobas from the six zobas.
National coordination Committee (NCC) conducted a follow up of the preparation of the CRC4th
Eritrea report with support of a consultant and consultation workshop was conducted after finalization
of the document which was reviewed by NCC. The 4th Eritrea CRC Report was handed over to CRC
committee in Geneva and NCC visited Geneva to defend the report which was finally considered and
accepted. African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACR/WC) Eritrea was also
submitted to appropriate experts in the African Union and follow up work on ACR/WC is ongoing.
 # of SOPs related to child protection established and functioning in refugee camps
SOPs are in place and practiced in the refugee camp and continuous monitoring is dome to assess the
state of welfare of children that have been integrated to relatives or neighbors.
In general, however, some of the activities under output 3.3 have been slow and others have not
started.
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 3.
Outputs
3.1 Villages in Gash Barka, NRS, Debub and SRS including
refugee camps, are FGM/C free.
3.2 Enhanced national integrated protection systems for the
vulnerable in place
3.3 Increased access to child justice and adolescent-friendly social
services
Assessment of progress
Highly satisfactory
Satisfactory
Moderately Satisfactory
Relevance
Outcome 3 is highly relevant and it is in line with the GOE’s commitment to social justice and
promotion of social protection framework. It is based on the 2012-2016 strategic plan of the
MOLHW and most of the project activities funded by UN agencies were found to be relevant.
However, in the areas of people with disabilities, it was not given much emphasis (in particular in
funding) and was not well incorporated as it deserves.
Effectiveness
The Outcome is highly effective in community awareness raising and sensitization. MOLHW drafted
a comprehensive child policy and another inclusive policy on persons with disabilities which was
based on a multi-sectoral approach involving different ministries and institutions, academic
institutions (such as the College of Arts and Social Sciences) and participation and contribution of
police, teachers, communities and other groups. A workshop was conducted to have a consensus and
common understanding of the draft document. The MOLHW and UN agencies supported various
38
income generating activities conducted by vulnerable groups and as the result female headed
households and OVCs have been able to improve their livelihood.
Efficiency
On the basis of economic definition of efficiency as defined earlier in this report, there was no
significant amount of resources unutilized. It is however important to mention that cost increases due
to price increases, procurement delays and high transportation costs had negative effects on the
efficient service delivery to the direct beneficiaries and the overall operation and follow up of the
project activities.
Sustainability
The establishment of CWCs, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and other local institutions
will play a key role in sustainability of results achieved in reduction of FGM, underage marriage,
child protection etc. Overall for sustainability, government commitment and support is in place and
community ownership of projects is a key factor. There are limitations in financial resources that may
affect sustainability, particularly the inadequate funds mobilized from donors due to economic
slowdown and global and regional instabilities. Thus, identification of other sources of funds, and
supporting income generating activities of OVCs and other disadvantaged groups including refugees
should be looked into seriously for sustaining the achievements made. The key stakeholders believe it
is in their interest that project benefits continue and are shared with more vulnerable groups in the
society. In this respect, strategies of sustainable livelihoods that take into account environmental
sustainability, such as the case of supporting refugees through goats and sheep, building of improved
and permanent housing units, provision of alternative sources of energy and other social and
economic services contribute positively to sustain the project results.
SPCF Outcome 4: Selected government institutions have the capacity to effectively and
efficiently deliver services to all.
The review of this outcome focuses on support for human resource development and institutional
strengthening, data for development, and knowledge management.
Output 4.1: By 2016, capacity improved and systems strengthened within NSO, sectoral
ministries and regions for effective development planning and management
 Gender Responsive national and regional databases established and regularly updated
NSO has provided training to representatives from the line ministries on DeriInfo program related to
national database development. In addition, training on survey methodology, with special emphasis
on questionnaire and sample design, was offered to relevant experts from zobas and sector ministries.
A total of 28 experts from the zobas (12) and relevant sector ministries (16) participated in the
training workshop.
National database has not been established and data access and availability is still low in the country.
NSO is at the preparatory stage of building gender responsive national statistics but the progress in
this activity is slow.
39
 MDG reports produced and disseminated
Health MDGR 2014 was produced for knowledge sharing and to showcase the policy and
institutional innovations driving progress, and identify challenges and emerging lessons that Eritrea
and other countries may use to bolster post-2015 development agendas. The report was presented
during UN General Assembly side event on Eritrea in 2014, thereby improving Eritrea's international
visibility, image and potential resource mobilisation base for funding the SPCF. The UN General
Assembly side event was organized as a partnership between the GOE and UNCT. The MDG Report
2015 is being finalized and is expected to be published before the end of 2015. A panel discussion on
MDGs and post 2015 development agenda was conducted to raise awareness on post 2015
development agenda discussions and to agree a development framework to succeed the MDGs.
 National survey reports produced and disseminated
In 2013, EPHS 2010 report was produced and disseminated, the EPHS 2010 serves as a key reference
source for the country and its partners for programming and policy advocacy. With respect to
improving data utilization among sectors, an integrated DevInfo database was developed packaging
the data generated from Demographic Health Survey (DHS) 2002 and EPHS 2010. National and
regional factsheets were prepared using the data generated for DHS 2002 and EPHS 2010. It is
expected that the user-friendly factsheets with summary data will be useful in program planning and
evidence-based policy advocacy. Equipment for data processing was supplied and 2 senior experts
from NSO (Data Processing Expert and Demographer) participated in a workshop on “RADATAM”
organized by UNFPA office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The activities related to complete EPHS 2010 report was successfully implemented as planned and
the main findings of the survey were widely disseminated to local and international users.
Preparations for the forthcoming EPHS 2015 are underway and thus progress has been highly
satisfactory. At the time of conducting this MTR, NSO was conducting National Food Security and
Nutritional survey as well. In addition, an integrated national water resource information management
system was instituted, providing an updated database on water resources.
Side by side necessary preparation which includes development of concept paper, sample design,
questionnaire design, listing and mapping operation, training of main fieldwork staff and pre-test of
the questionnaires, development of data entry and cleaning program, tabulation and analysis plan has
been made for conducting fourth round EPHS Survey in 2016. The factsheets and national and
regional trend data will be updated upon finalization of EPHS 2015 in 2016.
A UN joint mission undertook an assessment of the statistical system in the country and produced
a full report that has been shared with a number of partners including AfDB, EU and others who
wanted to have an understanding of the needs and who are potential partners in support to
national statistical system development in the country.
A number of advocacy and consultation missions have taken place in order to create an enabling
environment, much needed GOSE trust, and improved programming space. Key among the missions
and consultations were the UNDG-ESA mission, joint UNICEF/IOM mission, UNHCR mission, the
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) mission, the Joint Annual review of
the SPCF, the DPA mission, the General Assembly (GA) Side Event on Eritrea’s health MDGs, and
HQ based dialogues on Eritrea such as the DPA brain storming on Eritrea supported by all agency
focal points members of the UN informal group on Eritrea
40
 Functioning National M&E system established
In 2013, all of the activities related to the development of monitoring and evaluation network in the
country were not implemented and postponed for 2014. In 2014, training in survey methods was
provided to 28 experts from ministries and zobas, and 36 high level officials and experts were trained
in M&E data base. During the same period, a three days training workshop on Result-Based
Monitoring and Evaluation (RBM&E) was offered to 34 experts from regional administration offices
and sector ministries by a senior expert on RBM&E from UNICEF-Eritrea country office. NSO
server maintenance was undertaken. Activities that were not undertaken include Masters level
training, procurement of equipment, national level M&E workshop and NSO participation in
Regional survey design workshop which was postponed. The main objectives of the training
workshop were to strengthen the capacity of the sectoral departments to demonstrate the results, to
track the progress of the interventions and to monitor and evaluate its own progress. Efforts for the
establishment of nationally functioning M&E system in the past two years have made little progress.
 Functioning NCVRS established
Rapid assessment of the situation of NCVRS was done and training on advocacy and statistics
provided to NSO staff with the involvement of foreign expert and work on NCVRS has been
finalized. TOT workshop was conducted for 33 technical experts and the main purpose of the
workshop was to familiarize participants with the fundamental requirements of a functioning civil
registration system. But NCVRS is still not implemented. The road map has been established for
functional CVRS but there is critical staff shortage in the field of demography in particular.
In addition, in 2014 NSO organized awareness raising and advocacy workshop for high-level national
and sub-national government officials on CVRS. An experienced expert and consultant on CVRS
from Ghana delivered lectures/presentations on many aspects of CVRS. A total of 36 higher level
officials and relevant experts from regional administration office and sector ministries as well as
staffs from UNCT attended the workshop. The workshop covered very relevant topics on CVRS.
Other NCVRS activities have included assessment studies and conducting workshops as well as
endorsement of the assessment report of the Civil and Vital Registration System (CVRS), which was
a critical step towards the establishment of a CVRS to provide disaggregated data for national
planning and policy formulation.
Output 4.2: Enhanced capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in diplomacy and international
treaties for effective development intervention
Under this output, the indicators are: Updated and implemented communication strategy; Functioning
UPR implementation mechanism established; Updated database of diaspora professionals established;
and Informed and protected international refugees.
Through direct support to government some support has been provided towards public relations;
diplomacy and advocacy. These include arranging meetings between the Eritrean delegation to
UN general assembly meetings, coordinating meetings organized by high level UN officials and
diplomats individually or through the informal group on friends of Eritrea. High advocacy
activities also include support to the government for the GA and CSW side events showcasing
Eritrea’s good performance on health MDGs and also on gender equality and women
empowerment. The UN has also supported Eritrea for the previous rounds of the UPR and has
41
started a program on supporting government to implement the accepted recommendations. The
focal person at the ministry of foreign affairs was invited for the last UNCT retreat to make a
presentation and the recommendation from the retreat was to set up a joint UN/GoSE UPR team.
The team continues to work with government to finalize the implementation plan. Discussions
are ongoing to support some of the activities in this out put through the ministry of information;
including support to the development of a communication strategy and increased
communications on different fronts. More activities to support this activities are planned but not
necessarily through foreign affairs but through any government ministry or institution that the government
will allow to work with.
The total number of refugees in the Umkulu camp (see caption a below) is around 2,800 and the GOE
with support from UNHCR provides the necessary services and protects the refugees. UNHCR/ORA
provide refugees with a food basket equivalent to the recommended standards sphere of 2100 calories
per person per day. The food basket consists of both in-kind, such as physical food and in cash
provision (see foodstuff store below). In addition, 300 Nakfa is provided for a family for purchase of
firewood and kerosene.
Water is also supplied to the refugees from Dogali, a few kms from the refugee camp. There are
plans to deliver water to Umkulu camp through pipeline from Massawa city.
Health services in refugee camp are provided through a clinic, currently with only one nurse. It was
also found that there has been reduction in other staff employed in the refugee camp due to budgetary
reasons. Medical supplies are provided through the collaboration of MOH and UNHCR. Refugees
have access to hospitals in case of referrals mostly to health facilities/hospitals in Massawa, Ghindae
or Asmara. In addition refugees departing for resettlement benefit from both medical assessments and
pre-departure medical fitness tests undertaken at either Massawa or Orotta hospitals, with national
doctors working in collaboration with staff from the International Organization (IOM). All refugees
are also encouraged to give birth in national health facilities and receive birth certificates.
There are a total of 1,152 refugee students at all levels or grades. The MTR found that enrolment of
girls is high in elementary and junior levels but declines sharply at the secondary and college levels.
In collaboration with the MOE and support of UNHCR, ORA provides summer training courses to
teachers as well as training on computer skills.
With the help of ORA and UNHCR the refugee communities have been engaged in income
generating activities, such as backyard vegetable production, poultry and herding sheep and goats.
According to ORA the results of sheep and goat herding are encouraging and 28 families have
improved their livelihoods and there is a plan to support additional 35 families. But the progress on
vegetable and poultry production has not been satisfactory.
Output 4.3: Enhanced capacity of the MOTI to better engage in trade and investment promotion and
Enhanced skills of youth for self-employment and integration into the economy.
The Activities undertaken under outputs 4.3 mostly relate to: national capacity development efforts in
different ministries and institutions such as MOJ, MOF, MOH, NCHE, MLWE, EIT and NUEYS.
For instance, the capacity of the MOH has been strengthened through the support for the provision
of ICU equipment.
42
 No. of youth trained (male and female)
In 2013, training of 20 young journalists coming from all the six Zobas was undertaken by NUEYS,
focusing on child-sensitive photo journalism, including photography during emergencies.

Equip the MOF with modern and adequate Information Communication Technology (ICT)
equipment
Procurement of equipment and necessary supplies was completed, orders were fulfilled on time, and
products of standard quality were acquired. As a result the MOF has been adequately equipped and its
capacity strengthened.
 Training the ICT staff of the MOF
Training on software development for 30 IT staff and on networking for 50 non-IT staff of MOF has
not been undertaken and this needs follow up to speed up its implementation in the remaining time of
the SP.
Output 4.4: Enhanced capacity of the EIT to provide advanced training in priority areas of
study-Geology, Mining Engineering etc.
 New and relevant curriculum for selected courses introduced and implemented
Several mining companies are engaged in exploration activities and Bisha mining company is already
in operation. Under the SPCF 2013-2016, the support (covering all the costs) was provided for hiring
a mining expert from Sudan to teach three courses for two months and review the current curriculum
of the Department as per plan.

No. of experts recruited to extend high-quality teaching approaches and improve learning
outcomes
32 research proposals were prepared and submitted to NCHE, were evaluated, and 18 passed for
funding. Most of the proposed research has been conducted and research reports prepared.
Research scoping workshops were also supported and various colleges were involved in conducting
them, especially with regard to identification of research areas and agenda. The research scoping
workshops were conducted by all colleges of higher education except College of Business and
Economics (CBE) and Orotta School of Medicine which are expected to do it in late 2015 provided
the funds are available on time.
 Number of relevant research papers published and informed policy
The Research agenda of institutions for higher education has been aligned to national development
priorities (enterprise development, youth entrepreneurship), an important contribution to policy
advocacy work. The research papers have been produced and are being prepared for publication and
will be important reference materials to lecturers, students, researchers as well as local and foreign
institutions including government organizations. In this regard, the research capacity of NCHE has
been strengthened.
43
Output 4.5: Operational, regulatory and legislative capacity of the MOJ strengthened
 Digital library in the MOJ established and functional
The digital library has been established and is functional. Computers, scanners, servers, printers and
software are in place. Training was provided to ten staff of the ministry on archives and Library
Information Management System (LIMS) and the MOJ has four local IT staff to support the work.
The Electronic books are uploaded and work on digitization of court cases has started and digitization
of MOJ archives from 1991-1998 has been completed.
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 4.
Outputs
4.1 By 2016, Capacity improved and systems strengthened within
NSO, sectoral ministries and regions for effective development
planning and management
4.2 Enhanced capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
diplomacy and international treaties for effective development
intervention
4.3 Enhanced capacity of the MOTI to better engage in trade and
investment promotion
Assessment of progress
Moderately satisfactory except
for the gender component
which is highly satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
MOTI and MOF put together.
Mixed performance, but highly
satisfactory for MOF
4.4 Enhanced capacity of the EIT to provide advanced training in Highly satisfactory
priority areas of study-Geology, Mining Engineering, etc.
4.5 Operational, regulatory and legislative capacity of the Highly satisfactory
Ministry of Justice strengthened
Relevance
Outcome 4, addresses issues of national capacity development both human and institutional that are
important for the country’s development. The establishment of database, conducting national surveys,
dissemination and distribution of data and information for informed decision making is found to be
highly relevant. The support of UN agencies was very useful in strengthening the capacity of MOF,
MOJ, NCHE, EIT and MOMR. The protection and provision of essential services to refugees in
Eritrea created a safer environment to the refugees to lead their own lives and was thus highly
relevant.
Effectiveness
Overall effectiveness of the activities and programs, under outcome 4 show mixed results in the sense
that there exist some programs where the progress has been slow while there are also projects that
have been satisfactorily completed. In the case of NUEYS, training of young journalists was effective
due to the expertise of the trainers from the MOI, their practical oriented approach, visits organized,
and access to the studios of MOI. In the case of refugees, services are found to be adequate and in the
case of digital library of MOJ the project has been effective in providing access to digital court cases
for students of law and an opportunity for others to get relevant references for research and
44
consultancy activities. Support to the NCHE and the EIT was also effective in strengthening the
capacity of the department of Mining Engineering and Process Engineering and development of
research capacity in higher educational institutions. Similarly support to MOJ, MOH, and MOF has
strengthened their capacities. However activities towards establishing a national data base have been
slow and less effective.
Efficiency
Overall most of the activities undertaken under Outcome 4 were efficient even with small amount of
funds spent, especially with respect to MOJ, EIT, MOF and NUEYS. Procurement of equipment and
delivery was effective and activities were implemented as planned with virtually no delay and cost
overruns. Goods such as equipment acquired were of high quality. It is important to note that
technical support from UN partners contributed positively in the procurement process.
In the case of protection of refugees, in 2013, no operational funds were returned to the headquarters
by UNHCR/ORA. However, in 2014, 3.3% of the entire budget funded was returned. This was
largely due to late transfers that happened towards the end of the year. However, this did not result in
significant delays in implementation. The UNHCR system allows for a transfer of up to 15% of the
funds from one budget category to another category when the need arises and this contributes to the
efficient project implementation and on time service delivery.
Sustainability
There are no financial risks that may jeopardize the sustenance of project outcomes under Outcome 4
in the absence partner funds. For instance, the digital library of the MOJ has the human and technical
capacity to run the digital library and to digitalize its archives. It is less threatened by staff turnover
due to incentive systems that have been introduced to retain its staff.
NSO’s capacity and experience that has been acquired to conduct national surveys and prepare
country level reports such as the EPHS 2010 is a positive development, which contributes to
sustainability of the NSO and the line ministry’s capacity in producing and sharing data.
Sustainability is also dependent to a large degree on the establishment of an institutional and
organizational structure that is dynamic, modern, and adequately resourced with motivated well
trained manpower in different fields which however remains a challenge to NSO and the line
ministries in sustaining the results achieved.
For sustainable youth development, it is important to enhance the skills of the youth for selfemployment and integration into the economy. Lastly, given the other development priorities of GOE,
and the limited resources available, there is a need for continuous UNCT/UNHCR support for
sustainability of the refugee project. Along this line, there are also ideas of introducing support
systems to the national structures of service delivery like education, health and others so as to avoid
having parallel structures that are not cost effective and sustainable.
45
SPCF Outcome 5: Strengthened national and sectoral disaster risk management.
This outcome seeks to strengthen national disaster risk management mechanisms through the
establishment of a platform for coordination and operational interventions such as risk assessment,
vulnerability analysis, mapping of hazards, and strategies for prevention, mitigation, preparedness
and response. Most of the activities planned to achieve this outcome are still at an inception stage.
Outcome 5.1: National DRR coordination mechanism established
 DRR National Coordination mechanism in place
The support under the SPCF was designed to strengthen the resilience building and management in
Eritrea’s institutional capacity. However, apart from the changes in the institutional structure of DRR
and the mismatch between planning and implementation mainly due to human and technical capacity
constraints, the planned regional and national consultative workshops on disaster mechanisms were
also not conducted.
 National policy on disaster risk reduction developed and implemented
Guidelines and procedures exist for disaster reduction and prevention, but they are not in the form of
national policy on disasters. Most of the activities are at an inception stage.
 National disaster management action plan prepared and implemented
In 2013, there were no significant activities implemented towards the national disaster and
management action plan preparation and implementation. In 2014, the progress was slow and no clear
outputs were delivered.
Output 5.2 Enhanced capacities for disaster risk reduction across all sectors
 DRM capacity needs assessment conducted and gaps identified
Assessment reports are in place, mapping of risk areas conducted, and experts are involved in the
study. In depth studies are planned with the recruitment of a local consultant/expert. There is
increased awareness on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) by government bodies and the general
public in the Zoba NRS and Debub as the result of the awareness raising programs such as those of
the IMRE.
 Early warning systems developed and implemented (Functional)
To strengthen food security and nutrition, a steering committee exists with a multi-sectoral team at a
ministerial level from agriculture, health, fishery, trade and industry and Eritrean Standards Institute
with involvement of UN partners. Similarly, a technical committee has been established and the
private sector is involved.
Training and awareness raising is provided to children and adults on prevention from land mines. A
national Task force was established and an early warning system and necessary preparations were
made for Ebola disease outbreak and detective instruments were installed at Asmara International
Airport.
Zobas are alerted about disasters and a rapid response team is established in every zoba for any
outbreak of disease (epidemic). There is a threshold level for the outbreak, for example for measles
the presence of 5 children with the disease is a warning for the outbreak. There are also guidelines for
46
the early warning systems. Child friendly spaces and the mine victims’ assistance have been
established.
According to MOA, in October 2013, desert locust outbreak were detected in Zoba NRS and SRS in
the areas of Shelshela, Wekiro, Afabet, Karura, Emberemi, Gela’lo, Foro and Shieb. The government
through its Desert Locust Unit took immediate action and about 64,000 hectares of land were treated
with 36,000 liters of pesticides. Furthermore, in January 2014, anti-locust treatments continued with
ground control operations, covering about 16,545 hectares of land. In the desert locust control
operation, FAO has fielded international consultant to monitor the magnitude of desert locust
infestation and to provide training. In addition, FAO has assisted the MOA by providing 7,300 litres
of pesticides, vehicle mounted, motorized and handheld sprayers, personal protective equipment,
first-aid kits and GPS.
The latest information indicates that a total of 74,000 hectares of land have been treated since the
beginning of the outbreak of which 7,400 hectares were sprayed by air. The outbreak of desert locust
can only be controlled through large-scale operations, which is quite expensive. The available
resources in terms of supplies and technical support are not sufficient in Eritrea to respond to the
rapid increase of locust numbers and to prevent a regional upsurge.
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 5.
Outputs
Assessment of progress
5.1 National DRR coordination mechanism established
Marginally satisfactory
5.2 Enhanced capacities for disaster risk reduction across Moderately satisfactory.
all sectors
Relevance
The zobas NRS, SRS and Gash Barka are prone to disaster risks such as land mines, volcanic
eruption, windstorm, earth quake, outbreak of locust, malaria, drought, etc. Disaster related risks also
exist in other regions of Eritrea due to a number of factors such as rapid urbanization, unplanned
human settlements, environmental degradation, poverty, illiteracy and lack of adequate infrastructure.
In order to reduce disaster risks, it
is necessary that potential hazard sites are identified,
determined and risk management approaches and mitigation strategies instituted. This project is,
therefore, highly relevant to Eritrea to address disaster related risks.
Effectiveness
This program was less effective with the exception of the Integrated Mine Risk Education (IMRE)
where training and awareness raising is provided to children and adults on prevention from land
mines. The development of national policy on disaster reduction and the implementation of national
disaster management plan have been slow.
Efficiency
The need for disaster management and preparedness and early warning system has been well
recognized from independence of the country. Speeding up implementation of planned activities
under this outcome is therefore important.
47
Sustainability
Given the little progress made in implementation of activities under this outcome, it is early to review
its sustainability. However, establishment of sustainable structure, matching planning with
implementation and community involvement are important for sustaining the outcome.
SPCF Outcome 6: Poor and vulnerable households have improved access to, and utilization of
quality food and enhanced livelihoods opportunities.
This outcome focuses on six programmatic areas; 1) enhancing crop, livestock, and fish production;
2) enhancing employment opportunities; 3) increasing access to production resources; 4) land mines
clearance and invasive mine risk education; 5) shelter and; 6) disaster preparedness and mitigation
among vulnerable farmers.
Output 6.1: % of food secure households enhanced food production capacities

Percentage of households including refugees receiving agricultural and livestock inputs and
services. The targets for 2016: 4000 (50% men and 50% women) to receive agricultural and
livestock inputs and services.
The beneficiary regions in SPCF 2013-2016 are Zoba Debub, Gash Barka and SRS. The MTR found
that during 2013 and 2014 a total of 1,591 households in Zoba Debub, from 18 villages in sub zoba
Areza and 11 villages in sub zoba Dbarwa received a total of 397.75 quintals of seed to replenish
their depleted stock of seeds because of poor crop harvest in the previous period. Similarly during the
same period, 778 households in Zoba Gash Barka from 10 villages in four sub-zobas received 77.8
quintals of improved seed varieties.
According to MOA, 2000 goats were distributed to 400 needy HHs in Maakel and Debub Denkel Sub
zobas. In Zoba Debub, about 10245 m3 capacity check dam serving 11 villages and 192,000 meters
terraces were constructed to benefit 2,125 HHs. Five check dams were constructed in NRS. In
addition, improved seeds were supplied, soil and water conservation undertaken, seedlings were
planted, pits and ponds dug, training for herdsmen conducted, closure committees established and
over 30,000 individuals benefited from cash for work (C4W) in Debub, Gash-Barka and Southern
Red Sea Zobas (UNDP ROAR, 2014).
Assistance has been provided in the establishment of an Eco-Dairy Vocational training centre at
Hamelmalo College of Agriculture. At this stage, the construction/renovation of the training centre
and the procurement, installation, and commissioning of milk processing equipment is completed.
In the case of refugees, 63 families were given goats and sheep. In 2014, 92 refugees were trained in
horticulture, and 15 were trained in urban and peri-urban farming and others.
 % of households receiving fishing inputs and services
Fishing nets were distributed; a fishing gear workshop has been established (training was given
through other project in net making and mending); and fishing communities have improved income
generating activities.
48
In addition, FAO has supported the College of Marine Sciences and Technology through upgrading
and furnishing the fish processing laboratory of the college.

Number of Farmer’s Field schools established and functional: the target set was 20 field
schools to be established by 2016.
In June 2014, an international consultant was recruited and a workshop was organized for 47
participants from MOA, MOLWE as well as regional extension services on the principles and
concepts of IPM, sustainable crop production system and FFS. In addition, successful experience of
Jordan on FFS was presented in the workshop. Following the workshop, the participates agreed
tomato and citrus for season long-term training for farmers as the first step in introducing and
incorporating IPM in the extension system of the MOA. Furthermore, training on awareness raising
on FFS as part of IPM has been given to the public.
The FFS establishment is an ongoing and long-term process and the preparations to that end are on
the right track. In August 2015, a Tanzanian consultant was recruited to train 20 MOA frontline staff
from all zobas and 29 farmers on FFS and IPM. The training was conducted for about two weeks at
Mendefera and the trainees will continue their activities in their sub zobas. Based on the training the
frontline experts are expected to develop 14 FFS in 14 sub zobas capable enough to accommodate
225 farmers. The project is moderately satisfactory.
30 national staff including senior management and technical officers attended seminars, workshops
and conducted study tours outside of the country. FAO coordinated in the provision of in-country
trainings for over 150 technical staff from implementing partners on various agricultural disciplines,
including crop and livestock production and protection, soil conservation and water harvesting,
nutrition, fisheries and related fields.
 Area of land cleared from invasive prosopis tree species.
The target set was 200 hectares of land to be cleared by 2016. Reports of the MOA indicate that 100
hectares of land has been cleared in 2013-2014, which is 50% of the target.
 % of Men and Women trained in MRE
90,000 vulnerable children, young people, women and other community members raised their
awareness on risk of land mines (MOLHW Report, 2014).
In 2013 IMRE training manual was developed, 960 health focal teachers, CBR and social workers
including 120 adolescents from 52 schools were trained in MRE safety messages and messages were
successfully integrated in health, education and social welfare programs.
90,000 MRE posters and 110 sound of destruction MRE video were distributed in 133 high and
medium landmine impacted communities and schools with 75% of the selected schools in nomadic
and remote areas (UNICEF, 2013, Review Report). This program is on the right track.
49

Number of additional new crop varieties resistant to drought/pests developed and
disseminated to farmers.
The target was to provide 2 new crop varieties to farmers in Zoba Debub and Gash Barka by 2016. In
2013 and 2014, MOA distributed three new crop varieties (sorghum, pearl millet and wheat), and thus
the target is overachieved and the overall progress to achieve output 6.1 is highly satisfactory.
Output 6.2: improved utilization of quality food
 prevalence of underweight children under five years of age
The target was to reduce prevalence among under-five children from 38 percent (2010) to 23 per cent
with focus on most disadvantaged groups and in hard to reach and remote areas. At present food
security and nutritional survey is being undertaken by NSO which is expected to come out with more
realistic figures.
Despite the adequate quantity of food supplied to the refugees, due to refugees eating habits and
feeding patterns and other factors there are some cases of malnutrition in the camp. According to
UNHCR it reaches about 19%.
Output 6.3: quality of food procured for vulnerable population (refugees)
 % of food secure vulnerable HHs including refugees
In the case of refugees UNHCR and ORA provide or supply standard food requirements regularly for
the refugees that meet above 2100 calories per head.
Output 6.4: vulnerable women and youth livelihood skills and employment opportunities
enhanced.
 Number of women, youth and refugees engaged in income generating activities
The target set was for 1000 households to be engaged in income earning activities by 2016.
The MOA has been providing various support to vulnerable groups in three Zobas; Debub, Gash
Barka, and SRS through cash for work (a kind of safety net). The vulnerable groups have been made
to involve in different income earning activities such as mat and basket making, distribution of small
ruminants, range land and livestock development through soil and water conservation and reseeding
as well as in construction of ponds.
The MOA has distributed beehives and beekeeping equipment to 200 households in zoba Debub and
Gash Barka. It has also been providing training to farmers in Zobas SRS, Debub and Gash Barka,
regarding livestock production, range land development and water points management.
The MOA with the support of FAO has provided rural women with trainings in crop production,
horticulture, soil and water conservation, livestock rearing so as to help them better manage their
agriculture and domestic activities.
50,000 one month chicks have been distributed to 2,000 vulnerable households (beneficiaries) in
Zobas NRS and SRS (each 25,000 chickens) to improve their livelihoods. In addition, support was
provided to 346 beneficiaries in four sub-zobas of zoba NRS, mainly Ghindae, Massawa, Foro and
Gelaelo by distributing 1,720 small ruminants.
50
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 6.
Outputs
6.1 % of food secure households enhanced food production
capacities
6.2 Improved utilization of quality food measured by
prevalence of underweight children under five years of age
6.3 quality of food procured for vulnerable population
(refugees) (ORA), UNHCR
6.4 Vulnerable women and youth livelihood skills and
employment opportunities enhanced.
Assessment of progress
Highly satisfactory
Moderately satisfactory
Highly satisfactory
Highly satisfactory
Relevance
Food security and poverty reduction is a top priority of GOE and considerable efforts have been
undertaken in this direction since the independence of the country. Outcome 6 to a large degree
addresses issues of increasing food production and employment opportunities This outcome focuses
on six programmatic areas; 1) enhancing crop, livestock, and fish production; 2) enhancing
employment opportunities; 3) increasing access to production resources; 4) land mines clearance and
invasive mine risk education; 5) shelter and; 6) disaster preparedness and mitigation among
vulnerable farmers
Effectiveness
Training regarding livestock production, rangeland development and water points management was
effective for the vulnerable farmers to improve their incomes. Moreover, the project has been
effective in addressing gender based participation and more women are in the projects directed to
expansion of crop, livestock and fish production and other related income generating activities.
Efficiency
In the case of procurement of fishing gear, it was done through UNDP, and zoba administration and
communities were supportive of the project. There were no fund disbursement problems and no
delays or funds unutilized because funds were released on the basis of AWPs.
Sustainability
Government commitment and the activities undertaken to transform the agricultural sector is key to
sustainability of results achieved under outcome 6. Substantial share of the government budgetary
resources are allocated to food production and continuous training and awareness raising on IPM
plays key role in sustaining project results as well as improve crop yields. The increased participation
of women in direct production activities in addition to narrowing gender gap contributes to increased
household income and reduced poverty. The establishment of FFS is an ongoing and long-term
process and the preparations to that end must be done by MOA. Overall, MOA policies and FAO
technical and financial support play key role in sustainability of results achieved, but there exist
serious risks of shortage of rainfall, land use and rights, land degradation, social and poverty issues
that need attention.
51
SPCF Outcome 7 Eritrea is on track towards the achievement of MDG targets for
environmental sustainability (MDG 7).
The review of this Outcome focuses on support to sustainable water sources development and
management for both agricultural and domestic uses, renewable energy sources, natural resources
conservation and environmental management and sanitation, as well as support in the implementation
of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
Output 7.1: Communities have access to safe and environmentally sustainable water sources for
agricultural and domestic uses.

proportion of villages, including refugees having access to integrated sustainable water
supply. The end-of-project target is 97 villages (80 rural water supplies, 4 cisterns, 9 microdams, and 13 micro-dam based water supplies)
In Eritrea, 39% of the population still rely on unimproved sources of water (GOE-UNICEF Country
Program 2013-2016, Analysis at Mid Term, 17th December, 2014).
In 2013, a total of 23,250 people (including children and women) in 10 communities gained access to
clean drinking water through the implementation of six water supply projects. Rehabilitating Guli’e
village micro-dam in Maekel region with capacity to hold 200,000 2 of water. The population of
Guli’e number 2,685 (542 households). One micro-dam in Debub has been initiated. In addition, four
underground rainwater harvesting cisterns in NRS Zoba and other six similar rural water projects in
different villages were also completed.
In 2014, 21 water supply systems were completed and secured. This consisted of 5 new solar powered
water supply schemes and rehabilitation of 16 dug wells. These water schemes provided access to
safe water to an estimated 20,000 people (including women and children) in the 21 communities. The
cumulative total of water sources constructed/rehabilitated to-date under the 2013/14 Rolling Work
Plan, stands at 31 in 30 villages (Eleven new complete solar powered water supply systems, 16 dug
wells and four underground rainwater harvesting cisterns) serving an estimated 43,000 people.
Completed unfinished construction of water supply schemes in Dorok, Ashera and Balwa villages.
Also completed design, site selection, contracting and preparation for the construction of a micro
dam, estimated to hold 900,000m2 of water.
Support has also been provided for strengthening the institutional capacity of WRD through the
procurement of geophysical, hydro metrological, water quality, soil laboratory, IT equipment, and
others worth about US$1.6M. Measures to enhance the WRD database and information management
system was also taken to connect every region with HQ, and each Department of the MOLWE within
each other using a centrally managed server and the necessary IT equipment in order to have a
holistic understanding of the status of water resources in Eritrea and to identify critical gaps. This will
also be vital in planning of future operations, and lead to long term cost reduction, efficiency and data
sharing. A national water point’s inventory survey was also conducted to assess the potential of
surface water and manage water distribution system.
52
A study tour to Kenya Water Technology Institute was organized for the staff members of the
MOLWE. A proposal to establish a National Water Technology Institute for Eritrea was prepared by
a national consulting firm, CTTS, (Hamelmalo College of Agriculture) in Decemebr 2013.
In addition, 28 water supply schemes were assessed, designed and had supplies procured including
solar pumps, pipes and fittings etc. in six zobas. This consists of 28 solar-powered water supply
schemes and rehabilitation of 9 dug wells fitted with hand-pumps. These 37 schemes will provide
access to safe, sustainable water for an estimated 65,000 people. The 37 projects are in various stages
of construction, and in some cases still awaiting supplies procured offshore. Construction is expected
to be completed in 2015.
In sub regions of Habero and Hamelmalo, 3 micro dams were developed, flood water harvested,
ground water recharged, level increased and irrigation technologies implemented for crop and forage
production. The availability of water in close proximity enabled 1500 HHs around Wazeentet village
to get water very easily. The project of improving access to safe and environmentally sustainable
water sources is progressing well, and around 60% of the 2016 target has been completed.
In 2013, in an effort to reclaim and regenerate the environment of two sub districts in Anseba Region,
one permanent enclosure (456 ha) has been established (by233.84 km terrace has been constructed
beneficiaries (850 HHs) by way of enclosure), check dams with a capacity of 7307.25 m3 have been
built by beneficiaries (800 HHs), 558 km farm land terracing work has been accomplished (2370
HHs), 143,000 selected plants species (130,000 sisal and 13,000 Acacia Senegal trees have been
planted, 3000 quintals of cement procured for the construction of sub surface dams and diversion
structures in several sites of both sub regions;
The ORA and UNHCR provided safe and adequate water to the communities in and around Umkulu
Camp in Northern Red Sea Region. A total population of about 2,800 individuals obtained access to
safe drinking water in 2014. Clean water to all refugees was provided through tanker trucks filling
three reservoirs and 10 water distribution points in the camp. The 20 litre per person per day is
achieved, although during the summer time because water level is low, trucks cover longer distances
to bring water to the camp and as a result costs increase. In the short term, these costs are partly
managed through temporary hire of government municipal trucks at competitive cost when the need
arises. In addition, the trucks are old and often breakdown and it has been difficult to secure spare
parts for their maintenance. This has resulted in reducing the water trucking from the standard
expected 20 liters of water per day per person to an average of 13.8 liters of water per person per day
as reported by the camp nutritional survey undertaken by the office in mid-2015.
 Inventory of obsolete pesticide stores undertaken
With regards to obsolete pesticide chemicals in Eritrea, training of 24 relevant technical staff on safeguarding of chemicals and a nation-wide inventory of pesticide in 294 stores (of which 8 were critical
stores) were conducted. The inventory conducted on obsolete pesticide covered all the stores in the
country and the target of 100% coverage has been met.
 Percentage volume of obsolete pesticide established
The nation-wide inventory of pesticide stores undertaken indicated that the quantity of obsolete
pesticides was 400 metric tons (100%) by the end of 2014 (MOA, Interview). The quantity of
obsolete pesticides in the country has been established.
53
 Percentage of desired stock of pesticide chemical disposed
The disposal of stock of pesticide chemical requires precautionary measures to be undertaken as a
pre-requisite to the safe disposal of the stock of pesticide chemicals. During 2013-2014, a national
team consisting of ten people was formed. Through the support of a technical expert advisory services
and training on safeguarding (repacking) the stock of pesticide chemicals in a new container were
provided.
The safeguarding is underway and as of 2014, 300 metric tons stock of pesticide chemicals has been
repacked (safely packed and is made ready for shipment). The remaining 100 metric tons will be
safeguarded before the end of 2015. Agreement has been reached with Viola Environmental Services,
a UK –based company to transport the obsolete stock of pesticide chemicals from Massawa Port for
incineration (safe disposal) before 2016.
In addition, pesticide legislation was prepared and approved. Currently, the document is being
translated into local languages mainly Tigrigna and Arabic. Furthermore, a new site for the
construction of a new pesticide chemicals store has been identified in Zoba Maekel and the design of
the store has been completed.
 Percentage of obsolete pesticide containers decontaminated
It has been found that 75% of the stock of pesticide chemical targeted has been safeguarded and
contract agreement has been reached with a company for transporting the stock of pesticide chemical
to the place of incineration (FAO, Interview).
 A system of IPM designed and implemented
In 2014, a foreign consultant provided training to 47 participants from the MOA, MOLWE and
regional extension services on principles and concepts of IPM, sustainable crop production system
and FFS. Experience of Jordan on the IPM and the implementation of FFS applied to tomato in
combating pest was presented to the participants. Establishment of IPM is an ongoing process and the
preparations made so far are rather slow.
 National environmental and water policy developed and implemented
National water policy had been drafted and has been made ready for proclamation and the
Environmental Guidelines is in place. A workshop was organized for representatives of zobas and
other relevant stakeholders so as to create awareness on efficiency in water use and management.
Output 7.2 Protected Areas (PAs) for natural resources conservation and management
established in Zobas NRS and SRS. Two end-of-project targets have been set for the
achievement of this output.

Size/number of protected areas.
The end of project target (by 2016) is to establish 4 Protected Areas (PAs), covering 649,100 ha
terrestrial and 360,000 ha marine ecosystems in Semenawi and Debubawi Bahri-Buri-Irrori Hawakil
within Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions. The ultimate goal of the integrated PAs system
project is to ensure the integrity of Eritrea’s diverse ecosystems in order to secure the viability of the
nation’s globally significant biodiversity.
54
In 2013, the MOLWE initiated a comprehensive assessment to operationalize an integrated Semenawi
and Debubawi Bahri-Buri-Irrori- Hawakil PA System for conservation of biodiversity and mitigation
of land degradation. A view of a protected area in Ghindae sub-zoba is captioned below. MOLWE is
also in the process of establishing policy and institutional frameworks to operationalize national
protected areas system. Some preparatory activities are being undertaken towards in this regards.
During the 2013-2014 periods, the Department of Land conducted workshop on awareness regarding
PAs to village administrations and representatives of villages with the objective to have a good public
understanding of the importance PAs for sustainable livelihood and sustainable land management.
The awareness creation workshops helped to increase the support of the communities on the
implementation of the PAs. Regulations and management of natural resources in the PAs, particularly
with regards to communities’ access to the use of grass for livestock, land and wood management
have been finalized for implementation.
Regarding land proclamation and re-distribution, as per the Land Proclamation 94/1998, there is an
ongoing project to pilot land redistribution in the central highlands in order to promote reafforestation and productive land use. The traditional land tenure system practiced for generations has
been a disincentive to investment. Under the traditional land tenure system, redistribution of farmland
is done every seven years, resulting in farmland fragmentation and deforestation. This pilot land
tenure system allows farmers the right to use land on usufruct basis and permits individuals
(including women) to own wood lots. The proclamation has been piloted in 5 out of 28 villages,
benefitting 1,000 HHs out of the targeted 27,580 HHs. In SLM project, agricultural tools were bought
in 2013.
 Proportion of protected area of land covered by forest
With respect to this indicator, the project is at its early stage, there has been no incremental forest
coverage associated with the project, available but forest cover in the country is estimated at about
3%.
Output 7.3 Communities have access to appropriate energy sources for individual and social
use
 Proportion of households with renewable energy technology (RETS)
During 2013-2014, 200 energy-saving traditional stoves, targeting 100% women, were installed in
Hamelmalo and Habero sub regions. This is likely to reduce the extent of deforestation in the targeted
areas. In addition, 67 women were trained as training of trainers (TOTs) in the construction of the
stoves in order to to upscale overall impact on health, environment, and livelihood.
.
In the refugee camp, firewood is the major source of energy but Local Energy Saving Stoves were
also introduced in Umkulu Refugee Camp in collaboration with the MOA, Ghindae Branch Office.
An Energy Saving Stove Project, funded by the Swiss Embassy in Khartoum made possible for the
installation of 100 improved environmentally-friendly stoves in a number of refugee homesteads in
the camp.
600 Somali refugees received cash assistance on a monthly basis as a contribution for procurement of
firewood for cooking. Additional power sources related to street lightings for camp security reasons,
and one back-up generator were provided and in operation to secure full access to health facilities.
55
An EU-GOE, UNDP project on “Solar PV Mini-grids for the Rural Towns of Areza and Maidma and
surrounding villages in Eritrea” was signed by all partners in December 2014. The project has an
overall objective to improve the livelihoods of 28 rural towns and villages, while informing the
decision making for replication within the National Energy Policy Reform in view of mitigation of
the adverse effects of climate changes in Eritrea. In addition, the design to provide electricity to
Knafna and two villages in vicinity and the procurement of solar PVs using the Small Grant
Programme funds have been completed.
 % of HHs including refugees receiving fuel per month
Cooking gas distributed to urban and semi urban areas (average every two to three months) while 300
Nakfa for purchase of fuel wood is given to refugee households.
 % of communities including refugee camp facilities having access to electricity/lighting
All urban areas have electricity supply and in the post-independence period as the result of rural
electrification program many rural areas have access to electricity. Refugee camp has electricity
supply from Massawa.
 % of refugees HHs trained on energy saving practices
For the installation work of Adhanet, 10 refugee women received ToT and this local technology is
well accepted and appreciated by the refugee community. Overall 16% of the households in the camp
have been trained on energy saving practices. In addition, in collaboration with MOA, UNHCR/ORA
have had 100 households trained and facilitated in constructing energy saving stoves which have
provided great cooking, budget, health, and environmental benefits for the refugee beneficiaries. If
additional funding is made available, the aim is to broaden this outreach and extend the facility to all
refugee households, which on the average makes 600 households.
Output 7.4 National vocational training centers have access to modern equipment and new
technologies for the phase out of the Ozone depleting substances.

Proportion of national vocational training centers that have modern equipment and new
technologies for phasing out of ozone depleting substances. The output target was 3 regional
centers have access to modern equipment by 2016.
The Department of Environment of MOLWE in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial
Development Program and United Nations Environmental Program has been working to: establish
three regional refrigeration training centers with the objectives of providing recycling to refrigeration
technicians, training to newly recruited/ licensed technicians so as to make them certified in the
refrigeration practices and introduce students with new available technologies and train them in good
refrigeration practices.
During 2013-2014 tools and equipment for the three training centers were procured and delivered to
the Department of Environment of the MLWE. Presently two training centers at the College of
Marine Science and Technology in the Port City of Massawa and at the Ministry of Energy and
Mines, Renewable Energy Center in Asmara have already been established. Both the refrigeration
training centers are open for refrigerant recycling to the private and public sectors. In addition the
Department of Environment in collaboration with College of Marine Sciences and Technology
conducted refrigeration and air conditioning training for refrigeration technicians in NRS Zoba and to
56
the students of the College of Marine Sciences. The training was given by a national expert from the
College of Marine Sciences and Technology who took TOT (RAC-Certification Training).
For the implementation of the third training center, efforts are underway to identify appropriate site
and to install the required equipment to make it operational. Around 67% of the target output has
been achieved during 2013-2014.
Output 7.5 Open Defecation Free practices adopted in selected communities
 proportion of selected communities with adopted and enforced ODF practices.
UNICEF has been working with GOE/MOH to realize ODF practices. Although no baseline was
indicated, the target by 2016 is 300 selected villages to become ODF. In 2013, 163 villages were
declared ODF. This has had an impact on the adoption of positive sanitation practices and hygiene
behavior among families and entire villages. In addition, and through the positive, collective
momentum generated through the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, communities
have also been empowered to initiate other related community development activities. As of
November 2014, a total of 336 villages had been declared and certified ODF.
An outstanding achievement within the year came from an area that did not require a large financial
investment but rather support for community action under CLTS. The target of certifying 75 new
communities as ODF in 2014 was surpassed by 230 per cent with 173 certifications due to the
transfer of the community-based training, triggering, and monitoring of CLTS from regional
government level to community-based health facilities.
The target of ODF practices has been met before the end of the project. One of the major factors
contributing to the success of the CLTS program is the very high level of community participation
and uptake of improved sanitation practices. The vast majority of villages involved in CLTS
“triggering” process have been very active in developing Community Sanitation Action Plans and
constructing household latrines, enabling them to take their first steps up the “sanitation ladder”. The
social mobilization, technical capacity development of the MOH, advocacy and involvement of key
stakeholders has been critical in raising the sanitation and hygiene profile and achieving results.
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 7.
Outputs
7.1 Communities have access to safe and environmentally
sustainable water sources for agricultural and domestic uses
7.2 Protected Areas (PAs) for natural resources conservation and
management established in Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions.
Two end-of-project targets have been set for the achievement of this
output
7.3 Communities have access to appropriate energy sources for
individual and social use
7.4 National vocational training centers have access to modern
equipment and new technologies for the phase out of the Ozone
57
Assessment of progress
Highly satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Highly satisfactory
depleting substances
7.5 Open Defecation Free practices adopted in selected communities
Highly satisfactory
Relevance
Sustainable natural resources management is in line with the national development priorities of the
country. It has been endorsed by Eritrea in response to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its related protocols. This is indicated in national initiatives taken to
draft National Environmental Policies (NEP). Furthermore, the economy depends on renewable
natural resources such as land, agricultural soils, water resources, fisheries and forests for supporting
key economic activities including tourism, agriculture and industry. The focus on water resources,
latrine construction in schools and villages, introduction of energy saving stoves, establishment of
PAs and others are all of high priorities affecting livelihood of communities.
Effectiveness
While the program's activities are generally aligned with the achievement of the outputs, some delays
in start-up and subsequent implementation are observed. For instance WASH in schools is relatively
ineffective and out of 30 latrines planned for construction, only 7 are in process. RFP for consultancy
services and procurement of goods and services took long time and overall it has been less effective.
However, the distribution of the energy saving stove and training of women on the production of
modern stove was effective.
Efficiency
The budget allocation to outcome 7 has been adequate. However some activities have not been
completed on time and more resources have been spent to deliver the same level of output. . This is
mainly because of lack of expertise (GPS –based land mapping and converting it to the actual land
topography) which caused some delays in the implementation of the planned activities such as the
life-long land tenure (long term private ownership) which has been piloted in some villages in
Serejeka Sub Zoba.
In the case of ODF villages, it was found to be efficient because with little money significant
achievements have been registered. On the other hand, the delay in finalization of the WASH Facility
Guidelines delayed the construction works in the selected schools.
Sustainability
Government commitment and support is key to sustainability of the project outcome. In the same
vein, the readiness of communities for change and ownership of the project is equally crucial. The
building of community capacity to operate and manage the water supply scheme through involvement
in decision-making, involvement of women at all stages, contributions in terms of materials and
labour as well as the formation and training of Community Water Committees helps to improve the
chances for sustainability of the system.
The overall progress towards achieving outcome 7 is satisfactory.
58
SPCF Outcome 8 National institutions have gender responsive sector plans and policies and
promote empowerment of women.
Under this outcome, four programmatic areas have been reviewed: capacity enhancement; advocacy
on gender issues; CEDAW reporting; and gender mainstreaming in development sectors.
Output 8.1: Enhanced capacity to operationalize the implementation of national gender policy
 National Gender Action Plan development and implementation
Final Draft NGAP 2015-2019 has been completed after an extensive consultations and discussions
with various stakeholders and women in the country, as well as a validation workshop with all
stakeholders, but has not been published. Continuous follow ups and advocacy are being conducted
not only targeting women but also men. Meanwhile, a gender policy is in place but has not been
updated since 2004.

Girls and women in key government positions(proportion of women to men in decision
making positions)
The percent of women in decision making position has been stagnant at 22% since 1993/95, but it is
higher in community courts at 37% in 2012 (4th CEDAW Report, 2013; 5th CEDAW Report, 2014;
Eritrea Country Report, 2014). Women’s representation in the international affairs was 10.1% in 2013
and this indicates that there were no major changes in the assignment of posts in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Proportion of refugee women involved in decision making and peace building in
community management mechanisms
It takes great efforts to get the refugee women to participate in committees as, traditionally, their roles
are domestic in nature. The continued encouragement by UNHCR/ORA has contributed to increase
participation with varying periodic success as the Somali community is nomadic and tend to be
patriarchal. According to UNHCR refugee women have 50% participation in every community
management mechanisms in the camp from the baseline of 10%; the target for 2016 is 65%. Thus
there is a commendable progress towards achieving the 2016 target.
Output 8.2: Enhanced capacity to implement national gender policy and report CEDAW
 Timely and Quality CEDAW Reports prepared and submitted
The GOE continues to implement the provisions of CEDAW (an international bill of rights for
women), as well as other national development policies and international Conventions it has been a
signatory to. During the period under review the Government focused on human capital development,
attainment of food security and economic growth, and advancement of social security and social
justice.
NUEW is mandated to oversee the implementation of CEDAW activities, including CEDAW reports
and spearheads coordination of the gender equality issues in general. Periodic CEDAW reports are
prepared and reported through Universal Periodic Reports (UPR).
The monitoring, reporting, planning and advocacy capacity of the National Union of Eritrean Women
(NUEW) has been strengthened, as evidenced by their compliance with international reporting
obligations (preparation of Beijing+20 and 5th CEDAW Reports) and other capacity enhancement
59
activities undertaken. According to UNFPA, the 3rd CEDAW report was prepared in 2012. Similarly,
the 4th and 5th CEDAW reports have been prepared, submitted to CEDAW secretariat, and defended.
However, the implementation of the recommendations is awaiting (Interview with UNFPA, Eritrea,
2015).
The 7th NUEW congress under the theme "Justice is our Motto and Equality is our Goal" was
conducted in 2014. The participants elected new members who would lead the Assembly for the
coming 4 years and take stock of the achievements of NUEW for the last ten years. Simultaneously,
the Women's International Symposium on peace and economic empowerment attended by a wide
range of women leaders from seven countries and regional bodies, including COMESA took place
and South to South cooperation on gender and women empowerment was promoted. At the
symposium, NUEW and the Sudanese Women’s General Union signed an agreement on mutual
collaboration in the education and health Sectors.
Sector policy review was conducted in two ministries, namely, Ministry of Transport and
Communications and Ministry of Information to identify gender gaps and gender mainstreaming
strategy; an action plan has been drafted; and gender focal persons for two ministries have been
appointed. FGM mapping in 12 villages was conducted to monitor FGM/C eradication and draw best
practices for replication in other villages and a consultant to map 12 villages that have abandoned
early marriages has been contracted. Equipment has been supplied and installed.
The NUEW Flagship report on the achievements towards gender equality in Eritrea for the last ten
years prepared (Beijing +20) has been prepared and the Socio economic study to assess in-depth
situation of women and look for possibilities and opportunities available to assist women in
improving their economic wellbeing has been conducted. The findings provide much needed
disaggregated data for evidence-based programming and policy advocacy on a number of key topics,
such as gender, health, FGM, population and the socio-economic situation of women, etc. Nationwide
awareness and advocacy campaigns on the concept of gender, gender equality, harmful traditional
practices was conducted. Curriculum on gender study was developed.
Training offered: in Embatkala to 41 male and 24 female; in zoba-Maekel to 510 male and 458
female in gender empowerment and leadership; to 300 students and adults; and to 392 male and 583
female in awareness raising and law enforcement.
Output 8.3: Coordination mechanism for gender mainstreaming within government and UN
strengthened
 Functional coordination structure in place within the Government and UN structures
The NUEW structure extended to grassroots level is functional and effective for communication and
coordination with NUEW members. Gender focal persons exist in some line ministries and
organizations such as MOE, MOA, MOLHW, MOTI, NUEYS etc. Its coordination mechanism for
gender mainstreaming within government and UN has been strengthened overtime.
Three sector ministries namely MOA, MOH and MOE have implemented gender disaggregated data.
According to CEDAW report, despite the general improvement, the sex disaggregated data
documentation is still weak in some private and government sectors. Gender disaggregated data is
available for MOE but reports submitted are not yet gender disaggregated. Gender analysis tool was
tested in the country by MOE.
60

% of annual resources to total annual budget available and effectively utilized for
gender mainstreaming
In 2014 effectively utilized resources (expenditure) was 982,044.50 USD, this is about 65.5% of the
1.5 million USD indicated at baseline.
 No. of partners and UN staff trained on gender mainstreaming
With UNCT support, the NUEW has undertaken a number of activities to mainstream gender issues.
The Table below provides a summary of the MTR Consultants’ assessment of progress made in
achieving outputs of Outcome 8.
Outputs
8.1 Enhanced capacity to operationalize the implementation of
national gender policy
8.2 Enhanced capacity to implement, report CEDAW
8.3 Coordination mechanism for gender mainstreaming within
government and UN strengthened
Assessment of progress
Satisfactory
Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Relevance
Eritrea is predominantly a patriarchal society, characterized by gender disparities in health, education,
employment, services and in other sectors. Gender equality is a key poverty and development issue.
Government has initiated gender-sensitive policies to bridge the disparities and gaps and considerable
progress has been made with regard to gender equality, in that many previously-discriminatory laws
have been nullified and other laws and proclamations have been introduced. Progress towards the
achievement of the MDGs in gender equality, education and health sectors in Eritrea has been
encouraging. However, while women now reasonably enjoy equal access to jobs, education and
health care, they still experience higher poverty rates than males, higher unemployment, lower wages
and low decision making power and they are increasingly victims of SGBV and others.
The SPCF 2013-2016 is directed to support gender and advancement of women. Three programmatic
areas elaborated in the SPCF 2013-2016 which are the focus of this MTR are advocacy on gender
issues, CEDAW and gender mainstreaming in development sectors. As such, the SPCF is highly
relevant.
Effectiveness
The MTR findings show that large differences exist between planned funding and secured resources
which leads to delays in implementation and thus reduces effectiveness. On the other hand, Anti
FGM committees established in all villages with multiple institutions involved or represented were
effective. Through these committees, communities are educated on the health consequences of FGM
and early child marriage. Anti FGM campaigns and the FGM proclamation were effective in reducing
FGM and in bringing women with fistula complications to health centers for treatment.
61
Efficiency
Delays in project implementation which affect timely achievement of outcomes and outputs were
observed. More specifically, there were delays in approval of work plans, release of funds, and
reporting (both narrative and financial), as well as in procurement of goods and services. For
example, according to interviews held with some UN agencies, funds are advanced to IPs on
quarterly basis on receipt of expenditure report of the previous funds advanced. For NUEW, the funds
are transferred directly to them. For other IPs, funds are transferred to zobas and subzobas late and
reports are also submitted late to UN agencies concerned and yet for some of them (UN agencies), up
to 80% of the funds advanced should be utilized and a report submitted before additional funds are
advanced as per the HACT Guidelines.
Sustainability
Government commitment is a key asset to promote gender equality and eliminate harmful practices
on women. The basic organizational structure of the NUEW and its campaign and awareness raising
programs contribute positively to sustainability of results achieved under outcome 8. There are also
opportunities to mobilise resources from multiple sources, such as the public and private sectors, UN
partners, other development partners, etc. Added to these are the goodwill of the government to
ensure gender equality through publicly expressed commitment and allocation of funds to NUEW, the
history of gender equality struggle in Eritrea and the strong support for gender equality movement in
Eritrea from the Eritreans in the Diaspora. However, absence of comprehensive legal frameworks and
holistic policies poses risks which may jeopardize sustenance of project benefits.
3.2.
Coordination, Monitoring &Evaluation
3.2.1 Coordination;
Overall, the coordination mechanism for the SPCF 2013-2016 has been the task of MOND and
UNCT. Frequent meetings are held between the Minister of MOND and UNRC. At a lower level, it
was found that the NUEYS coordinates its activities with various partners, such as MOH, MOLHW,
MOE and NUEW in awareness raising and campaigns on FGM, underage marriage, health of mother
and child, girl’s education and gender issues in general. NUEW has also close working relations with
MOND and with some UN agencies. While the coordination as stated above is progressing, the
vehicle for delivering the development agenda in the sector plans appears to be based on a
decentralized implementation strategy. There are also some problems of coordination and
harmonization of related activities and little focus has been given to joint programs and activities.
3.2.2
SPCF Monitoring and Evaluation
The monitoring activity is conducted at two levels. At the first level, is policy level monitoring
whereby the Minister of National Development and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
meet on a regular basis to review policy implications of the SPCF. This has been done satisfactorily
as indicated in the various meetings conducted and minutes or reports prepared. The second level is
programmatic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the eight outcome areas of the SPCF which are
mostly led by the convenor line ministry or institution as well as the co-convenor UN agency and
with the participation of other stakeholders. According to the SPCF, other sub-thematic structures
may be instituted within each strategic priority area as deemed necessary. The second level
monitoring forms the official M&E working groups of the SPCF that are expected to conduct joint
monitoring field trips, at least once every quarter, and for specific projects, which by their very nature
require close monitoring as frequently as the work demands. Furthermore, the work of the M&E
groups may be complemented by other existing M&E mechanisms within both GOE and the UN.
62
The findings show that M&E activities were, in general, not effective and efficient although
independent field trips by IPs and staff of UN agencies were undertaken to supervise and follow up
project activities.
There existed a plan to introduce a web-based SPCF monitoring framework which was to be used as
the main tool for monitoring progress in the implementation of the SPCF and achievement of
outcomes. The findings show that this was not realized although monitoring data collected from field
trips by M&E groups was provided to the coordinating body of the SPCF. M&E system did not
facilitate timely tracking of progress towards project’s objectives by collecting information on
relevant indicators continuously. However, annual project reports are prepared by UN agencies and
IPs but in some cases they are not complete and do not provide, accurate and relevant information to
be used to improve project performance and to adjust to changing needs.
A brief overview of M&E system and activities conducted by IPs and UN agencies for some
outcomes, as well as the overall M&E issues are provided below.
In the case of outcome 2, very little budget is allocated to M&E activity and on top of this high
transportation costs make M&E trips difficult. For instance, CEE joint monitoring by IPs should be
done mainly through meetings with Zoba officials, implementing communities, school directors and
supervisors to identify the problems faced and look for solutions. But MTR found that this is not done
frequently as required.
As part of the M&E for outcome 3, in the project of refugee protection, effective and regular field
trips are conducted on monthly basis by ORA and UNHCR staff. Information sharing between
implementing partners and UNHCR, consultations and problem solving has been highly positive.
There is a database and registration of refugees, and monitoring and follow up is done monthly in
schools and the implementing partner (ORA) runs the M&E activities efficiently.
The M&E system is critically affected by limited funds allocated to it. Nonetheless, in 2013 eleven
joint field monitoring on mine risk were conducted by MOLHW and UNICEF (UNICEF, 2013
Review Report). In addition, supportive joint supervision were undertaken by MOLHW staff and
Zoba offices covering all zobas. The M&E mainly focused on supervision and conducting meetings
with key staff to assess the status of implementation of projects and programs and the results were
reportedly useful.
On the part of the UN agencies project staff, conduct M&E field trips which were overall found to be
satisfactory, despite the travel permit requirements and high transportation costs. During monitoring
field trips major activities conducted are data collection and information gathering to assess
implementation progress and proper resource utilization, providing technical support and advice, and
learning for further planning and improvement.
3.3
Funding and Resource Mobilisation
In addition to the Government’s own resources for funding the SPCF outcomes, the UNCT’s required
resources amount to US$ 187.9 million. While US$ 50 million comes from the UN agencies’ core
budgets, another US$ 138 million will be jointly mobilized from other sources. At the time of signing
the SPCF, about 30% of the resources were already committed to the UNCT. As of December 2014,
the funding snapshot for the SPCF shows that more funding is required, with only US$ 90.9 million,
63
or 48 per cent, funded and US$ 97.0 million still unfunded (see Table...). While efforts have been
made in resource mobilisation, the undertaking is slow perhaps due to the changed global economic
situation and limited donor funding possibilities (Table below). This has forced some of the activities
to be underfunded or budget cuts and this has been faced by some IPs.
Table …:
Funding allocation by SPCF Outcomes and funding gap (USD million)
Budgeted/
Secured Funding gap % of funding gap to
Required resources
resources
total Budget
49.546
25.5
24.046
48.5
Outcome 1
1
8.124
17.9
-9.776
0
Outcome 2
8.361
2.5
5.861
70.1
Outcome 3
9.346
4.8
4.546
48.6
Outcome 4
3.030
1.0
2.03
70.0
Outcome 5
41.220
6.0
35.22
85.4
Outcome 6
66.206
30.8
35.406
53.5
Outcome 7
2.060
2.1
-0.04
0
Outcome 8
96.993
51.6
Total
187.893
90.9
Source: UNCT, 2015 – Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Strategy
The Table… shows the SPCF Budget and the Expenditure for 2014. The overall utilization level is
85.5% in 2014, with outcomes 4, 6 and 7 posting more than 100% budget utilization. Outcome 3 and
8 posted less than 50% budget utilization. The MTR has not been able to establish reasons for these
extreme performance.
2014 Budget (USD) Utilization Rate by SPCF Outcome
Outcome
2014 Budget
2014
Budget utilization (%)
Expenditures
13,240,184.00
9,836,797.37
74.3
Outcome 1: Health and Nutrition
14,649,228.00 10,148,428.17
69.3
Outcome 2: Education
1,496,174.00
655,733.92
43.8
Outcome 3: Social Protection
2,001,192.00
3,009,689.17
150.4
Outcome 4: Capacity Development
325,000.00
324,997.00
99.9
Outcome 5: Disaster Risk
Management
2,880,688.00
4,510,382.33
156.6
Outcome 6: Food Security and
Livelihoods
6,463,466.00
7,071,495.45
109.4
Outcome 7: Environmental
Sustainability
1,179,803.00
474,823.43
40.2
Outcome 8: Gender and Women
Empowerment
Total
42,235,735.00 36,032,346.84
85.3
This includes US€15.4 million that UNICEF received from the Global Partnership for Education, which is additional to the
SPCF initial project requirements.
1
64
Source: UNDP financial report 2014.
*Based on NUEW data on financial statement of 2014
At the same time looking at the chart 1(below) there has been improvement in the budget utilization
in 2014 compared to 2013 in most of the outcome areas. However, it is important to note that
activities in 2013 started late due to delays in approval of work plans.
Chart 1: Budget expenditures in 2013 and 2014 (in Millions of USD)
Source: UNDP financial reports of 2013 and 2014.
3.4
SPCF assumptions, risks and emerging opportunities
The SPCF Thematic Outcomes were chosen based on specific risks and assumptions, which are
reviewed with the intent of confirming their relevance in the national context.
Outcome 1:
Required funding is mobilized in a timely manner: This assumption did not hold in some of the cases
and requires consideration as some IPs faced budget constraints and reported budget cuts for some of
their activities.
Population census not conducted and issue of denominator resolved: With the dissemination of EPHS
2010 in 2013, the issue of population census was partially resolved until complete census is
conducted.
HMIS released on annual basis to inform programmatic decision: The HMIS is prepared on annual
basis and while its dissemination takes longer time, this situation has improved and HMIS 2015 is
now finalized and is expected to be released soon.
Regular nutritional surveys conducted and availability of food supplements: Nutritional surveys are
conducted on a regular basis and there are facility based and surveillance sentinel sites that provide
the necessary information. There are however shortages of food supplements for children, pregnant
and lactating mothers, fistula patients and other groups.
65
Availability of sufficient and technically competent staff nationally and locally: Both IPs and UN
agencies face shortages of qualified staff and in some cases activities are undertaken through
backstopping technical assistance.
Institutional arrangements and structures for coordination remain strong and intact: Despite the
efforts to introduce improved coordination mechanisms, activities of UN agencies and IPs face
coordination problems and this is more serious in M&E activities where joint monitoring has not been
undertaken as required.
Local production of essential medicines strengthened: This assumption holds true and efforts are
made to strengthen domestic production of essential medicines and improve supply and availability of
drugs in the country.
Risks:
Weak absorptive capacity of implementing partners: Some improvements in budget utilization have
been observed in 2014 and the situation has slightly improved in some activities, but, in general the
risk is in place due to high staff turnovers and delays in implementation.
Limited donor interest: There is good relationship between MOND and UNCT and needs to be scaled
up, but the overall donor base in the country is very small.
Occurrence of natural disasters; There have been no serious disasters but there should not be
complacency and early warning systems need to be strengthened.
Outcome 2
Adequate institutional capacity to coordinate, implement and monitor: This assumption still holds
true in some GOE institutions and while partners have the capacity, coordination and funding for
M&E needs to be improved.
Timely distribution of teaching and learning materials: This assumption holds true.
Strong collaboration and support by parents and community stakeholders: This assumption holds
true.
Risks:
Lack of resources/increased costs of construction and building materials: This is largely holding true,
but not in the refugee camp.
Limited transportation, restrictions on distribution of supplies and joint supervision: Transportation
problems are still many and joint supervision is not frequently undertaken although processing of
travel permits has improved.
Low absorptive capacity/delays in liquidation of cash transfers to partners: The arrangement of fund
release based on HACT system has been difficult and inappropriate for IPs. Some flexibility is
required on the side of the UN agencies.
Outcome 3:
Commitment at all levels to abandon harmful practices: This assumption holds true.
Adequate capacity to implement and liquidate cash transfers: As in Outcome 2. In addition, there
exists inadequate human and institutional capacity for timely liquidation of cash transfers for large
funds.
66
Risks:
Underground practices by community on harmful practices: This risk is in place.
Lack of relevant data and regular dissemination of periodic data: The risk exists.
Lack of regular joint monitoring: This holds true and no regular joint monitoring is conducted.
Outcome 4:
Availability of regular up to date gender disaggregated data: This does not hold true.
Government commitment: Government commitment is in place
Timely approval of policies and regulations: There are limitations in institutional, technical and
human capacity of various government institutions.
Risks:
Weak coordination of data management: Efforts are underway to improve the situation of data
management with the strengthening of NSO and MOND capacity.
Lack of funding, inadequate human resources and capacity: Resource mobilization is inadequate and
the gap in the required resources is still large, affects the SPCF implementation. In addition there are
risks of staff turnover and limitations in capacity to deliver basic services.
Outcome 5:
Government is ready to establish a national DRR coordination and management system: This
assumption is realistic but there are skilled and high technical manpower shortages.
Government commitment: This assumption is critical for successful implementation of projects
related to DRR although there is high commitment in place.
Risks:
Absence of national designated convenor to lead the process: MOLHW has established a National
Coordinating Committee (NCC) for disaster reduction involving key sector ministries and other
stakeholders.
Delay in establishment of coordination structures: This holds true because of the shortages of experts
and trained people and absence of institutional framework and policies for DRR.
Outcome 6:
Full government cooperation and sufficient resources: This assumption holds true as there is strong
government cooperation with the UN agencies operating in the country but the assumption of
sufficient resources does not hold true.
Adequate and technically competent staff at all levels: There are shortages of skilled people despite
the efforts of educational and training institutions to produce the required manpower.
Donor’s commitment for long term development cooperation: This assumption is intact and good
relations exist between MOND and UNCT.
Price stability: There are cost overruns and prices have not been stable. Annual inflation rates have
been above 5% during the review period while the exchange rate has been fixed at US$1 to ERN15
since 2005.
67
Availability of quality fortified food items: The assumption is not true as there exist shortages of
fortified food products for mothers and children that need to be supported.
Risks:
Availability of agricultural information on crop production: Although farmers receive information
through extension services and other channels the assumption that it reaches all farmers is not true
and thus more is needed to improve the situation.
Lack of adequate funds and procurement delay: These risks hold true and need to be taken into
account by implementing partners because they affect the effectiveness and efficiency of project
implementation.
Natural and manmade disasters: The kind of risks that are of serious nature are less likely in the case
of the country and recently there have been no major disasters but early warning systems and
preparedness are necessary.
Drought impacting food supply: This is more realistic risk as Eritrea is located in the drought prone
region due to low rainfall and unpredictable climatic conditions and thus there is a need to take into
account to look for alternatives of risk management and mitigation mechanisms in place.
Cost increases, availability of market and employment opportunities: Increasing prices of labour,
materials, and goods increase the costs of production of food and market factors also have their
influence in raising prices and affecting welfare of the poor and impacting food security. Limited
employment opportunities on their part increase the risks and vulnerability of the poor and thus it is
important to take into account such risk factors.
Shortages of construction materials and skilled and unskilled labour: The risks associated with these
factors have caused long delays and postponement of projects and thus affecting progress of project
activities. Alternatives need to be considered to minimize their effects on the achievements of the
expected outputs.
High costs of labour and materials: These risks lead to cost overruns which need to be considered in
budget adjustments and revisions. Contingencies are needed for these risks.
Output 7:
Entire communities’ willingness to engage in CLTS processes: This assumption is realistic and it is in
place as observed from villages that declare ODF.
Availability of water: This assumption is necessary because of the inadequate water supply and high
dependence on rainfall and limited underground water. But latrine construction under CLTS approach
does not highly depend on water and economizes on water requirements.
Government commitment: This assumption holds true.
Government shift of priorities leading to less resources commitment: There has been no shift of
priorities away from water and sanitation and resources allocated under SPCF have not been cut.
All stakeholders agree to apply better coordination and collaboration for achieving effective results:
There is in principle support to coordination and collaboration among implementing partners and
stakeholders but in practice it has not been realized.
68
Support to refugees: there is a need for UN system to scale up and provide more financial and
technical support to the refugee project given the limited resources available locally.
Government support ensured in resource mobilization: This assumption is intact and there is
government support for community based resource mobilization for developmental purposes such as
resources for the maintenance and sustainability of WASH activities.
National support/commitment and Joint contribution from key partners: This assumption is realistic
because there is national level commitment and contribution from all stakeholders in place.
Risks:
Stakeholder’s failure to work together: This risk is less likely given the social rubric of the country.
Failure to commit promised (or willingness to) contribution: This is affected by the effectiveness in
resource mobilization as well as emerging competing priorities. There are risks that resource
shortages or constraints may arise.
Delays in delivery and training: There are risks that delivery of services may not be on time as well
as training activities.
Communal decision making process dysfunctional: This risk is very unlikely due to the existing
communal rules and guidelines in place.
Outcome 8:
UNCT commitment: This assumption is expected to hold given the cooperation framework between
MOND and UNCT.
Government commitment: This assumption holds true.
Funding will be available for mainstreaming from Theme groups: Gender mainstreaming is a priority
and funds are expected to be made available for sustaining results achieved and this assumption is
likely to hold.
Cooperation from other Thematic groups and non UN partners: This assumption holds true because
gender issues are crosscutting issues while in the SPCF has been programmed as an Outcome that
would require support from other stakeholders which is expected to be forthcoming. It is important
that IPs supplement each other for better results rather than competing among themselves.
69
5. IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED
5.1




Challenges drawn from UNDAF 2007-2011:
MTR found some improvements in the gender disaggregation of data in some of the line
ministries such as the MOE, MOA, MOLHW, MOTI, etc, but little evidence of analysis of the
same was found.
Budget utilization rate improved in 2014 (Table above). The overall absorption capacity while
still low, has improved as well. However, for large funds there are still absorptive capacity issues
due to technical and capacity reasons.
As already said above, there is still substantial room for improvement in coordination and
fragmentation of the UN approach.
There is limited joint programming and joint monitoring.
5.2 Challenges drawn from the discussions with the IPs and focal persons from the
participating UN agencies.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
I. Policy and Planning:
The SPCF formulation was mainly based on sector strategic plans but not all sectors had well
prepared strategic plans.
There are problems both of baseline data and key indicators. The RRM does not contain all the
required indicators, baselines and targets. Some of indicators were not well defined and in some
cases were not decided and indicated as to be determined (TBD) while others are not easy and
adequate to measure progress made towards achieving the outcomes through the achievement of
outputs. Thus it becomes difficult to measure results of many activities and make international
comparisons with other countries. Some baselines are missing while others are not correct such as
those for proportion of qualified teachers or HIV prevalence of 15-49 age group in the general
population. More importantly, the MTR consultants found that some of the IPs are not familiar
with the RRM as it was not attached with the SPCF document at the beginning.
SPCF 2013-2016 outcomes themselves are unusually broad with many outputs and as such they
generally encompass the program objectives of every implementing partner, leading to
duplication.
Duplication of efforts and some IPs compete rather than supplement one another. Little
improvement was made in joint programming and the move towards ‘delivery as one’ to bring
about significant impact is long overdue. Some of the problems often raised in this regard are the
different mandates of the UN agencies and there are challenges in getting these agencies speak
with one voice and deliver as one.
Implementation of the SPCF in 2013 and 2014 started late due to approval of AWPs, and for
large funds there are still absorptive capacity problems due to technical and capacity reasons.
SPCF RRF faces problems of logical inconsistency and absence of direct relationships between
the activities, outputs and outcomes.
There are issues and differences in understanding and application of the concept of minimum
standards of quality of education, and why they should apply in Eritrea as well. The
understanding that the schools need to be child friendly and the focus need not be only on
infrastructure. Thus the fact is that quality of education as measured by the advanced countries
may not apply to poor countries like Eritrea and thus some minimum requirements need to be
70
considered to improve the situation as regards to quality of teachers, facilities, policies, rules and
other factors. Quality problem in the delivery of education is also partly believed to be related to
low incentives and motivations of teachers as well as skill mismatches.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
xiv.
xv.
II. Coordination, Management and Operations
There is little coordination in activities of some IPs. Some improvements were observed due to
MOND role, but problems occur due to delays resulting from the over-stretched capacity of the
MOND. Overall coordination both within the UN agencies and between the IPs and the UN
agencies remain to be inadequate and need much improvement.
There are delays in releasing funds and in some cases funds release to zobas take up to five to six
months. This happened in 2013 for Output 2 on education, which impacted, in particular,
activities such as training of teachers that is conducted in summer when schools are closed.
Despite the problems, the activities were implemented but they created much inconvenience and
misunderstanding in the zobas. For example, the TTI had to start the teacher training programs
with funds from other sources. Moreover the delays in releasing funds continued in 2014 and
were still there at the time of conducting this MTR in 2015.
School construction sites have been identified but construction work has not started due to the
design work that took long and shortages of construction materials, procurement and
transportation problems.
Cost over runs occurred in CEE in the purchase of furniture, desks, blackboards from local
sources, etc besides high transportation costs and frequent power supply interruptions.
Procurement procedures and processes for both local and foreign purchases contributed to delays
and affected effectiveness of project implementation.
III. M&E systems, M&E plans and Operationalization
M&E system and the structures for implementation and monitoring are inadequate both in IPs and
UN agencies. M&E framework needs to be worked out as it is not done systematically and in a
coordinated way. For instance, every department does its monitoring trips independently while it
could be coordinated to reduce transactions costs and improve effectiveness. Other problems are
related to travel permits for UN staff, difficulties in scheduling field trips and coordinating
monitoring plans of the UN agencies and the IPs. The UN project staff conducted regular field
trips independently and this has been satisfactory but, joint monitoring has not been satisfactory.
While the process of permit for field trips has been improved, the differences in Daily
Subsistence Allowance (DSA) between UN staff and staff of the IPs has not been encouraging to
the IPs to conduct frequent field trips and as a result mostly separate field trips are done to
monitor project activities.
There are also a number of serious challenges in M&E for CDs and NCDs and HIV/AIDS, such
as absence of a comprehensive tool to harmonize data. In addition, the HMIS provides facility
based information and data on health but there are health issues that are not covered because they
are not reported or not reached by the health facilities. HMIS has inadequate capacity to produce
periodic outputs on health to disseminate results from M&E. However, in spite of these
constraints, the MOH conducts surveys on HIV/AIDS every two years and attempts are made to
harmonize data generated from routine monitoring surveys, surveillance studies and research
studies. Regarding CDs, the country still faces serious challenges from communicable diseases.
IV. Funding and Resource Mobilisation
Financial resources are limited and sometimes, funds or budgets are cut after being earmarked,
which affects programme effectiveness.
71
xvi.
xvii.
xviii.
xix.
The procedures and regulations for funds disbursement have been cited by many partners as
constraints for effective SPCF implementation as they cause unnecessary delays.
In general, while funds reprogramming is possible, funds are insufficient for many activities such
as for scaling up support for NCDs, Fitsula patients, OVCs, refugees, etc.
The case of refugee, the main challenge is inadequate budget in the face of high transportation
costs and fuel prices.
V. Human and Institutional Capacity
There are limitations both in human and institutional capacity across a number of IPs such as
NSO, leading to, in some cases, slow programme implementation, late preparation and
submission of required reports, and poor quality reports. When the required reports are not
submitted to a UN agency, submitted late, or is of poor quality, the release of funds for the next
quarter may not be possible due to the HACT requirements. At the same time, MIS data from
ministries such as HMIS, EMIS are not processed, published and distributed on time. Moreover
HMIS does not include data on prevalence of FGM and early child marriage. Zobas in IMNCI
services experience high turnover of health workers trained on IMNCI. In case of refugees, there
are shortages of health staff, which increases workload on a single nurse currently employed in
the camp. Moreover, there are problems of staffing and capacity and a number of posts or
positions have remained unfilled despite the concerted efforts by ORA to source relevant experts.
Retention of Somali refugee teachers in the refugee camp has been a problem because many of
the teachers leave to other countries through resettlement programs after they have been trained.
VI. Research, Analysis and Data
xx.
xxi.
xxii.
xxiii.
xxiv.
Low research and evidence based information. In the same vein, there is lack of capacity
(limitations in capacity of existing staff, staff shortages and staff turnover) to meet demands or
requirements for information and data. It is serious in MOH and MOE where loss of trained
manpower leads to serious gaps that cannot be filled easily in the short run.
Reports, data and documents are also scarce and sometimes available data are not provided or
provided late. Even when available. Similarly, draft policies are not finalized and approved in
time; some policies become outdated or require review or updating before they are approved and
adopted.
VII. Other challenges
Retention of CEE students is a challenge and more so for girls due to early marriage. Similarly
attendance in classes is low for the refugee students, mostly due to engagement in casual labour
while for girls, is mainly due to early marriages. Retention of Somali refugee teachers in the
refugee camp has also been a problem because many of the teachers leave for other countries
through resettlement programs after they have been trained. SPCF 2013-2016 was designed at a
time when the external environment was unfavourable e.g. interruptions in electricity supply,
rising fuel prices and transportation problems.
The economic and social contexts that gave birth to the SPCF 2013-2016 in its current form have
changed considerably. This is particularly true in the case of resource mobilization where the
ability to mobilize and raise funds for various activities appears to be declining.
Despite the satisfactory progress there are still challenges of sustaining and scaling up of the
services because of inadequate food and other supplies provided to the pregnant women during
their stay in the maternity waiting homes (some of them stay for more than a month before and
after delivery as they come from very remote areas).
72
5.3
Lessons Learned
With the implementation of the SPCF mid-way, a number of lessons can be learned from what has
worked and why, and what has not worked and why. These lessons learned are presented below.
 Adequacy in planning and policy framework
One of the key findings of this MTR is that the SPCF formulation was mainly based on sectoral
strategic plans, and yet not all institutions had well prepared strategic plans; the National
Development Plan (NDP) was under preparation. By implication, the lack of NDP to guide national
planning could mean lack of clear policy to the effect that all national plans should be anchored on a
national development plan. Consequently, there were major gaps in baseline data and key indicators.
Moreover, evaluations are limited to process evaluations rather than results-based evaluations.
The shortages of funds and the difficult external socio-political environment have their influence at a
time when additional resources were required to scale up and sustain project activities. For instance
there are a few funding gaps which require immediate attention, to avert reversal of progress made on
this outcome. For instance in the case of HIV/AIDS prevention services, following the closure of the
Multi-country HIV/AIDS Program (HAMSET), the Global Fund remains to be the source of funding
while the UN agencies provide supplementary funding and have been very useful. Thus, even though
Eritrea has low HIV prevalence rates, the economic burden on the national economy necessitates
increased reliance on external funding sources and support. However, because of the low prevalence,
Eritrea could be sidelined for increased funding, at a time when increased funding is needed in the
face of new infections and the sustainability of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) on ARV
drugs. Thus, alternative sources of funding are required
 Joint programming and monitoring and effective coordination
A joint programme is a programme offered jointly by two or more agencies. Similarly, joint
monitoring and evaluation occurs when agencies undertake these functions together. The MTR found
that there are only two joint programmes, and limited joint M&E activities. Thus the SPCF is unlikely
to reduce transaction costs.
 Funding and Resource Mobilisation
A lot of progress has been in ensuring funding for the SPCF. However, as of December 2014, the
funding snapshot for the SPCF shows clear needs for more funding, with only US$ 90.9 million, or
48 per cent, funded and US$ 97.0 million still unfunded (UNCT, 2015). The United Nations Country
Team - Joint Resource Mobilization and Partnership Strategy was published in 2015 for 2015 - 2016,
more than two years after signing the SPCF. Moreover, it is a UNCT Strategy and not a resource
mobilisation strategy between the GoSE and UNCT. The lesson learned is that discussion leading to
signing of a cooperation agreed should integrate discussions on resource mobilisation strategy as well
to ensure that uncertainty about programme funding is minimized.

Effective M&E and national data generation, management and dissemination systems.
One of the key limitations of this MTR is the general lack of timely, comprehensive and accurate data
to assess the progress made in achieving the outcomes. This is largely due to weak national data
generation, management and dissemination systems, and more specifically the absence of effective
M&E systems. The general paucity of data results is a major challenge and improving the current
73
situation is a formidable task for especially the NSO which has to come up with a national data base
for all sectors of activities beyond the demographic and health surveys.
 Existence of in-built staff motivation and retention mechanisms
Capacity problems, high turnover and low retention of workers have been common for implementing
institutions, partly due to low motivation. For instance, NSO faced limitations both in human and
institutional capacity although they have been able to come up with EPHS 2010 and has conducted
several surveys and currently it is undertaking a food security and nutritional survey that is expected
to come up with more up-to-date and realistic data for planning and monitoring development projects.
One of the driving factors in undertaking these studies has been commitment.
 Commitment and ownership
The GoSE emphasizes the importance of communities developing self-reliance and inter-sectoral
approaches, as well as the affordability and sustainability of all interventions and programmes. For
example, the National Health Policy and the Health Sector Strategic Development Plan (2011-2015)
were formulated with a clear understanding of the principles and imperatives of the above-discussed
strategies. Organizational structures and capacities are also set to extend services and support this
well acculturated development process and agenda in Eritrea. These have been key factors in ensuring
achievement of major successes in the health outcome.
 Progamme flexibility
A number of planned activities have not been implemented either due to lack of funds or because the
IPs have not adhered to the required guidelines, such those under the HACT. Future programmes may
be implemented flexibility, taking into account country context in order for planned activities to be
carried out.
 Sound and realistic assumptions and risk assessment
As established in this MTR, several assumptions made at the designed the SPCF and the risks
envisaged were found to be unrealistic. Thus, it is important that realistic assumptions are made, and
risks are adequately assessed for a successful programme implementation.
4.4









Follow-up Actions in the current SPCF
Establish an appropriate venue to defend the ACR/WC.
Strengthen and consolidate activities of CWCs, improve and review reporting mechanisms
and improve effectiveness of community based grass root organizations.
Find ways of merging the structure of refugee camp to the national structure and systems
where UNHCR would be able to support the national system of basic service delivery.
Ensure implementation of the planned 2015 EPHS by end of 2016.
Preparations and funding for conducting research scoping workshops by CBEH and Orotta
school of medicine NCHE.
Training of the MOF staff in software development and networking.
Speed up the work for the Digital library in MOJ for continuous updating and improvement
with new systems and technology and digitization of court cases from the Italian era.
Increase number of youth training centres to five from the present two in Barentu and Keren.
Undertake national and regional, consultative and training workshops on disaster risk
management and preparedness and establish a multi-sectorial national platform for the
74



coordination of disaster risk management. At the same time, risk assessment and early
warning alert and early action mechanisms should be strengthened and consolidated.
Identify appropriate site and install required equipment to speed up the implementation of the
third refrigeration training center.
The legal framework for PAs has been completed and it is expected to be Gazzeted in 2015.
Focus on the holistic development of women, increase number of women in key government
positions and improve their economic position and to this effect gender analysis and action
plan need to be synchronized
75
6.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Conclusions
The SPCF 2013-2016 is relevant to the country and is tuned to the national development priorities. In
spite of all the constraints and challenges identified, the GOE and UN partnership under the SPCF
2013-2016 has contributed to the significant achievements recorded, for example, in maternal and
child health, HIV/AIDS, education for the vulnerable and neglected communities (CEE and NE),
child protection, protection of refugees, and provision of basic services. Sustainability being a key
factor to ensure continuity of project outcome and outputs, it requires coordinated effort of all
concerned participating institutions and the establishment of a multi-sectorial national coordination
committee to be achieved.
6.2 Recommendations for the SPCF2013 - 2016
1. Improve delivery in health facilities: Delivery in health facilities has been low (about 37%)
despite the high rate of ANC. Thus home delivery needs to be discouraged and more follow up
and continuous sensitization, expansion and consolidation of Maternity Waiting Homes is needed.
2. Support to Fitsula Center: While mapping of Fitsula has successful, follow up is needed.
Sensitization and awareness have been conducted in Mendefera and Massawa and Fitsula Center
has been established only in Mendefera because of climatic conditions. More is required to be
done to support Fitsula Center.
3. Circumcision of boys or men in health facilities: Promote and encourage boys or men to be
circumcised in health facilities through the help of trained health service providers.
4. Improve retention and reduce school dropout rates of children: Conduct situation analysis on
ground to identify problems related to low retention of children and high dropout rates in schools.
Continuity of programs such as the ECD is required to reduce the rate of dropouts of school
children.
5. Reduce turnover of school directors: There is high degree of turnover of directors and
replacement by new ones and thus there is a need to provide training including data collection and
analysis as well as improving their research capacity.
6. Introduce minimum quality standards: Recruit an international consultant to facilitate the
development and implementation of the minimum quality standards.
7. Local stakeholder engagement: Conduct an education sector review, involving local
stakeholders for purposes of accountability and avoiding duplication of efforts.
8. Support to CEE Education: Consolidate Nomadic Education and CEE and improve quality of
teachers, learning spaces, and other facilities to increase enrolment.
9. School construction: Consider building schools to improve access as the number of students
expands in remote areas where there exist large number of children that have not been provided
access to schooling.
10. Training: Undertake training in-house and in other local institutions; provide foreign
scholarships to raise capacity of human resources.
11. Strengthening CBR: Strengthen CBR and community based victim’s assistance.
12. Expansion and establishment of youth centers: Expand and build well-equipped youth centers,
recreational as well as multipurpose centers in order to promote youth development and fulfill the
mission of creating a versatile youth in the long run. Establish training institutions or centers and
workshops and conduct Vocational and Skills training (VST) on a continuous basis for the new
76
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
6.3
and upgrading of skills and orientation to new technology for the already trained youth in
employment.
Youth training: Focus and attention also needs to be given to basic skills training that contributes
for self-employment of youth. Training given to staff of IPs and other institutions is expected to
transfer knowledge but it is difficult to be sustained if it is not practically useful and opportunities
for employment are not created.
Improve on delays in approval of plans and release of funds.
Improve financing and resource mobilization by partners in order to raise the level of funded
projects and reduce on activities that depend on unsecured resources.
Improve procurement and strengthen partnerships: Strengthen the capacity of the Red Sea
Corporation, compile the list of products for procurement, and the MOND and Ministry of
Finance need to agree to review the procurement policy to minimise delays.
Strengthen capacity of MoND: Flexibile and simpler rules are required for day to day and
routine activities and key agenda related to policy issues, budget revisions and other important
issues remain to be the responsibility of MOND that needs to be strengthened through capacity
building
Improve data sharing: Through integration and harmonization of the MIS systems, with NSO
and MOND playing a key role.
Improve M&E system and budget allocation to M&E: Strengthen coordination mechanism
and joint monitoring among implementing partners and UN agencies by designing and
implementing an effective M&E plan and focusing on results instead of activities. Monitoring
should also identify problems and risks that are likely to affect achievement of outputs and
ultimately the SPCF outcomes. Strengthen Zoba level monitoring capacity to provide quality data
and information.
Deliver as one: UN agencies should do more to move towards ‘delivery as one’ to bring about
significant impact.
Recommendations for the next SPCF 2017-2021.
1) Focus more on disabled and vulnerable persons.
2) Strengthen and enhance national capacity building in order address problems of absorptive
capacity and other human capital constraints by identifying skilled manpower needs and promote
aggressive human resource development.
3) Promote stronger cooperation between MOND and UNCT by closely working together.
Continue and strengthen advocacy to the ministries and provide technical support to have draft
laws approved and national M&E system established.
4) Strengthening NSO capacity: Learn from EPHS 2010 and make necessary improvements on
indicators and data collection methodology to be consistent with international standards.
5) Strengthen research collaboration with IHEs by strengthening research units and development
of research capacity in the IHEs and other institutions.
6) Improve indicators and baseline data: The next UNDAF should be based on improved
indicators and baseline data, taking into account local and international standards.
7) Focus more on fishery sector: This sector was given less attention in the SPCF 2013-2016. The
next SPCF should give it more emphasis.
8) Women empowerment: Women economic empowerment programs and priorities should be
based on wider consultations and discussions with NUEW and partners.
9) Mainstream refugee education fully into national structures and do away with the current parallel
systems of education both in the camp and in the nearby community in an effort to maximize
returns and spend donor funding better.
77
REFERENCES
Bureau of Standards and Evaluation (BS&E) (2015). Report of Summer Training Program for Somali
Refugee Teachers, 2013 and 2014, Asmara, Eritrea.
Economic Intelligence Unit. (http://country.eiu.com/Eritrea)
Eritrea CEDAW Report (2014), consideration of reports submitted by states parties under article 18
of the convention CEDAW, fifth periodic reports of states parties due in 2012.
FAO (2013). SPCF outcome 6 (food security and sustainable livelihoods), review report 2013,
Asmara, Eritrea.
UNDP (2015). 2014 Annual Review of 2014, CPAP 2013-2016, GOE AND UNDP, Asmara, Eritrea.
GOE/UNDP (2014). Programme Document, Asmara, Eritrea.
GOE and UN. Report on the first year of implementation of the SPCF (2013-2016) Asmara, Eritrea.
GOE (2014). Report on the implementation of the Beijing declaration and platform for action (1995)
and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the general assembly (2000), country report,
Asmara, Eritrea.
MOH/UNA (2015). SPCF, Joint Mid-Year Review, Asmara, Eritrea.
MOH, DPH (2014). Annual report, 2014.
MOH (2014). Health MDGR (abridged version), innovations driving health MDGs in Eritrea,
Asmara, Eritrea.
MOLHW (2013). Technical and financial report on social protection activities, Asmara, Eritrea.
MOLHW (2014). Technical and financial report on social protection activities, Asmara, Eritrea.
MOND (2014). Joint annual review 2013 minutes, Asmara, Eritrea.
MOND (2014). SPCF joint annual review-2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
MOND, NSO (2013). Annual work report, joint program on data for development (d4d), January,
2014, Asmara, Eritrea.
NSO (2014), SPCF for the period 2013-2016: joint program on data for development (d4d), 2014
quarter i, ii, and ii work report 4d), Asmara, Eritrea.
NSO (2013). Situational assessment of CRVS system in Eritrea, Assessment team report; Asmara,
Eritrea.
UNDP (2013). CPAP 2013-2016, Annual review of 2013 final report, GOE and UNDP.
UNDP (2015). SPCF outcome 7 (environmental sustainability), final progress report 2014, Asmara,
Eritrea.
UNDP (2014). SPCF outcome 7 (environment), review report 2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNDP (2013). SPCF outcome 4 (capacity development), review report2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNFPA (2013). Final country programme document for Eritrea, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNFPA (2013). SPCF outcome 8 (national institutions have gender responsive sector plans and
policies and promote empowerment of women), annual review report 2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNICEF (2014). Strategic intent memo 2015-2016, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNICEF (2013). SPCFoutcome 2 (education), review report 2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNICEF (2013). SPCF outcome 3 (strengthened protection and participation of vulnerable children,
adolescents, young, people, women and people with special needs, including refugees, from the
impact of poverty, harmful practices, exploitation, and injuries in high prevalence areas), review
report 2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNICEF (2014). SPCF outcome 3 (strengthened protection and participation of vulnerable children,
adolescents, young, people, women and people with special needs, including refugees, from the
impact of poverty, harmful practices, exploitation, and injuries in high prevalence areas), review
report 2014, Asmara, Eritrea.
UNICEF(2014). Annual report 2014, Asmara, Eritrea.
78
UNICEF(2013). Annual report 2013, Asmara, Eritrea.
WHO (2013). SPCF outcome 1 (health and nutrition), Annual review report 2013; Asmara, Eritrea.
79
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Terms of Reference
80
Annex 2a: List of Contacted/Interviewed Persons
No. Name
Ministry
1
Nemariam Yohannes
MoND
2
Semere Russom
MoE
3
Dawit Abraham
MoE
4
Hailu Asfaha
MoE
5
Tquabo Aimut
MoE
6
Abraham Tecle
MoE
7
Teclehaimanot Debesai
MoE
8
Woldu Berhe
MoE
9
Mehreteab Fessehaye
MoLHW
10 Rezene Tekle (Lt. Col.)
DIN
11 Yosief Ghermatsion
NUEYS
12
Alemseghed Asghedom
MoA
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Kahsay Negash
Abraham Mellakh
Dr Andom Okbamariam
Tewolde Yohannes
Dr. Berhana Haile
Dr. Araia Berhane
Nighisty Tesfamicael
Dr. Zemuy Alemu
Dr. Andebrhan Tesfatsion
Amanuel Kifle
Seid Mohammed Abrar
Senait Mehari
Asmerom Goitom
Mogos W/Yanos
Kibrom Asmerom
Michael Yosief
Mohamed Nur Aman
Berhane Alem
Aynom Berhane
Hagos Ahmed
Prof. Zemenfes Tsighe
Eng. Habteab Tsighe
MoA
MoJ
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOMR
NUEW
NUEW
MOLWE
WRD/MOLWE
WRD/MOLWE
MoF
MOF
NSO/MOND
NSO/MOND
NCHE
EIT
35
36
37
38
39
Sr. Elsa Hidrom
Dr. Tekestebrhan Solomon
Yohanes Goshu
Kesete Ghide
Saba Teferi
MOH
MOH
MOH
MOA
MOA
40
41
Capt. Abdulahi Mehamed
Ghirmay Kahsay
DIN/ORA
ORA
81
Position
UN Cooperation Desk, Head
Ministry of Education, Minister
Assessment and National Examination, head
Research and Statistics, Director
Department of Adult Education, Director
General Education, Director
Curriculum Pedagogy and Development Division
Monitoring Quality Assurance, Director
Dept. of Social Welfare, Director General
Office of Refugee Affairs, Head
Youth centers empowerment and entrepreneurship,
head
Planning and Statistics, National Projects Coordinator,
Dir.
Dairy Development Unit, Head
Project Manager
Policy and Planning (HRD), DG
Policy and Planning unit, Director
Family and Community Health, Director
CDC Division, Director
National HIV/AIDS and STI Program Manager
Environmental Health Department, Director
Public Health, DG
HMIS, Manager
Office of Minister and National projects coordinator
Department of socio-economic, head
Department of economic empowerment, head
Director General
Director
Planning and Coordinating Unit, Head
Administration and Finance, DG
Human Resource Department, Director
National Statistics Office, Head
Chief Demographer
Director
Dept. of Mining Engineering & Processing
Engineering, Head
Glass Health Center, Zoba Anseba
Zoba Medical Officer (Zoba Anseba)
Family and Community Health, Head (Zoba Anseba)
Sub-Zoba Adi Tekelezian, Head (Zoba Anseba)
Adi Tekelzian, Home Economics, Expert (Zoba
Anseba)
Umkuluu Refugee Camp, Head (Zoba NRS)
Umkuluu Refugee Camp, Head Nurse
42
43
Yemane Haile
Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab
MOH
MOH
44
Dr. Habte Hailemelecot
MOH
Zoba Debub, Head
Zoba Medical Director (Mendefera Referral Hospital,
Zoba Debub)
Obstetric Gynecology and Obstetric Fistula Specialist
(Mendefera Referral Hospital, Zoba Debub)
Annex 2b: List of Contacted/Interviewed Persons from UN
No. Name
UN ORG.
Position
1
Christine Umitoni
UNDP
UNRC
2
Dan Odallo
UNFPA
UNFPA representative
3
Luka Ukumu
UNDP
Economic Advisor
4
Lolo
UNDP
5
Gloria
UNDP
6
Habte M.Gebregziabher
UNDP
Governance unit
7
Yoseph Admekom
UNDP
Inclusive and sustainable development program
8
Semere Gebregiorgis
WHO
MPN advisor
9
Yordanos Mehari
UNFPA
Operations Manager, Gender focal person
10 Tsehay Afeworki
UNFPA
Program Analyst
11 Yodit Tesfaghebriel
UNICEF
Education specialist
12 Khaij Soe
UNICEF
13 Dawit Habte
UNICEF
Education Officer
14 Sara Abrahalei
UNICEF
Construction Engineer
15 Tesfay Bahta
UNICEF
UNICEF-Consultant
16 Samuel Yohannes
UNICEF
UNICEF-Consultant
17 Tedla Gebrehiwet
UNICEF
Child Protection Officer
18 Samuel Isaac
UNICEF
Child Protection Officer
19 Paulos Andemariam
FAO
Senior Project Coordinator
20 Bernadette Muteshi
UNHCR
Officer in Charge
21 Alemtsehay Fisseha
UNHCR
Senior Program Assistant
22 Yirgealem Solomon
UNICEF
Water specialist
23 John Bosco Kimuli Sempala
UNICEF
Wash specialist
24 Yodit Hiruy
UNICEF
Maternal health specialist
25 Hadish Tesfamariam
UNICEF
Nutrition officer
82
Annex 3: List of participants in the validation Workshop
S.No.
NAME
1
KASONDE MWINGA
2
SEMERE GEBREGIORGIS
3
CLEVER MGOUTSERI
4
CHARLENE THOMPSON
5
EMMNAUEL KAMULI
6
KHAY SUE
7
MARTN WORIH
8
SAMUEL ISSAK
9
SULIEMAN BRAIMOH
10
YOUSSOUF KOITA
11
ALEMTSEHAY FISSEHA
12
BERNADETTE MUTESHI
13
TUULI KARJALA
14
DAN ODALLO
15
TSEHAI AFEWERKI
16
YORDANOS MEHARI
17
CHRISTINE UMITONI
18
ELLIZABETH MWAMINKH
19
HASH F/HA
20
KIBREAB GEBREMICHAEL
21
LUKA JOVITA OKUMU
22
ROSE FSEBATINDIRA
23
YOSEPH ADEMEKOM
24
SENAIT TESFAMICHAEL
25
OUSMANE GASUNIO
26
PAULOS ANDEMARIAM
27
MEBRAHTU G/HER
28
REZENE TEKLE
29
YOSIEF G/TSION
30
ASMEROM GOITOM
31
SENAIT MEHARI
32
AINOM BERHANE
33
HAGOS AHMED
34
AFEWERKI TESFAI
35
NEWARIAM YOHANNES
36
TSIRHA KELETA
37
AMAN SALEH
38
MEHRETEAB FESSEHAYE
39
MICHAEL YOSEPH
40
TEDROS KUBROM
41
WOLDEYESUS ELISA
42
ABRAHAM MELLAKH
83
Organization
WHO
WHO
UNOCHA
UNICEF
UNICEF
UNICEF
UNICEF
UNICEF
UNICEF
UNICEF
UNHCR
UNHCR
UNHCR
UNFPA
UNFPA
UNFPA
UNDP
UNDP
UNDP
UNDP
UNDP
UNDP
UNDP
UNAIDS
FAO
FAO
PMU-MoE
ORA
NUEYS
NUEW
NUEW
NSO
NSO
MoND
MoND
MoND
MoLWE
MoLHW
MoLWE
MoLWE
MoLHW
MoJ
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
ANDEBRHAN TESFATSION
BERHANE GHEBRETNSAE
BERHANE ALEM
GHEBREHANNES HAGOS
KAHSAY NEGASH
SEID MOHAMMED ABRAR
HAGOS FESSEHAYE
MELAKE TEWELDE
GHIORGIS TEKLE
STIFANOS HAILEMARIAM
GHEBREMICHALE KIBREAB
YONATHAN HABTOM
HAILE EMBAYE
BISSRAT GHEBRU
SEMHAR GHEBREZGABIHER
MoH
MoH
MoF
MoE
MoA
MoMR
CBE
CBE
CBE
CBE
CBE
BS&E
BS&E
BS&E
BS&E
Annex 4: SPCF Resources and Results Matrix
84