4.Mid-Term Evaluation: IDP & Host Community Integration

Assessing Nutrition, Education, and Livelihood Outcomes in Fragile Contexts

Project Snapshot

Client: DBG / Afrika Gesendus (BMZ-funded)
Location: Somalia
Implementation Period: March – April 2024
Status: Completed
Sector: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL)
Evaluation Type: Mid-Term Evaluation
Thematic Areas: Stabilization, WASH, Health
Target Groups: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities

Project Objectives

1. Assess progress toward project objectives and expected results at mid-implementation
2. Examine the relevance and effectiveness of stabilization, WASH, and health interventions
3. Identify implementation challenges, risks, and operational bottlenecks
4. Provide actionable recommendations to support adaptive management and course correction

Background & Rationale

Prolonged displacement and instability in Somalia have placed significant pressure on basic service delivery, social cohesion, and local governance systems. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities continue to face challenges related to access to WASH and health services, livelihood opportunities, and integration into host communities. In response, the BMZ-funded project on integration, stabilization, and capacity strengthening was designed to address these multidimensional needs and promote sustainable community-based solutions.

To support accountability, learning, and adaptive management, an independent mid-term evaluation was commissioned to assess progress toward intended outcomes, identify implementation strengths and gaps, and inform course correction during the remaining implementation period. The evaluation aimed to provide evidence-based insights to improve effectiveness, strengthen coordination, and enhance the overall impact of interventions targeting displaced and host populations.

Scope of Work

1. Developed the evaluation framework and methodology in line with OECD/DAC criteria
2. Conducted desk review of project documents, monitoring data, and relevant contextual information
3. Designed quantitative and qualitative data collection tools
4. Led field data collection, including household surveys, KIIs, and FGDs
5. Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data and synthesized findings
6. Prepared the mid-term evaluation report with actionable recommendations
7. Presented findings to key stakeholders to support adaptive management.

Methodology & Approach

1. Applied a mixed-methods evaluation design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches
2. Conducted a desk review of project documents, monitoring data, and contextual information
3. Implemented household-level quantitative surveys across selected project locations
4. Conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with implementing partners, service providers, and local authorities
5. Facilitated Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with IDPs, returnees, and host community members
6. Analyzed findings using OECD/DAC evaluation criteria
7. Applied data quality assurance, ethical safeguards, and validation processes to ensure credible results

Key Outputs & Deliverables

1. Mid-Term Evaluation Report
2. Evaluation framework and methodology
3. Quantitative and qualitative data collection tools
4. Cleaned and analyzed datasets
5. Findings, conclusions, and recommendations matrix
6. Stakeholder presentation of evaluation results

Key Findings & Results

1. Project interventions remained relevant and well aligned with the priority needs of IDPs, returnees, and host communities
2. Noticeable improvements were observed in access to WASH and basic health services in targeted locations
3. Stabilization activities contributed to improved social cohesion and community-level integration
4. Implementation progress was affected by operational and coordination challenges in some areas
5. Strong community engagement enhanced acceptance and ownership of project activities
6. Recommendations emphasized strengthening coordination, monitoring systems, and adaptive management practices

Beneficiaries & Stakeholders

Beneficiaries & Stakeholders
1. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
2. Returnees
3. Host community members
4. Local authorities and government institutions
5. Implementing partners and service providers
6. Community leaders and local committees
7. Donors and coordination bodies