Objectives:

Evaluation of the Darfur Emergency Response Operation (DERO) for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) implemented by the ACT/Caritas network in Darfur, Sudan, with regard to programme impact, coherence, connectedness, coordination, relevance/appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, coverage and partnership.

Content:

In June 2004 ACT and Caritas members met in Geneva and agreed on a joint operation in Darfur and launched their first appeal for the Darfur Emergency Response Operation (DERO) targeting 500 000 beneficiaries. It is the first time that the two networks run a joint operation under a single management structure. Norwegian Church AID (NCA) agreed to provide the legal basis, as well as the logistic and financial management for the operation in Sudan. Detailed planning and implementation of activities in 8 sectors started in July 2004. Assistance for IDPs and affected host communities in West- and South Darfur has been delivered in close collaboration with the national organisations SCC and SUDO.

The evaluation covered the sectors nutrition, protection, health, water and sanitation, agriculture as well as psychosocial assistance for refugees and IDPs. The evaluation of the partnership between the different implementing organisations including communication, leadership, management and organisational setup was one important aspect of the programme evaluation.

The survey of beneficiaries was realised upon a sample of 900 households taken from refugee camps and receiving communities. The survey included the following activities: preparation, discussion and adaption of the sample questionnaire; formation of two groups of investigators and supervisors; pre-testing and modification of questionnaire; additional qualitative interviews and discussion with the target group; analysis and documentation of gathered data; comparison and interpretation of gathered data with regard to the evaluation’s results.

• Selection and backstopping of the evaluation team;
• Coordination with multiple Donor Agencies and different implementing partner organisations in Europe and in Sudan;
• Evaluation of the programme components according to pre-defined criteria;
• Regular feedback to all relevant stakeholders;
• Concept development and realisation of a large survey of beneficiaries.