Evaluation Brief for ETH ECHO Multi-Sectoral Emergency Response in Crisis-Affected Areas of Guto Gida and Sibu Sire woredas of East Wellega, Oromia project Endline Evaluation

This is a brief for ECHO Multi-Sectoral Emergency Response in Crisis-Affected Areas of Guto Gida and Sibu Sire woredas of East Wellega, Oromia, project Endline Evaluation. It is a humanitarian project implemented in East Wollega, Ethiopia, from August 2023 to July 2025.

KEY FINDINGS

• Relevance: The end-line evaluation findings demonstrate the project’s strong relevance in addressing the critical needs of the target population, with 95% of beneficiaries confirming that interventions aligned with their priority needs across health, nutrition, WASH, and education. Qualitative data further revealed that activities were carefully designed based on extensive community consultations, and vulnerable children, women, and IPDs were effectively prioritized.
• Effectiveness: The project demonstrated strong effectiveness across sectors, achieving significant improvements in healthcare access and quality (79.3% accessed within 5 km and one hour), with high maternal and child health service utilization (97.7% ANC, 92.3% institutional deliveries, and 96.4% skilled birth attendance) and strong satisfaction rates (95.4%), despite gaps in postnatal care (only 37%) and supply shortages. Nutrition outcomes were impressive, with 70% exclusive breastfeeding, 76.8% timely initiation, and 76.9% receiving a MAD. WASH intervention greatly increased safe water access (from 40% to 97.3%), hygiene practices (98.5%), latrine coverage (from 40% to 97.3%), and safe storage (91.8%), though gaps remain in water treatment and gender – sensitive sanitation. Education efforts achieved strong transition rates (96.1%), low dropout rates (5%), and enhanced learning environments.
• Efficiency: The project has been implemented efficiently, utilizing resources effectively to support those in need. Key informants highlight the strategic allocation of budget and effective human resource management as contributing factors. The project was able to adjust to different situations and provide help when it was needed.
• Impact: Overall, the project demonstrated significant positive impacts across multiple sectors, addressed critical community needs, and enhanced the resilience of the target population by enhancing access to healthcare services, improving IYCF practices, reducing malnutrition rate, and improving access to basic WASH and education services.
• Sustainability of outcomes: Qualitative findings revealed that activities focused on capacity-building, strong partnerships with local stakeholders, and alignment with community and government priorities are seen as essential for sustaining the project beyond its duration.