EWNRA monitoring team conducted an assessment of the Integrated Actions for Building Resilient Communities project from November 29–30, 2024, in Abaya District, Oromia Region. This initiative, funded by Menschen für Menschen Switzerland (MfMCH), has been working to implement a comprehensive exit strategy aimed at ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability and resilience within the community.
The monitoring team observed encouraging progress, particularly in the operations of multi-purpose cooperatives (MPCs). These cooperatives have been highly effective in managing the collection and redistribution of seed money provided by the project. Their efforts have been instrumental in supporting vulnerable community members, including women, by helping them access financial resources when needed. Despite facing significant challenges, such as crop losses due to prolonged droughts and livestock illnesses, the MPCs have displayed commendable resilience. One notable example is their practice of forgiving debts for borrowers who have struggled to repay loans due to these hardships.
In addition to the MPCs, saving and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) have also demonstrated commendable management of both their own savings and the funds they received through the project. The SACCOs union, established with generous donor support, is progressing well and has been advised to foster closer collaboration between primary SACCOs and their union. This cooperative approach is expected to enhance their overall performance and sustainability.
The monitoring team also highlighted the impressive outcomes achieved by the Semero Area Closure, which is overseen by the Watershed Committee. Rehabilitation activities in this area have shown substantial progress, with the implementation of three cycles of revolving seed funds. These funds have empowered community members to participate in income-generating activities, significantly improving their livelihoods. The team emphasized the importance of maintaining conservation practices and efficient fund management to ensure that these positive results are sustained in the long term.
In conclusion, the monitoring team made a recommendation for the project office to strengthen its exit strategy further. This would help solidify the project’s strong reputation and contribute to its enduring impact on the community.
By Mesfin Sodo
