Sudan: Sudan: Complex Emergency and Population Movement Appeals - Evaluation Report

IFRC Technical support for Sudanese Red Crescent Society in South Kordofan, Blue Nile, White Nile and Sinnar States

Executive Summary

Introduction

This appraisal of the IFRC/SRCS Complex Emergency and Population Movement Appeals in Sudan is based on the review of the implementation process, faced challenges, the intervention’s achievements and areas for improvement. The field visit was limited to three of the five targeted Sudanese States (Blue Nile, White Nile and Sinnar) due to the insecurity and access restrictions. This evaluation aimed to examine the extent to which the goal, objectives and expected results of the two emergency operations were achieved in terms of its relevance to the needs of the beneficiaries and its effectiveness and timeliness. Besides, this review highlighted strengths and weaknesses which can be identified as lessons to be learned for future programming in similar complex emergencies.

Evaluation Objectives and Methodology

1. To assess the implementation of the activities as outlined in the two appeals and their contribution to mitigate the negative impacts of the resulting emergency situation.

2. To draw lessons as well as gain feedback from the target population and relevant stakeholders on the efficiency and effectiveness of the SRCS response to be used in future programming.

The evaluation team chose to work within the framework of the Appreciative Inquiry Approach (AI) using a mix of methods for the collection of qualitative data namely, desk review, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.

Data collection methods for this appraisal were highly participatory, allowing the evaluation team to gather and validate the views of various actors, especially those of the involved IDPs and returnees, SRCS key staff and volunteers, UN agencies, donors, INGOs and Government officials. Over 160 people have been interviewed through key informant interviews, focus group discussions and an intensive participatory information gathering workshop with 25 key staff and volunteers from each of the involved States.