Haiti Earthquake and Cholera Emergency Appeal (MDRHT018) - Final Evaluation

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Haiti Earthquake and Cholera Emergency appeal (MDRHT018) was implemented by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in collaboration with the Haitian Red Cross Society (HRCS) following the devastating earthquake on 14 August 2021, and the cholera outbreak on 2 October 2022. The Emergency appeal aimed to provide comprehensive support across several thematic areas, including shelter; livelihoods; health; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH); Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA); and Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI). The final evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coverage, coherence, coordination, and sustainability of the operation, providing valuable lessons for future interventions. To achieve this goal, it employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from an extensive literature review and qualitative data from Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and direct observations. Data triangulation was used to ensure the reliability and validity of findings. The evaluation process included three phases: planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. Key activities included developing data collection tools, conducting KII and FGDs with community members and stakeholders, performing direct observations, and analyzing the collected data to prepare a comprehensive final report.

Among the key results achieved by thematic areas are:

• Shelter: The operation provided temporary and permanent shelter solutions, although the quality and durability of materials posed sustainability issues.
• Livelihoods: Cash assistance and support for rebuilding livelihoods played a crucial role, although logistical challenges and resource limitations were significant hurdles.
• Health: Establishment of a field hospital, psychological support, and hygiene kit distribution greatly improved community health.
• WASH: Improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities, although some infrastructure operations faced delays and incomplete works.
• PGI: Successful in fostering safer and more inclusive environments especially for women, but coordination and resource allocation challenges persisted.
• Community Engagement and Accountability: Extensive training and awareness campaigns reached a large audience, but logistical challenges affected the implementation of feedback mechanisms and perception surveys.

Based on the conclusions, the final evaluation recommends to:

1. Conduct more Comprehensive Needs Assessments: Ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of target populations through the following actions:

• Implement detailed pre-operation assessments using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Engage local communities and leaders in the assessment process to gather accurate and context-specific information.

2. Engage Local Communities Early and Continuously: Ensure that operation design and implementation are responsive to local needs and promote community ownership, by:

• Involving local leaders and community members in all stages of the operation lifecycle, from planning to evaluation.
• Establishing community advisory boards to provide ongoing input and guidance.
• Facilitating participatory workshops and consultations to gather diverse perspectives and build consensus.

3. Improve Logistical Planning. Enhance the efficiency of aid distribution to ensure timely and equitable access to resources. Proposed actions are (i) Streamline Distribution Processes: Implement more efficient logistics and distribution processes to reduce waiting times and ensure orderly distribution of aid. This includes establishing clear guidelines and protocols for distribution; (ii) Continue to leverage Technology: Utilize technology for inventory management and beneficiary tracking to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste; (iii) Training and Capacity Building: Provide training for logistics personnel on best practices in supply chain management, including the use of technology and data analytics.

4. Optimize Logistics and Distribution Channels: Ensure efficient and equitable distribution of aid through the following actions:

• Develop detailed logistics plans that include contingency measures for potential disruptions.
• Use data analytics to optimize supply chain routes and reduce delivery times.
• Establish clear communication channels with people to inform them about distribution schedules and locations.

5. Provide Continuous Training and Capacity Building: Equip local stakeholders with the skills and knowledge needed to sustain operation benefits, including:

• Continue to implement regular training programs for local leaders, community members, and volunteers on topics such as health, hygiene, and emergency response.
• Develop training materials and modules that are culturally relevant and accessible.
• Create mentorship and peer-learning networks to support ongoing capacity building.

6. Prioritize Quality and Durability in Materials: Ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of interventions by:

• Selecting high-quality materials that are suitable for the local environment and conditions.
• Conducting field tests to ensure the durability and appropriateness of materials before large-scale deployment.
• Including maintenance and repair considerations in the procurement process to ensure that materials can be easily serviced and replaced locally.

7. Enhance Community Engagement. Foster continuous community involvement to ensure the sustainability and relevance of interventions. Actions suggested are (i) Participatory Planning: Involve community members in the planning and decision-making processes to ensure that interventions are fully aligned with local needs and priorities; (ii) Feedback Mechanisms: Establish robust feedback mechanisms to gather continuous input from people and make real-time adjustments to programs based on their feedback; (iii) Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of their involvement and how they can contribute to the success and sustainability of operations.

8. Maintain and Manage Infrastructure: Ensure the longevity and functionality of infrastructure operations, comprising:

• Establish clear maintenance schedules and assign specific responsibilities to local authorities and community groups.
• Provide training and resources for local maintenance teams to carry out regular inspections and repairs.
• Develop community-based monitoring systems to track the condition of infrastructure and address issues promptly.

9. Strengthen Coordination: Improve coordination mechanisms among local and international stakeholders for more cohesive and effective responses. Suggested actions include: (i) Stakeholder Mapping: Identify and map all relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, NGOs, and international partners, to understand their roles and capacities; (ii) Regular Coordination Meetings: Organize regular coordination meetings to share information, discuss challenges, and plan joint actions. Ensure that all key stakeholders are represented; (iii) Shared Platforms: Develop shared platforms for data and information sharing to enhance transparency and coordination among stakeholders.

10. Develop Local Funding Mechanisms for Ongoing Support: Ensure financial sustainability for the maintenance and expansion of Emergency operation benefits, including:

• Create community savings groups or cooperatives to pool resources for maintenance and development activities.
• Advocate for local government budget allocations to support essential services and infrastructure maintenance.
• Explore partnerships with local businesses and NGOs to secure additional funding and support.

11. Support Long-Term Monitoring and Evaluation: Track the progress and impact of interventions over time by:

• Allocating resources for ongoing monitoring and evaluation activities beyond the Emergency Appeal’s initial implementation phase.
• Sharing evaluation findings with all stakeholders to inform future Emergency Appeal design and implementation.