Contents

Acknowledgement.......................................................................................................................................2
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Key Findings.................................................................................................................................................4
Field Monitoring Objectives....................................................................................................................5
Methodology...........................................................................................................................................5
Field Monitoring visit Schedule...............................................................................................................5
Capacity and structure building for sustainable food security and community-based conflict
management to strengthen resilience of conflict-affected agro-pastoral IDPs and host communities.......6
Recommendations....................................................................................................................................12
Acknowledgement
On behalf of the M&E Department, sincere appreciation is extended to the programs teams in
both Dolow and Mander for outstanding support and facilitation during the field visit. The
dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the teams were crucial in ensuring that the
visit was conducted smoothly and efficiently.
Particular gratitude is expressed for the meticulous planning, coordination, and on-ground
assistance provided by each team member. These efforts enabled the successful gathering of
valuable data and insights essential for monitoring and evaluation activities. The success of
this field visit is a testament to the commitment and hard work of all involved.
Thank you for the unwavering support and for making this field visit a success. Continued
collaboration is anticipated as efforts are made to achieve shared objectives.
Introduction
The field visit was conducted as part of the ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts to
assess the progress and impact of project activities in the target areas. This visit aimed to
gather firsthand information on the implementation of the project, engage with beneficiaries
and stakeholders, and identify any challenges or areas for improvement.
During the visit, a combination of focus group discussions and direct observations were
employed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the project's current status. These
methodologies allowed for the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data, providing
valuable insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of the interventions.
The field visit also served as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local communities
and NAPAD, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in the ongoing and future project
planning. The findings from this visit will contribute to refining and enhancing the overall
strategy and implementation of the project.
 Key Findings
1. Improvement in Farming Practices: The installation of irrigation systems has significantly
enhanced farming practices across all surveyed villages. Farmers reported increased crop
yields, more frequent harvests, and the ability to cultivate a wider variety of crops. This shift
has led to greater food security and additional income opportunities for the communities.
2. Challenges with Irrigation Systems: While the irrigation systems have generally been
beneficial, several technical challenges were identified, including malfunctioning floating
pumps, frequent cracking of water pipes, and weak dynamo systems. These issues have
caused periods of water scarcity, negatively impacting crop production in some villages.
3. Inadequate Training: Limited training and the reliance on a few individuals to manage the
systems have left communities vulnerable during technical failures, highlighting the need for
more comprehensive and widespread training.
4. Positive Impact of Agroforestry Training: The agroforestry training has positively
influenced farming practices, with increased tree planting and the adoption of sustainable
methods observed in all villages. However, the loss of trees due to environmental challenges,
such as the El-Niño floods, indicates the need for ongoing support to help farmers adapt.
5. Adoption of Climate-Adaptive Practices: Farmers have begun adopting climate-adaptive
farming practices, such as natural pest control and flood avoidance, as a result of the training
provided. The degree of adoption varies, with some villages fully embracing these practices
while others may require further support.
6. Enhanced Community Cooperation: The irrigation systems have fostered greater
cooperation and collaboration among farmers, contributing to a stronger sense of community.
The shared benefits of the systems have encouraged collective management and knowledge-
sharing, further strengthening community ties.
7. Economic Empowerment: Access to reliable irrigation has enabled farmers to produce
surplus crops for sale, leading to improved economic conditions in the villages. This economic
empowerment has reduced reliance on external financial support and enhanced overall
livelihoods.
8. Sustainability Concerns: The long-term sustainability of the irrigation systems is a critical
concern. While some villages have started planning for future maintenance, others are still
struggling to establish clear plans or lack the financial resources to do so. Continued external
support and infrastructure upgrades are necessary to ensure the systems remain operational.
9. Environmental Impact: The new irrigation systems have had a generally positive
environmental impact, particularly in improving livelihoods and reducing the need for
hazardous activities such as water collection from distant sources. However, no significant
changes in soil quality or other environmental concerns were reported, indicating the need for
further monitoring.
10.Challenges from Environmental Factors: Despite the positive impacts, external factors
like the El-Niño floods have caused significant setbacks, particularly in Surgudud and
Malkariyey, where crop and nursery tree losses were reported. Technical issues with irrigation
infrastructure, such as malfunctioning pumps and cracked water pipes, have also affected
farming efficiency.
11.Effective Conflict Resolution Training: The training provided to clan leaders, religious
authorities, and youth activists on alternative conflict resolution approaches has been
 effective. Peace committees established through this initiative have successfully mediated
disputes, particularly in the cross-border regions of Mandera and Belet-Hawa.
12.Challenges in Peace Committee Operations: Despite their successes, peace committees
face challenges such as transportation costs and occasional undermining by local
administrations.
 Field Monitoring Objectives
 Visiting project activity sites and interviewing beneficiaries to assess the progress and
performance of the project.
 Learning from experiences to improve practices and activities in future programming.
 Ensuring that all project activities are properly executed and reach the target beneficiaries to
maintain transparency and accountability to our stakeholders.
 Meeting with community representatives and leaders and conducting focus group discussions
to evaluate the impact of the intervention and ensure efficient resource utilization.
Methodology
The field monitoring visit was conducted to assess the ongoing implementation and impact of
the project activities in the target areas. The methodology employed was designed to ensure a
comprehensive understanding of the project's progress, challenges, and outcomes. The
following approaches were utilized:
 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): FGDs were conducted with various community groups,
including beneficiaries, local leaders, and other stakeholders. These discussions provided
qualitative insights into the community's perceptions, experiences, and feedback regarding
the project. The FGDs were structured to encourage open dialogue and capture diverse
perspectives.
 Observations: Direct observations were made during the field visit to assess the physical
and operational aspects of the project. This included evaluating the quality of infrastructure,
the usage of project resources, and the overall environment in which the project was being
implemented. Observations helped to verify the information gathered during FGDs and
provided additional context.

Field Monitoring visit Schedule

Venu
Topic Date
e
Mogadis
hu - Travelling Mogadishu To Dolow 8/3/24
Dolow
Meeting with Dolow based staff and Mobilizing
Dolow 8/4/24
the Village committees
Dolow Surgudud Village 8/5/24
Dolow Qurdubay Village 8/6/24
Belet-
Malkariyey Village 8/7/24
hawa
Mander
BP1 Village 8/8/24
a
Dolow-
Mogadis Travelling Dolow to Mogadishu 8/9/24
hu
 Capacity and structure building for
sustainable food security and community-
based conflict management to strengthen
resilience of conflict-affected agro-pastoral
IDPs and host communities.
Installation of Irrigation Systems, Agroforestry Training, and Climate-Adaptive
Practices
Overview Findings
The irrigation systems has had a profound and transformative impact on farming practices
across all visited villages. Prior to the project's implementation, farmers faced significant
challenges related to water scarcity, which limited their ability to farm consistently and
effectively. The irrigation systems have addressed this critical issue, enabling farmers to
cultivate their land more intensively and frequently.
In every village, beneficiaries noted a marked increase in crop yields, with many villages
reporting multiple harvests per year a significant improvement from the single harvests they
managed before. This shift has not only enhanced food security but has also allowed farmers
to diversify their crops.
For instance, villages like Surgudud have expanded their agricultural repertoire to include a
variety of vegetables, cereals, and fodder crops such as maize, sorghum, onions, and beans.
This diversification has opened up new income streams for farmers, as they are now able to
sell surplus produce in local markets, further improving their economic standing.
However, the farmers also highlights the impact of external environmental factors, particularly
the El-Niño floods, which caused significant crop losses in some areas. Surgudud and
Malkariyey were particularly affected, with beneficiaries reporting the destruction of crops and
nursery trees. Despite these setbacks, the overall sentiment towards the irrigation systems
remains overwhelmingly positive. Farmers expressed a renewed sense of motivation and
optimism, as they no longer face the same level of struggle in securing water for irrigation.

Watermelon – Malkariyey village Onion – Malkariyey village

The availability
of water has fundamentally altered their approach to farming, making it more sustainable and
less dependent on erratic natural water sources.

While the irrigation systems have generally been well-received, the ease of use and
operational challenges vary significantly between villages. In some cases, beneficiaries found
the systems to be user-friendly and straightforward. However, in other instances, particularly
in villages like Surgudud and Qurdubay, significant technical challenges were reported.
These challenges include malfunctioning floating pumps, frequent cracking of water pipes due
to insufficient capacity, and issues with weak dynamo systems.
These technical problems have had a direct impact on the efficiency of the irrigation systems,
leading to periods of water scarcity that have, in turn, affected crop production. For example,
the malfunctioning of the floating pump in Surgudud has resulted in water shortages, forcing
farmers to rely on less efficient shallow wells, which are inadequate for the expanded farming
activities. Similarly, in Qurdubay, the inability to repair the dynamo has left the community
dependent on a single, less effective water source.
The installation of the irrigation systems has significantly improved water management across
all the visited villages. One of the most frequently mentioned benefits is the elimination of
diesel costs, which were previously a substantial financial burden for farmers. The transition to
solar-powered systems and shallow wells has not only reduced these costs but has also
provided a more reliable and sustainable source of water.
However, the beneficiaries also highlight ongoing challenges related to water management.
Technical issues, such as the malfunctioning of floating pumps and the frequent cracking of
water pipes, have affected the consistency and reliability of water supply. In Surgudud, for
example, the breakdown of the floating pump has led to water shortages, forcing farmers to
rely on less effective alternatives.
This situation is compounded by the fact that the water pipes in many villages are not
adequately sized to handle the increased water pressure, leading to frequent leaks and
breaks.
Despite these challenges, the overall availability of water has improved in most villages. In
Qurdubay and Malkariyey, beneficiaries mentioned that water is now available daily, allowing
for more consistent irrigation and farming activities. However, the recurring issue of cracked
pipes suggests that further infrastructure upgrades may be necessary to ensure reliable water
delivery. The capacity of the existing water infrastructure needs to be reevaluated to match
the increased demand and prevent frequent breakdowns.
The agroforestry training provided as part of the project has had a notable impact on farming
practices in the visited villages. Beneficiaries from all villages stated an increase in tree
planting and the adoption of sustainable farming methods, indicating a positive shift towards
more environmentally friendly practices. The training has not only raised awareness about the
importance of agroforestry but has also equipped farmers with the skills to integrate trees into
their farming systems.
In Surgudud and Busle, farmers
have planted a variety of trees
on their farms, contributing to
soil conservation and potentially
mitigating the impact of future
environmental challenges like
floods. The training has also
had a broader community
impact, with farmers sharing their knowledge with others in the village, leading to wider
adoption of agroforestry practices.
However, the farmers also reveals the vulnerability of these efforts to environmental
challenges. In Surgudud, for example, the El-Niño floods destroyed a significant portion of the
newly planted trees, highlighting the need for ongoing support and training to help farmers
adapt to such events more effectively.

Onion – Surgudud village

The training on climate change-adaptive farming practices has been well-received, with
farmers in all villages reporting the adoption of new methods to cope with changing
environmental conditions. The training sessions covered a range of topics, including flood
avoidance, tree planting, and natural pest control methods, all of which have been integrated
into daily farming activities.
In Malkariyey, for example, farmers have adopted natural pest control methods learned during
the training, such as using a mixture of soap, pepper, and warm water to protect crops from
pests. This approach not only reduces reliance on chemical pesticides but also aligns with
sustainable farming practices. The adoption of these methods indicates a growing awareness
of the importance of adapting farming practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
However, the degree of adoption varies between villages. While some, like Malkariyey, have
fully embraced these practices, others may require further support and training to achieve
similar levels of implementation. Continued engagement and reinforcement of these practices
are essential to ensure their long-term sustainability and effectiveness in mitigating the
impacts of climate change on farming.
The installation of the irrigation systems has had a significant positive impact on community
dynamics and economic conditions in the visited villages. Increased cooperation and
collaboration among farmers were reported across the board, with farmers noting that the
shared benefits of the irrigation systems have fostered a stronger sense of community. This
collaboration has extended beyond farming, with communities coming together to manage
and maintain the irrigation systems and to share knowledge and resources. Economically, the
irrigation systems have allowed farmers to sell surplus crops, providing an additional source of
income. farmers reported that the ability to sell crops such as maize and sorghum has
improved their livelihoods and reduced their reliance on external financial support. This
economic empowerment is a direct result of the increased farming efficiency and crop yields
enabled by the irrigation systems. However, the farmers also highlights concerns about the
long-term sustainability of the systems. While some villages, such as Surgudud have started
planning for future maintenance and sustainability, others are still struggling to establish clear
plans or lack the financial resources to do so.
Sustainability is a critical concern for the long-term success of the irrigation systems. Farmers
across the visited villages suggested several improvements to enhance the systems'
effectiveness and longevity. These suggestions include the need for better technical training,
infrastructure upgrades, and financial support to maintain the systems.
In Surgudud, for example, farmers emphasized the need to repair the floating pump as a
priority, as the current reliance on shallow wells is not sustainable for their expanded farming
activities.
Similarly, in Qurdubay, the frequent cracking of water pipes due to insufficient capacity was
identified as a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The need for financial support to
maintain and repair the systems was also a recurring theme.
The creation of maintenance committees and the establishment of savings schemes were
mentioned as potential solutions to ensure
the long-term sustainability of the irrigation
systems. However, the effectiveness of
these measures may be limited by financial
constraints and the communities' capacity
to manage them.

The environmental impact of the new

irrigation systems has been generally
positive, with improvements in livelihoods
and community cooperation being the most
frequently mentioned benefits. The
availability of water has not only improved
Water pipe leaking – Qurdubay village farming practices but has also reduced the
need for hazardous activities such as
collecting water from distant or dangerous sources.

Activity 4.3: Training Clan

Leaders, Religious Authorities,
and Youth Activists on
Alternative Conflict Resolution
Approaches
The training delivered to clan
leaders, religious authorities, and
youth activists on alternative
conflict resolution approaches has
been highly effective, albeit with
some limitations. Trainees expressed that while the training was impactful, the allocated time
was insufficient to cover all necessary aspects comprehensively. Despite this, the training
successfully equipped these key community figures with practical skills and knowledge to
address conflicts. The trainees learned how to navigate different stages of conflict, from its
emergence to resolution, and were introduced to various techniques for managing different
types of disputes. The training emphasized both the theoretical aspects of conflict resolution
and practical applications, which participants found extremely beneficial.
Peace committees revealed that the skills acquired during the training have been actively
applied in real-world scenarios within the communities. One of the most compelling success
stories involves the resolution of a complex and sensitive cross-border rape case. A 20-year-
old man raped a 70-year-old woman and fled across the border. The peace committees from
Belet-Hawa and Mandera worked together to resolve this case, resulting in a decision to
provide the victim with $200 in monthly compensation. This outcome not only highlights the
effectiveness of the training but also demonstrates the ability of these committees to handle
cases that involve cross-border cooperation, which was previously a significant challenge.
Additionally, the committees have successfully managed several theft cases. For example,
after a group of men stole a solar panel from Koromey and fled to Belet-Hawa, the peace
committees from both towns collaborated to resolve the issue. In another instance, the same
group attempted to steal a shallow well pump, leading to a non-violent resolution by the
committees after a community member intervened. These examples illustrate the
committees' ability to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence, showcasing the practical
impact of the training on the ground.
The peace committees established through this initiative have become vital components of
the community’s conflict resolution framework. The training provided to these committee
members has been highly effective, significantly enhancing their capacity to manage and
resolve conflicts. This is evident in the community's growing trust in the committees, who are
now seen as reliable and impartial mediators.
The peace committees play a crucial role in addressing conflicts that arise both within and
between the communities of
Mandera and Belet-Hawa. Their
responsibilities include
mediating disputes over stolen
property, such as livestock and
agricultural equipment, and
resolving incidents of violence
and crime. The committees'
ability to work across borders is
particularly noteworthy, as it
addresses a previously unmet
need for cooperation between
these neighboring regions.
Before the establishment of
these committees, many
conflicts went unresolved,
leading to tension and potential
 violence. The committees have filled this gap, providing a structured and effective approach
to conflict resolution.
The impact of the peace committees is clearly visible in the improved relationships between
the communities of Mandera and Belet-Hawa. The committees have been instrumental in
preventing conflicts from escalating, earning them recognition and respect as peacemakers.
This change is reflected in the community's willingness to report incidents to the committees,
confident that their concerns will be addressed fairly and promptly. The level of cooperation
between the committees from both towns has also strengthened, leading to a more
coordinated and effective response to conflicts.
Inter-community dialogue meetings have become a cornerstone of the peacebuilding efforts in
the region. These meetings are held regularly, though the frequency sometimes depends on
the availability of sponsors. The dialogues bring together a diverse group of participants,
including men, women, youth, religious leaders, and community leaders. This inclusivity is
crucial for ensuring that all voices are heard and that the solutions developed are
representative of the entire community.
The dialogues have proven to be highly effective in reducing tensions and preventing violence.
Before conducting these dialogue meetings, the fear of revenge killings was prevalent in both
Mandera and Belet-Hawa. However, the regular dialogues and the involvement of peace
committees have significantly reduced this fear. Community members now believe in the
power of these dialogues to resolve issues before they escalate, leading to a more peaceful
and cooperative environment. The dialogues have also provided a platform for discussing
preventive measures and building trust between the communities, further contributing to
long-term peace.
One of the innovative approaches to peacebuilding the football tournaments, these
tournaments have had a positive impact on community relations, particularly among the
youth. The events provided a neutral space where young people from both Mandera and
Belet-Hawa can interact, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This interaction has
been instrumental in breaking down barriers and building a sense of shared identity and
purpose among the youth, which is critical for sustaining peace in the long term.
Despite the successes, the peace committees face several challenges that could hinder their
effectiveness. Transportation costs are a significant burden, limiting the committees' ability to
respond quickly to conflicts. Additionally, there are occasional issues with local administrations
in Mandera undermining the authority of the committees from Belet-Hawa. To address these
challenges, it is recommended that peace committee members be provided with formal
recognition, such as certificates and ID cards. This would not only enhance their legitimacy but
also ensure that they are respected by local authorities in both towns. Furthermore, continued
financial support is necessary to cover transportation costs and other logistical needs,
ensuring that the committees can operate effectively.
Recommendations
 Expand Technical Training: Provide comprehensive technical training to a broader group of
community members across all villages. This training should cover the operation,
maintenance, and troubleshooting of irrigation systems, including solar-powered systems,
floating pumps, and water pipes. By increasing the number of trained individuals, communities
will be less reliant on a few people and better equipped to handle technical issues promptly.
 Establish Local Repair Teams: Consider establishing local repair teams within each village,
comprising community members who have undergone advanced training. These teams should
be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to address common technical issues,
reducing the need to rely on external technicians.
 Replace and Upgrade Water Pipes: Address the recurring issue of cracked water pipes by
replacing them with pipes that have a higher capacity and durability. This upgrade will reduce
the frequency of pipe failures and ensure a more consistent water supply to the farms.
 Repair and Maintain Floating Pumps: Prioritize the repair and maintenance of floating
pumps, particularly in villages where these pumps have malfunctioned. Ensuring that the
floating pumps are fully operational will enhance water availability and support expanded
farming activities.
 Establish Community Maintenance Funds: Encourage the formation of community
maintenance funds, where farmers contribute a small, regular amount to cover the costs of
repairs and maintenance. This collective approach will help ensure that funds are available
when needed, reducing downtime and financial strain on individual farmers.
 Create Maintenance Committees: Formalize the creation of maintenance committees in
each village, responsible for overseeing the upkeep of the irrigation systems. These
committees should be empowered to make decisions regarding repairs, upgrades, and the
allocation of community funds for maintenance.
 Promote Community Ownership: Foster a sense of ownership among community members
by involving them in decision-making processes related to the irrigation systems. This could
include consultations on infrastructure upgrades, maintenance plans, and the distribution of
resources.
 Encourage Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions where farmers from
different villages can exchange experiences and best practices related to irrigation,
agroforestry, and climate-adaptive farming. This peer-to-peer learning can strengthen
community bonds and enhance the overall effectiveness of the project.
 Implement Environmental Monitoring: Establish a regular environmental monitoring
program to assess the impact of the irrigation systems on soil quality, water usage, and
broader environmental conditions. This will help identify any potential negative impacts early
on and allow for timely interventions.
 Promote Climate-Resilient Practices: Continue to support the adoption of climate-resilient
farming practices through ongoing training and the provision of resources. Encourage the
integration of agroforestry and natural pest control methods, which have shown promise in
enhancing sustainability and resilience against climate-related challenges.
 Mitigate the Impact of Environmental Events: Develop and implement strategies to
mitigate the impact of environmental events, such as El-Niño floods, which have previously
caused significant damage to crops and infrastructure. This could include constructing
protective barriers, improving drainage systems, or providing early warning systems and
disaster preparedness training.
 Provide Access to Quality Seeds and Inputs: Address the challenge of accessing quality
seeds and agricultural inputs by exploring partnerships with suppliers or facilitating group
purchases to reduce costs. Ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary resources will
enhance the overall productivity and resilience of their farming activities.