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WFP Egypt

Country Programme DEV 200238

Second Quarter Monitoring Report

(April-June) 2016

Prepared by: EGY-CO Monitoring and Evaluation Unit

2

Abbreviations B&P: Budgeting and Programming

CBT: Cash Based Transfer

CAPMAS: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics

CPs: Cooperating Partners

CO: Country Office, Egypt

EVAR: Emergency Operation Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees

FFA: Food Assistance for Assets

FMAs: Field Monitors Assistants

GIS: Geographic Information System

GRASP: Geo-referenced Real Time Acquisition of Statistics Platform

HEB: Daily in-school snacks

HHs: Households

MOMM: Ministry of Manpower

MOSS: Ministry of Social Solidarity

MOU: Memorandum of Understanding

NCCM: National Council for Childhood and Motherhood

NCI: National Capacity Index

SF: School Feeding

THR: Take Home Rations

UNICEF: United Nations Children Fund

UNHCR: United Nations High Commission for Refugees

VAM: Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping

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Introduction

This report highlights the performance of WFP Egypt Country Office (CO) operations from the period of April to June 2016. The performance strategy is assessed based on both outcome and output indicators of the operation’s different projects and referred to throughout the report. WFP aims to target the most impoverished areas of the country by providing assistance to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable. To date, WFP targets 16

out the country’s 27 governorates that are in most need through several socio-economic activities. The different projects include activities from School Feeding (SF) - which constitutes the largest component of the Country Programme-alongside activities of Nutrition, Cash Based Transfers (CBT), School Rehabilitation, Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood, Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping (VAM), and Child Protection.

Furthermore, the report aims to highlight the major achievements as well as shortcomings of the operation and

offer tangible and realistic mitigation measures. Inputs included in this report were collected from the different CO units and triangulated-when applicable-by the data retrieved from Field Monitor Assistants (FMAs) that conduct both school and household (HH) surveys in targeted governorates.3

Major Highlights in Q2 2016

3The data outlining attendance records are usually received from our Cooperating Partners (CPs), this was not available during this quarter.

- An average of 42% of interviewed HH were aware of the recommended

feedback channels of WFP assistance, not far from Q1 figure of 50%.

- Average attendance rates was reported to be 62% in targeted community schools in comparison to Q1 at 92%. -Data retrieved is from the Geo-referenced Real Time Acquisition of Statistics Platform (GRASP) online platform.

-Work was the most repeated answer at 25% for reasons of student absence,

followed by marriage or engagement at 20% relative to sickness being the

most repeated answer in Q1 at 42%.

This quarter saw the first instance of WFP’s collaboration and partnership with different government entities in calculating the National Capacity Index (1.8/4 for Q2). The score is a combined total of the five policy goals, each reflecting an individual score.

Average of 24% of teachers interviewed in this quarter claimed that HEB had a

‘great extent’ on children’s cognitive capacity in relation to 17% of teachers in

Q1.

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1. School Feeding

Output, outcome and beneficiary perception indicators captured for the entire SF operation are primarily collected

through WFP’s Cooperating Partners (CPs). This data is then validated by the CO FMAs by conducting both HH

visits and interviewing family members and school visits where teachers are interviewed.4

During the reporting period, school and HH visits

were conducted in the following thirteen

governorates across Egypt: Assuit, Aswan,

Beheira, Beni Suef, Fayoum, Gharbeya, Kafr El

Sheikh, Luxor, Marsa Matrouh, Menya, Qena,

Sharkeya and Sohag.

The number of schools surveyed in the second

quarter has increased by 50 percent in

comparison to Q1. As illustrated in Figure 1, out

of 3,636 operational community schools in Q2,

738 schools were visited, which constituted 20%

of the overall total.

The number of HH interviewed increased during

Q2 by 10 percent (319 visits) in comparison to

Q1 (153 visits).5

The lack of access and monitor public schools was still

ongoing for the duration of Q2 due to ministerial

clearances to access. Our FMAs were not able to

access community schools in three governorates

where WFP operates in. (Giza, Dakhaleya and

Qaleyobeya).6

Reporting on the overall School Feeding – National

Capacity Index from the period between March-June

2016 was 1.8/4.7 The score is a combined total of the

five policy goals, each reflecting an individual score.

The SF-NCI is calculated based on results obtained

from the SF SABER8, which serves as the baseline. It

focuses on the policy framework for SF programmes

rather than the implementation. The five policy goals

are policy frameworks, financial capacity, institutional

capacity and coordination, design and implementation

and community roles.

4As mentioned prior, data on the part of CP’s was not available for Q2. As such, the validation exercise was not possible for this Q2 report. The data was compiled and extracted from GRASP. 5 Percentage of HH to be targeted is predicated on a sample outlining the number of schools to be visited (and divided by half). 6 For both Qaleyobeya and Dakhaleya monitoring has not occurred since the beginning of the year. 7 (SF - NCI) Measures the progress of country capacity towards nationally owned school feeding programmes. It also measures the strength of national school feeding policies and systems already in place. 8 SABER: The Systems Approach for Better Education Results, uses diagnostic tools and detailed policy information, SABER produces comparative data and knowledge about education system policies and institutions. It evaluates the quality of those education policies against evidence-based global standards, with the aim of helping countries systematically strengthen their education systems.

Figure 1

20%

80%

Percentage of schools visited from total number of operational community schools in Q2

Total number of schools visited in Q2 Operational number of schools in Q2

18%

82%

Percentage of HH visited for community schools beneficiaries in Q2

HH visited during Q2 Remaining HH to visit in Q2

Figure 2

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1.1 Output indicators

1.1.1 Number of people assisted in the SF programme as percentage of planned

In Q2, a total number of

372,900 people received THR,

as for the daily in-school snacks

distribution (HEB) there was a

total number of 89,147 children

have been reached by WFP,

May witnesses the highest

number of people received

assistance.

Assistance in the form of CBT has

significantly increased during

Q2. In June, 59,960 people

received e-vouchers compared

to 5,808 in April. This is an

increase of 34%. The percentage

of people assisted compared to

the project plan reached 34

percent in Q2 as opposed to 5%

in Q1.

1.12 Quantity of Food

distributed as percent of

planned for SF and Climate

Adaptation and Livelihood

operations

As illustrated in Table 1, from the

inputs received from Budgeting and

Programming (B&P) there was

shortfall in the target reached for both

HEB and rice distributed during this

quarter, at 29% and 49%

accordingly. 10 The rice shortages

were mainly attributed to the lack of

rice available on the local market,

coupled with price hikes, inflation and

the devaluation of the Egyptian

currency that put a strain on

commodity delivery. As such, the total

percentage of achieved actuals in

comparison to the project plan was

45% for Q2.

9Numbers mentioned below are in Metric Tonnage. 10 The delay in HEB distribution-as confirmed by WFP Egypt CO Procurement unit-was mainly attributed to the change from non-EU schools to EU schools mid quarter; coupled with an increase in beneficiary numbers. This caused significant administrative changes as well as needed updates on WINGS that delayed ‘actuals’ reached.

Output data of food distributed in Q2

2016

Daily in-school snacks (HEB) in mt9

Rice distributed in mt

Vegetable Oil in mt

Total in mt

April Plan 937.39 1,110 102.12 2149.51

Actual 211.83 577.66 62.85 852.34

Percentage of Actual v. Plan

23% 53% 59%

May Plan 192.69 1,110 102.12 1404.81

Actual 99.28 631.3 124.73 919.63

Percentage of Actual v. Plan

52% 57% 116%

June Plan 192.69 1,110 102.12 1404.81

Actual 68.63 419.8 69.49 557.92

Percentage of Actual v. Plan

36% 38% 65%

Total of Quarter 2

Plan 1322.77 3,330 306.36 4969.13

Actual 379.74

1,628.76 257.07 2265.57

Percentage of Actual v. Plan

29% 49% 80% 45%

127,400 54,112 87,650 104,880 77,190 89,147 67,637

444,000

215,692351,028 405,432 282,980 372,900 246,944

110,259

5,316

5,916

5,816

5,808

46,604

59,960

Monthly Plan Reached inJan

Reached inFeb

Reached inMar

Reached inApr

Reached inMay

Reached inJun

Number of beneficiaries in Q1 and Q2 2016

In School Snacks THR Cash Based Transfers

Figure 3

Table 1

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In regard to Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood

delivery, three commodities are measured: vegetable

oil, wheat flour, and dried fruits. Throughout Q2 and

on a monthly basis 5 mt was the planned distribution

figure for oil, 55 mt for Wheat flour, and 5MTNs for

dried fruit (dates). The actual reached numbers was

4.87 mt for oil and 59.45 mt for wheat flour, and 0 for

dried fruit, as illustrated in Table 2.11

1.2 Outcome Indicators

1.2.1 Attendance rates of boys and girls in primary

schools12

Based on a sample of 738 community schools visited during the

second quarter, results revealed that the average attendance

for the 13 monitored governorates was 62%.

1.2.2 Reasons for Absenteeism

To better understand the reasons behind student absences,

teachers were given a checklist with possible scenarios. 336

teachers provided their inputs and reflected the following

answers: work was the most repeated answer, at 25% for

students’ absenteeism with marriage or engagement

coming next in line with 20%, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Despite the aforementioned figures, which do not constitute the majority, child labor in Upper Egypt is common

among the most destitute of families due to money shortages and increase in prices of basic necessities.

11 No dried fruit was available for distribution during the Q2 reporting period. Data mentioned above (planned and actuals) were received from B&P. 12Data from some CP’s was not provided for Q2, due to challenges for reporting on time.

Commodities Progress

Vegetable Oil Wheat Flour Dried Fruits

Planned Distribution

5 55 0

Actual Distribution 4.8 59.45 0

Percentage 96% 108% 0%

Students at WFP assisted community schools, Photo by: Amina El

Korey

21%

20%

25%

5%

14%

1%

2%

10%

1%

Other Reasons

Marriage or Engagged

Work (Child Labour)

Sickness

Moved to another city

School is far away

Taking care of his\her young family members

Not interested in education

Helping the mother in house work

Percentage of reasons for absenteeism of children assisted in community schools in Q2- Teachers perspective

Figure 4

Table 2

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1.3 Beneficiary perceptions and qualitative indicators

This section is built on responses provided by teachers interviewed (683 teachers) by FMAs in community schools

on behalf of the assisted children.

1.3.1 Percentage of children

who liked WFP Daily Snacks

The records indicate in Figure 5 that

more than 90% of children liked the

daily-in school snack. A positive

indication of the food provided and a

reflection of the incentive it provides for

children to attend school.

1.3.2 Daily in school snacks (HEB) impact on children’s cognitive capacity and nutritious

status

In further assessing the impact of HEB on students, 679 teachers were interviewed to reveal the answers illustrated

in Figure 6. In Kafr El Sheikh, teacher has answered 100% of seeing the ‘great extent’ of HEB distribution on

children’s cognitive capacity. Fayoum teachers were next in line, followed by Sharkeya. Teachers in Luxor reported

32% of not noticing a difference, while 64% claimed that they saw a change ‘to an extent.’

Despite the varying degrees of perceptions, the overall majority saw a positive impact in children’s behavior- this

is further attributed to the content of the date bar, which is fortified with vitamins and minerals that provide 25%

of the child’s daily nutritional needs.

Figure 4

39%

51%

7%

2%

0%

0%

All of the children

Most of them

Half of the children

Few of the children

No one

I don't know

Percentage of children assisted in community schools who like WFP Daily in school snacks in Q2- Teachers

Perspective

Figure 6

42%

79%

30%

4%

40%

100%

4%

70%

34%

10% 4%

24%

52%

68%

19%

65%

74%

20%

64%

30%

66%

24%

67% 33%

5%11%

2%10%

32%

56%

11%

36%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Assuit Aswan Behira Beni Suef Fayoum Gharbeya Kafr ElSheikh

Luxor MarsaMatrouh

Menya Qena Sharkeya Sohag

WFP daily in school snacks effect on Children's Cognitive Capacities in Q2-Teacher's perspective

Yes to a great extent Yes to an extent No, I don't observe any difference

Figure 5

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The importance of HEB is further illustrated in Figure

7, where most teachers answered ‘yes to an

extent’ at 56% to the question on the positive

effects of WFP’s daily in school snacks; while only 7%

claimed that ‘they do not observe a difference.’

Despite that a majority of the teachers interviewed, as

illustrated in Figure 8, claimed that most children

assisted do already bring food with them to

school, it is not indicative on the type of food nor the

quality.

A clear majority of 94% of teachers interviewed

answered ‘yes to a great extent (as illustrated in Figure

9), illustrating the incentive that HEB and THR provide

towards parents to send their children to school.

1.3.4 Teachers’ nutrition awareness

Teacher’s awareness is integral as it feeds into children’s awareness about nutrition, on the necessary food intake.13

As illustrated in Figure 10, 68% of teachers interviewed in 74 community schools received the training on

nutrition awareness. Training during Q2 was conducted in following governorates: Gharbeya, Fayoum, Marsa

Matrouh and Menya.

13 There was no EU funded nutrition awareness throughout Q2 (similar to Q1) as confirmed by Teacher’s training CO focal point.

13% 7%

56%

24%

I don't know I don't observe adifference

Yes to an extent Yes to a greatextent

Average Teachers' Perceptions of WFP's daily in school snacks effects on Children's

Cognitive Capacities in Q2

Figure 7

60%40%

Percentage of children bringing food with them to school in Q2- Teacher's perspective

Have food with them Have no food with them

94%

5% 1% 0%0%

20%40%

60%

80%100%

Yes to a greatextent

Yes to an extent I don't observe adifference

I don't know

Average of teacher's percentage who observed the importance of THRs and HEBs in attracting

children to community schools during Q2

68%

32%

Received Nutrition Awareness training Didn't receive Nutrition Awarenesstraining

Teachers Recieved WFP Nutrition Training in community schools during Q2

Figure 10

Figure 8

Figure 9

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2. Cross-cutting corporate indicators

2.1 Empowerment and gender

An average of 78% of HH interviewed, claimed that

women made the decision over the use of assistance

provided by WFP, as illustrated by Figure 11. This is not

far from the Q1 figure, where an average of 87% of the

HH interviewed claimed that women made the decision.

2.2 Protection and accountability to affected

population

This section assesses the communication/feedback

mechanism from people assisted by WFP to WFP, as well

as the safety channels for both children and their family

members in accessing WFP distribution sites.

Beneficiaries’ Awareness of feedback channels:

During this quarter, 42% of the people assisted by WFP

knew about the existing feedback channels, as illustrated

by Figure 12. This is down from Q1, where out of the

sample of interviewed HHs, 79% claimed that they were aware of the

provisions to receive assistance.

Safety during WFP distribution of foods: During the reporting period, 98% of interviewed HH claimed that

they did not encounter any safety problems, either going or returning from school.

However, there were serious cases reported out of the remaining 2%.

2.3 Beneficiaries General Comments in regard to WFP assistance

Based on interviews conducted in schools and HH, WFPs FMAs were captured a snapshot of what the needs of

beneficiaries are the main needs reported are as follows:

Interviews conducted in schools:

- Teachers Training

- Increase the amount of educational material in Mathematics, English and computer subjects;

- More training targeting nutrition awareness and personal hygiene.

Interviews conducted in HH’s:

- Most of the families reported to suffer a great deal given the delay in THR delivery. This was further exacerbated given the increase in the price of rice throughout the country.

Figure 11

78%

21%1%

Decision Making Over the Use of WFP Assistance Disaggregated by Gender in Q2

Women Both Men and Women Men

Aware42%Not Aware

58%

Beneficiaries' Awareness of Feeback channels in Q2

Aware Not Aware

Figure 12

:

A woman receiving a THR at a WFP assisted community school, Photo

by: Amina El Korey

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3. Training and Climate Adaptation and Livelihood Activities

3.1 ‘Get Ahead for Women in Enterprise Training’ in 9 governorates

At its core, ‘Get Ahead for Women in Enterprise Training’ seeks to train women as trainers to be able to train mothers on how to design, implement and manage income generating activities. During Q2, 5,004 mothers received training

out of a planned total of 50,000 in Assiut, Aswan, Beni-Sweif, Kafr El Sheikh, Luxor, Menya, Sharkeya, Sohag, and Qaleyobeya. Out of the 5,004 mothers:

- 142 women received computer Skills Training

- 668 mothers received awareness sessions on how income-generating activities provides additional income for

the family and its impact on the livelihood of one’s family. These sessions also shed light on how income-

generating activities provide an alternative source of income to child labor.

3.2 Teachers’ Active learning

Training

Active Learning, is a methodology used to engage students in an interactive way to learn content as opposed to the conventional

method of learning by text book.14 During Q2, the number of teachers who received Active Learning Training was 199 (29%) teachers, as illustrated in Figure 13. This is a decline from 69% trained during Q1.

3.3 School Rehabilitation A needs assessment is conducted by WFP’ in determining community schools most in need for equipment, waste management, and pavement alignment to make it safer for the assisted schoolchildren. To date 889 schools have

been assessed across 16 governorates. During this quarter alone, WFP conducted assessment in 175 schools in

Aswan and Luxor. By the end of the second quarter, 14 schools have been rehabilitated in Menya out of the 889 assessed schools. A total of 3,500 schools are planned to be rehabilitated by the end of the project in 2017.

3.4 Climate Adaptation and Livelihoods Beneficiaries and Training conducted

During the reporting period, WFP assisted 6,730

beneficiaries (45% of which are female beneficiaries)

located in Marsa Matrouh and Red Sea governorates

through its food assistance for assets initiative. This

initiative has achieved 54% of the planned target for the

quarter.

During the reporting period, and as part of the Food

Assistance for Assets (Training), WFP conducted five types of training workshops:

• Agricultural Practices for Rain-fed Cultivation; • Livestock Vaccination; • Health Education and Food Safety; • Vocational Training;

• Voluntary Work and Community Committees.

As illustrated in Figure 14, the majority of those trained were women in both the food for work and food for training.

14 This activity is implemented in the community schools funded by the EU.

29%

71%

Received Active learning training Didn't receive active learning

Percentage of teachers who received WFP Active Learning training in Q2

Figure 13

1045

2656

855

2174

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Food for Work Food for Training

Food Assistance for Asset Trainings disagregated by gender in Q2

Male Female

Figure 14

11

In addition, 6,785 community members were trained (702 female and 6,083 male trainees) - in Qena, Sohag,

Assuit, Aswan, Luxor on various topics in the field of climate change adaptation tackling the following topics;

• 5 Goat Raising/ Nutrition Training;

• 4 Formation of Water User Associations;

• 141 Follow up of Land Consolidation Initiative;

• 2 Insert a Small Farm Machinery;

• 2 Computer Skills Training;

• 60 Field Training (wheat- sugar cane- onion- black seed - fennel - tomato).

WFP continued to train 30 government officials (3 female, 27 male trainees) in Assuit, Aswan, Qena, Luxor

and Sohag on early warning unit official of directorates training. Furthermore, 36 agriculture students were also

trained during the reporting period in Assuit, Aswan, Qena, Luxor and Sohag on various mechanisms to reduce the

impact of climate change.

4. WFP Combating Child Labor Activities

4.1 Provision of technical expertise to support the enforcement of the legislation and the

implementation of the National Action Plan on child labor.

As previously mentioned, teachers interviewed reflected that the main reason why children are not attending school

was due to work at 25%. Despite this percentage not reflecting a clear majority, mitigation measures were sought

during Q2. Progress was made in regard to dialogue exchange through a coordination meeting between United

Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) to develop a

common strategy on how to overcome the challenges faced. Furthermore, WFP developed a Child Labor database

link it with Ministry of Manpower (MoM) in order to better document and address issues faced.

5. Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping Activities (VAM)

VAM had several activities that were finalized this quarter. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed

with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) for the enhancement of national food

security and information, which includes capacity building of Geographic Information System (GIS) to generate

better household income. This agreement has a planned implementation start date by the end of 2016. The

Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees (EVAR) in collaboration with The United Nations High Commission for

Refugees (UNHCR) methodology, sampling, and questionnaire were finalized during this quarter along with two

training workshops. There was technical support towards the Ministry of Social Solidarity (MOSS) in regard to

Takafol and Karama international event.

6. Conclusions and Recommendations

This quarter highlighted the major achievements and challenges

faced by Egypt’s CO operations. WFP increased its CBT modality, in

comparison to Q1. Implementation was negatively affected by the

rice shortages and the increase in its prices in the local market, as

illustrated in Figure 15.15

This will be further exacerbated given the increase in other

commodity prices and the devaluation of the local currency.

The lack of access to monitor public schools assisted formulated an

obstacle for monitoring and evaluation activities.

15 Data was taken from the average prices from WFP contracted markets.

8

9 10

7

8

9

10

April May June

EGP

Increase in the price of rice April-June 2016

Rice (1Kg)

Figure 15

12

Monitoring and Evaluation Unit is in prompt negotiations and ongoing correspondence with Ministry of

Education and MOSS, in order to gain access.

Recommendations:

- Add a more detailed question on the type of food that schoolchildren bring to school to the

questionnaire as to better understand their food consumption and nutrient intake.

- Increase training sessions on nutrition and personal hygiene as indicated by WFP beneficiaries.

GRASP analysis prepared by:

Ms. Sara Hani-former Programme Associate/ M&E

Report prepared by:

Ms. Lina Zalat-Programme Associate/ External Relations

Ms. Nancy Yacoub-Programme Assistant/M&E

Mr. Karim Mohamed-Field Coordinator/M&E

For more information contact:

Ms. Nesreen El Molla-Programme Policy Officer/ M&E

World Food Programme