FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 1
Program for Emergency Seed Support
Final Program Results Report 
Submitted to: USAID/DCHA/OFDA Washington, D.C.
Organization: Food for the Hungry, Inc. Date: May 7, 2021
Headquarters:
Anthony Koomson
Sr. Director, Public Resource Development
1001 Connecticut Ave, Suite 1115 
Washington, DC 20036
aekoomson@fh.org 
Ethiopia:
Trisha Okenge
Country Director
Bole Sub City, Woreda 02, House Number 5268, 
Opposite to Bole Airport Leadership School, 
adjacent to Skylight Hotel 
+251-904 031048 or +251-116-167092
tokenge@fh.org
Program Title: Program for Emergency Seed Support
Grant No: Agreement 720FDA20GR00095
Country/region: Ethiopia/Amhara Region
Reporting period: June 8, 2020 – February 7, 2021
Total No of beneficiaries: 144,069 Individuals (28,743 HHs)
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Program for Emergency Seed Support (PESS) is a USAID/BHA-funded seed security activity 
responding to the 2020 crop failure resulting from the 2019 drought in Wag Himra Zone, Amhara 
Region. PESS’s objective was to improve access and availability of improved seeds for
smallholder farmers who could not afford seeds for the 2020 cropping season due to crop failure. 
Despite political instability and procurement challenges, 144,069 farmers received assistance over 
the course of the project with food self-sufficiency increasing to 6.3 months from a baseline of five 
months.
Seed procurement, transportation and distribution were the major activities of this project. 
5,006.50 quintals of wheat and 2,758.70 quintals of teff seeds were procured and distributed to 
28,743 households (HHs) (20.4% Female Headed HHs) (99.99% of targeted beneficiaries) to 
address the crop failure. In total, 14,372.47 hectares of land were covered by the two distributed 
crop seeds. The expected yield from this area of land was 206,108.82 quintals with an average 
productivity of 14.34 quintals per hectare; however, according to the end line evaluation, 356,521 
quintals of yield was obtained. This achievement is 237% of the baseline value of 150,440 quintals 
from the 2019 cropping season.
In October and November, 569 (170 females) Kebele Early Warning and Food Security Task Force 
Members were trained on community managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR). In addition to 
this, the after action review meeting and internalization workshops were conducted in October and 
November 2020. In this workshop and review meeting 219 (9 females) people participated 
(detailed further below). Finally, the end line evaluation was conducted by Karamara Consulting 
service from January 1 to January 10, 2021. 
1.SECURITY AND HUMANITARIAN CONTEXT
Desert Locust
According to the Wag Himra Zone Disaster Risk Reduction Office, swarms of desert locusts first
infested crops in all districts of the zone in November 2019. At that time, it was understood that,
through the concerted efforts of both community and government, the swarms were controlled.
However, desert locust eggs hatched in Sehala and Abergele woreda during the inception of the
project. An estimated three hectares of maize and sorghum fields at the early vegetative stage were
infested by the swarms in Sehala Woreda but there was no crop damage reported. It was noted that
the local government utilized chemical sprays to control the invasion of the locusts and the
communities killed the swarm in the first instar stage before they developed into the adult stage.
In October 2020 swarms of locusts appeared in Tsagbiji woreda, but the locusts were controlled
mechanically by farmers using local materials to kill the swarms of the locusts. Generally, it was
concluded that there was no crop damage despite the appearance of swarms. The Office of
Agriculture and FH’s PESS team closely monitored the fields to prevent large scale damage.
COVID-19
According to a report from the Wag Himra Zone Early Warning and Health Office 4,434 COVID￾19 tests had been conducted in all of the woredas of the zone as of October 2020. Of those tested, 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 3 
165 people were positive for the virus and 163 people have since recovered. Since October 2020, 
there have not been accurate numbers as the Wag Himra zone stopped testing due to a shortage of 
kits.
During project implementation, the Government of Ethiopia undertook sensitization activities in 
the communities to combat the pandemic. FH also worked with the government to combat the 
pandemic in its TRAIN and JEOP operational woredas (Sehala, Abergele and Ziquala) through 
the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, with USAID funding, 
infection prevention supplies such as sanitizers, gloves, hand-washing jerrycans, and social and
behavior change (SBC) materials were provided in addition to the establishment of hand washing 
facilities. In its programming, FH enforced social distancing, mask wearing, and strict sanitation 
practices. FH also developed a standard operating procedure to protect staff and beneficiaries from 
COVID-19 impacts in its operation areas. The prevalence of COVID-19 in FH Addis Office has 
impacted monitoring and technical backstopping to project staff at project areas. Some staff like 
Agriculture and Food Security Specialist and Emergency Seed Coordinator were forced to isolate 
themselves for about two weeks because of contact with a staff member who had COVID-19 in 
Abergele. The various training like CMDRR and the after action review meetings that could have 
been conducted at once required additional sessions in different places to ensure that social 
distancing was maintained. The impact of COVID-19 it exerted pressure on timely execution of 
project activities.
Security
Following the conflict between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation 
Front (TPLF) in the Tigray region, many people were internally displaced. Currently the 
Emergency Coordination Center of Tigray region has declared that there are over 2,000,000 IDPs
in Shire, Mekelle, Axum and Adwa Cities. The conflict forced FH to suspend its operation in 
Abergele woreda due to its location on the border of Tigray. As of the writing of this report, the 
security situation is generally stable except for some tension in Tigray border areas, such as Chila 
and Tsana, where remnants of TPLF forces are fighting using hit and run tactics. Activities in 
project areas resumed upon the recommendation of the regional officials who participated in the 
PESS evaluation workshop on December 13, 2020. The PESS final evaluation was safely 
undertaken because of improvements in the security of the project area. To help ensure staff safety, 
FH trained Project Managers, Project Administrators, Finance Coordinators, and the PESS team 
on FH security policies and procedures. 
General Food Security Situation
The Wag Himra Zone is known for erratic rainfall, recurrent drought, fragmented landholdings, 
and severe environmental degradation that constrains agricultural production. Food shortages and 
malnutrition have long been defining characteristics of the Wag Himra Zone, even during a 
relatively good cropping season. The 2019/20 situation was different as El Niño resulted in the 
delayed onset of rain and insufficient moisture that brought a severe drought in all eight woredas. 
Erratic rainfall distribution was observed during planting, and rains stopped earlier than usual at 
the flowering stages. This resulted in crop failure, with significant reduction of crop yield. Because 
of this, over 39,000 smallholder farmers could not afford seeds for the 2020 cropping season. The 
Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) forecast confirmed that these areas were 
mostly classified as Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Stressed (IPC Phase 2). Out of the total 556,305 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 4 
population of Wag Himra Zone, there were 106,198 transitory food insecure beneficiaries targeted 
by JEOP and 151,875 chronically food insecure beneficiaries targeted by Productive Safety Net 
Program (PSNP) in the DFSAs, implemented by FH and World Vision Ethiopia. This indicates 
that 46.4% of the total population were dependent on external food assistance to cover their food 
requirements. 
The FEWSNET March 2021 forecast revealed that the project areas were found in crisis (IPC 
Phase 3) from March to May 2021. This is due to many poor HHs having little to no food stocks 
and being reliant upon the market with below-average purchasing power. The poor start of the belg 
season is leading to continued low agricultural labor opportunities. Moreover, sporadic conflict in 
Oromia, Amhara, and a few other areas of the country has also contributed to the decline in labor 
income in areas affected by conflict.
1 FEWSNET April 2021 report shows that Wag Himra zone 
is classified as IPC 3-crisis and this situation will continue until September 2021. It seems that the 
forecast held true as far as the food gap is concerned.2
2.ASSESSMENTS
2.1 Baseline Data Collection
Per USAID’s requirements, and to confirm rapid assessment data, a baseline survey was conducted 
in all of the woredas where PESS activities were undertaken. 
The baseline employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, 
including:
● HH Interviews;
● Key Informant Interviews (KIIs);
● Focus Group Discussions (FGDs); and
● Secondary data review 
HH interviews were carried out in all eight woredas. Of the total 28,746 HHs directly benefiting 
from PESS, 400 HH heads (323 males and 77 females) were selected from accessible kebeles for 
the interviews using random sampling techniques. Thirty trained enumerators, with the use of the 
Open Data Kit (ODK) application, collected data using mobile phones from September 3 to 
September 9, 2020. The enumerators were trained before deployment and had conducted a pre￾testing exercise before they were deployed to the field. The training was done by the M&E 
Manager using their telephones. The Emergency Seed Coordinators were also in the field to 
support and supervise the enumerators. 
Semi-structured checklists were employed to guide KIIs with selected members of the Kebele 
Food Security Task Force. In total, 35 Food Security Task Force members (24 males and 11 
females) participated in the KIIs. The KIIs were held at the woreda level with six crop production 
and one early warning expert. Multiple FGDs were also conducted with the two groups of 
beneficiaries (men and women). The FGDs were guided by brief checklists designed to evoke 
1 FEWSNET East Africa Ethiopia, March 2021
2 FEWSNET April 2021 March to May 2021
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 5 
relevant discussions. Discussions were conducted in a COVID-19 sensitive manner: participants 
had PPE and maintained physical distance. 
A total of 16 FGDs (2 in each woreda) were conducted in the eight woredas. A total of 121 people 
(60 men and 61 women) from eight woredas participated in the FGDs. 
Primary data was augmented by secondary data. Documents such as the 2019 Meher (main 
planting season) and Belg food security situation assessment reports, crop production reports from 
respective woreda agricultural offices and crop production progress reports were reviewed. The 
information on the 2020 cropping season yield was obtained from the desk review of the data from 
the Zone Department of Agriculture.
The result of the baseline survey indicated that beneficiaries experienced an average of five months 
of HH food self-sufficiency as a result of the seed system security programming (Result Indicator 
1). Through PESS interventions, FH planned to increase this to seven months by providing 
improved wheat and teff seeds to the beneficiaries. This data was to be corroborated by the HH 
survey that would be conducted during the final evaluation. The baseline survey data also showed 
that the number of people directly benefiting from seed systems (Result Indicator 2) was zero. 
Through its interventions, FH planned to reach 144,069 people and use the project numbers to 
verify the final number. The baseline data showed that the percentage of HHs with access to 
sufficient seeds to plant (Result Indicator 3) was 0 and PESS planned to donate enough seed to 
plant half hectare of land to all beneficiaries targeted for the seed support program. The fulfilment 
of the planned result was checked through the HH survey conducted during the final performance 
evaluation. The data from the desk review and HH survey was used as a source of information to 
support the achievement of the Custom Indicator 4, increased production of major agricultural 
crops from seeds distributed to target HHs by 37% from the baseline as a result of the project.
Table 1: Result Indicator Baseline Data and Target
Indicator Baseline Source of 
Information 
Target 
Sub-sector: Seed System Security 
Indicator 1 Number of months of HH food self￾sufficiency as a result of seed system 
security programming 
5 HH survey 7 
Indicator 2 Number of people directly benefiting 
from seed systems/agricultural input 
activities 
(measured in terms of sex and age) 
0 
Project records 
(Master Beneficiary 
List) 
Male: 74,211 
Female: 69,858 
Total:144,069
Indicator 3 Percentage of HHs with access to 
sufficient seed to plant 0% 
HH survey 
100% 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 6 
Indicator 4 –custom 
Increased production of major 
agricultural crops from seeds 
distributed to target HHs by 37% 
from the baseline as a result of the 
project 
150,440 QT 
Post-harvest 
assessment result of 
Wag Himra Zone for 
2019 cropping season 206,108.82 QT 
Source: Baseline data report, Food for the Hungry (FH), October 2020
2.2 End line evaluation
A final evaluation was conducted in January 2021 to assess the performance of the project against 
the result indicators confirmed during the baseline survey. To conduct this final evaluation, a scope 
of work (SOW) was submitted and reviewed by the BHA Washington Office in December. 
Following their feedback, a terms of reference (ToR) was prepared to identify a technically
competent consultant. In December 2020, a consulting firm named Karamara Consultancy firm 
was awarded the contract to conduct the evaluation. The final evaluation was performed from 
January 1, 2021 to January 10, 2021.
2.2.1 Purpose of the end line evaluation
This final evaluation was conducted with the objective of determining the relevance, efficiency, 
effectiveness, impact and sustainability of PESS interventions and the progress made towards 
achieving the planned activities that have been implemented since June 2020 in eight woredas of 
Wag Himra Zone, Amhara region. 
2.2.2 Specific objectives of the evaluation
● To provide an independent assessment of progress achieved during the implementation of
PESS and to identify key factors that negatively or positively affected the project 
performance.
● To identify lessons learnt, record best practices, and to identify challenges encountered 
during implementation.
● To provide insights on the extent to which outcomes were achieved with the PESS.
● To provide evidence on synergy in partnership, sustainability and cross cutting issues 
including impacts achieved.
2.2.1 Evaluation tools
● HH/Beneficiary survey; 
● KIIs; 
● FGDs; 
● Secondary Data Review
The HH beneficiary survey was conducted to measure the progress against the indicators. The 
survey included the post distribution monitoring (PDM) questions to collect beneficiary feedback 
on the quality, sufficiency, utilization and effectiveness of the seed support provided by PESS. The 
total number of beneficiaries who participated in the HH survey was determined by sample size 
formula. Based on the sample size calculation, the number of beneficiaries for the survey was 288 
(221 men and 67 women) from the five woredas of the project areas. Abergele and Tsagbiji were 
excluded from the survey because of security problems and Sehala was excluded due to 
accessibility issues. Twenty-four enumerators were employed and trained before being deployed 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 7 
to all survey areas. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered using ODK at each HH by 
the enumerators.
Ten KIIs were conducted with crop and early warning experts from woreda agriculture offices, 
development agents at kebele agriculture offices, PESS staff at project site and at the FH Country 
Office. The KIIs were undertaken in four of the eight Woredas. Eight FGDs were also conducted 
with separate groups of men and women at the four woredas. It was not possible to conduct FGDs 
in Ziquala due to the distance of the kebeles from the main road. Seven case stories were also 
collected in Dehana, Gazgibla, Sekota Zuria woreda. Originally, it was planned to conduct a total 
of eight case studies from four woredas. The woredas were selected based on productivity (two of 
the woredas (Sekota Zuriya and Dehana)) were categorized as having performed well, whereas the 
other two (Gaz Gibla and Ziquala) were considered as poorer performing woredas). Due to the 
lack of accessibility of Ziquala targeted kebeles during the baseline period, it was not possible to 
conduct case studies in Ziquala. Additionally, the participants of the case studies were selected 
based on their performance and sex (50% of the case study participants were supposed to be 
female). To supplement the primary information collected, secondary data of the crop yield was 
obtained formally from the 2020 crop assessment conducted by the Zone Department of 
Agriculture. 
3. GENERAL PROJECT ACTIVITIES
3.1 PROGRAM INCEPTION AND PLANNING: 
The appeal for seed support for farmers who experienced crop loss due to shortage of rain from 
the Amhara region was formally communicated to FH in February 2020. Following the appeal, a 
rapid needs assessment (RNA) was conducted to assess the situation for possible action. The needs 
assessment revealed the fact that 39,078 HHs were affected by the shortage of rain and they had 
no alternative source of seed for the coming cropping season. Out of this total number, FH targeted 
28,746 vulnerable HHs or 143,730 people in all the eight woredas of Wag Himra Zone. The 
planning of activities including the selection of seeds suitable for the area were done in 
collaboration with Zonal and woreda agricultural offices. The project agreement document was 
signed by FH, the Regional Bureau of Agriculture, Bureau of Disaster Risk Reduction and Food
Security and Bureau of Finance and Cooperation.
3.2 IMPLEMENTATION STATUS:
PESS was implemented from June 8, 2020 to February 7, 2021. During the reporting period 
various activities were implemented to ensure the achievement of the program results targeted at 
the outset. A summary of the implemented activities are below.
1. Recruitment and deployment of 35 seed distributors and four professional staff (one 
Agriculture and Food Security Specialist and three Seed Coordinators).
2. Signature of PESS Appraisal and Agreement among FH and Amhara Regional Signatory 
Bureaus (Agriculture, Finance & Economic Cooperation, and Disaster Prevention & Food 
Security Program).
3. The FH technical team was deployed to the field and held discussions with Zonal and Woreda 
stakeholders to ensure the intended crop seeds were purchased, transported, distributed and 
planted in a timely fashion.
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 8 
4. Certified seeds were purchased from reputable registered Seed Enterprises in Amhara Regional 
State. During seed purchase, the Agriculture Specialists from the Offices of Agriculture were 
engaged to ensure the seed lots were of good quality and suitable. 
5. FH collected pro-forma invoices to identify eligible suppliers with the best price quote. The 
selected transporters were awarded contracts and transported the seeds from the sources (Bahir 
Dar and Debre Birhan) to all eight woredas of Wag Himra Zone distribution points.
6. During the first semiannual project period, 5,006.5 qt of wheat and 2,758.7 qt of Teff (7,765.2 
Quintals total) seeds were transported and distributed to farmers in eight districts. Planting of 
wheat and teff was undertaken from July 4 to July 19, 2020 and from July 18 to August 2, 2020 
respectively. 
7. In general, 28,743 (99.9% of the target) HHs (Male headed HHs=22,882, Female Headed 
HHs=5,861) received seeds that were sown accordingly. 20.4% of those who received seeds 
were female headed HHs. 
8. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, end users received an orientation on preventive methods. 
Farmers washed their hands at the gate of each seed distribution point and maintained social 
distancing. FH and government staff wore protective face masks during distribution.
9. A field monitoring visit covering seven woredas out of the eight targets was carried out by 
FH’s PESS Agriculture and Food Security Specialist from July 27 to August 11, 2020. This 
time was chosen for monitoring to observe the performance of wheat at its growth stage, 
monitor the distribution teff and address challenges encountered. The following is a brief 
summary of the visit based on findings from field observation and discussion with farmers, 
leaders, experts and development agents from Agricultural Offices at zonal and district level. 
● The two improved seeds were very relevant and increased food security.
● Stakeholders applauded the seed support and appreciated the generosity of USAID. A 
certificate of appreciation to USAID/OFDA and FH was issued by the Zone Department 
of Agriculture and a District Office of Agriculture to acknowledge the support.
● In some Kebeles, community members were involved either in beneficiary selection or in 
endorsing the selection done by the Kebele task force.
● Farmers were highly encouraged to plant wheat in rows and to apply fertilizer for the 
improved seeds.
● There were some targeting errors as seeds were given to some ineligible beneficiaries.
Table 3: Comparison of Improved Seed Purchase Plan vs. Accomplishment
Name of Crop 
Seed
Unit Original 
Plan
Actually 
Procured
Reason for Variances
Sorghum Quintals 4,61.84 0 The required variety was out of stock. Their limited supply had 
been sold to others by the time the PESS PAL was received.
Wheat Quintals 6,450 5,006.5 Social unrest in Oromia (due to the assassination of a renowned 
artist) hampered the purchase and transportation of 1441.5 quintals 
seed wheat seed from the seed source identified in Oromia 
Teff Quintals 1,796.63 2,758.7 Increased quantity to substitute the sorghum and wheat shortfall
Total 8,708.47 7,765.2
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 9 
Table 4: Amount of seed provided, number of HHs and beneficiaries by Woreda
S/
N
District Seed Distributed Total beneficiary (HHs) Family Members
Wheat(Qt) Teff (Qt) Male Female Total Male Female Total
1 Sekota 
Town
375 62.5 789 211 1000 3300 2903 6203
2 Tsagbiji 1144.5 221.5 2387 909 3296 8523 7212 15735
3 Gazgibila 900 300.2 3241 360 3601 9005 7916 16921
4 Abergele Not planned 437.5 3139 361 3500 9654 8295 17929
5 Ziquala Not planned 500 3538 462 4000 10157 9878 20035
6 Sehila Not planned 505.75 2850 1196 4046 10854 10329 21183
7 Sekota 
Zuria
1012.5 468.75 3939 1161 5100 13605 13703 27308
8 Dahana 1575 262.5 2999 1201 4200 9133 9622 18755
Total 5,007 2,758.7 22,882 5,861 28,743 74,211 69,858 144,069
Table 5: Area of land Covered by the Two Seed Types 
Woreda Area of land covered (Hectares)
Wheat Teff Total
1 Sekota Town 250 250 500
2 Tsagbiji 763 886 1,649
3 Gazgibla 600 1,201 1,801
4 Abergele 0 1,750 1,750
5 Ziquala 0 2,000 2,000
6 Sahila 0 2,023 2,023
7 Sekota Zuria 675 1,875 2,550
8 Dehana 1,050 1,050 2,100
TOTAL 3,337 11,034 14,372
Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction Training (CMDRR) 
To complement and enhance the food security focus of PESS, CMDRR training was planned for 
497 early warning task force members in the 83 target kebeles. The trainers were from Zone 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 10 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Food Security Department, FHE, Abergele Project Manager and 
PESS Emergency Seed Coordinators at Abergele and Ziquala. The Early Warning Task Force was 
composed of Kebele leaders, development agents, health extension workers, community elders,
religious leaders, and youth and women representatives. The objective was to improve the capacity 
of local government staff and community members in disaster risk management. and enhance 
community participation during the planning and implementation of DRR activities. The training 
helped to create a strong communication channel to exchange information regarding disasters and 
help communities to identify and prioritize the most important hazards. 
Table 6. Number of training participants
Woreda Number of 
trainees
Sex disaggregated
Male Female
Abergele 62 46 16
Dehana 70 50 20
Sekota Zuria 70 50 20
Sehala 85 51 34
Ziquala 63 44 19
Sekota Town 28 16 12
Gazgibla 147 108 99
Tsagbiji 44 34 10
Total 569 399 170
The training was conducted in eight woredas reaching 569 Early Warning Task Force Members. 
The resource persons who trained the beneficiaries were from Wag Himra Zone Department of 
Agriculture and FHE Abergele Project Managers and PESS emergency seed coordinators 
Training Methodologies
PowerPoints were used to expound upon the nature of hazards and ways to build resilience after 
disaster events. The participants then worked in groups to identify hazards and prepare a plan for 
their respective kebele. To complete the training, they presented on their preparedness plan. The 
presentations revealed that the most incessant hazards are drought, animal diseases and flood. 
Through this training, participants planned activities such as strengthening the watershed 
management approach, planting trees using physical and biological soil and water conservation 
structures, planting early maturing and drought resistant crop varieties as disaster risk reduction 
actions. Moreover, strengthening the modern livestock husbandry practices and veterinary service 
was among the proposed plans to combat the animals related hazards. {participants said the 
training helped them to build their capacity to identify and prioritize hazards.
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 11 
 
Figures 1 & 2: CMDRR training at Abergele Woreda
 
Figure 3: CMDRR training at Dehana Woreda Figure 4: Group work on Action plan
Figures 5 & 6: Training participants at Sekota Zuria Woreda
Figure 7: CMDRR training at Ziquala Woreda
After Action Review Meeting and Internalization Workshop
The After Action Review meeting and Internalization Workshop was conducted with participants 
from the Woreda Agriculture Office, early warning team and beneficiary representatives from 
target kebeles. FH Abergele Project Manager and PESS Emergency Seed Coordinators at Abergele 
Figure 5 CMDRR training at Ziquala woreda
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 12 
and Ziquala facilitated the review meeting and the workshop. The objectives were to evaluate 
performance and internalize the project design and implementation plan.
Table 7: Number of participants
Woreda Number of 
participants
Sex disaggregated 
Male Female
1 Abergele 24 21 3
2 Dehana 29 29 0
3 Sekota Zuria 28 28 0
4 Gazgibla 48 46 2
5 Sekota Town 15 14 1
6 Tsagbiji 21 21 0
7 Ziquala 22 20 2
8 Sehala 32 31 1
Total 219 210 9
In total, 219 participants (9 women) from all woredas attended the review meeting and the 
internalization workshop. During the workshop, the summary of the PESS project and the details 
of activities were highlighted to the participants. Following the presentations by the facilitators the 
floor was opened for group discussions including reflections and questions from the participants. 
Reflections from the participants
● The teff seed was relevant and suitable for the agro-ecology of the woreda (note that wheat 
seed was not provided to farmers were the woreda does not grow wheat)
● Better yield of teff was expected as compared to the local varieties
● The project supported a significant number of vulnerable HH heads
● The short time given for targeting brought inclusive and exclusive targeting errors
● The exclusion of the productive safety net program (PSP) was not acceptable 
● Delay in delivery of seeds affected the timely sowing to some extent
● Some distribution centers were far forcing farmers to travel long distances
● PESS, like other seed response projects, covers only 0.5 ha of land per HH regardless of the 
amount of land the affected HH may have, however, the participants had expected to get seed 
for the whole land holding size of beneficiaries. The standard practice in emergency contexts 
was explained to them. 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 13 
Figures 8 & 9: PESS project Seed Coordinator & Abergele TRAIN Project Manager presenting project 
summary and year to date performance status
Review Meeting with Regional and Zonal stakeholders
An evaluation meeting was conducted in Bahir Dar city in the Amhara region on December 13, 
2020 to evaluate the performance of the PESS project. The regional bureau heads and the Zonal 
Officials were among the participants of the evaluation meeting. After an opening remark by Dr. 
Mulunesh, head of Social Sectors Coordinator and head of Labor and Social affairs office by the 
rank of deputy regional president, the overall performance of PESS project was presented by FH 
Ethiopia’s Director of National Humanitarian Program (NHP). During the meeting the participants 
commended the seed support done in the zone. The participants also proposed that FHE and the 
Amhara Government share the great success of PESS (timely and quality response, collaboration 
and coordination of FHE and Government Staff) with other INGOs and local NGOs operating in 
Wag Himra particularly and Amhara Region in general.
3.3 COORDINATION WITH OTHER PARTNERS: 
The project was designed in collaboration with pertinent Regional, Zonal and Woreda government 
bodies. The same spirit of collaboration was present during the implementation of the project 
activities. In addition to joint implementation, joint monitoring and review meetings were 
conducted to appraise the progress of the projects towards its intended short and medium term 
results. Feedback from the monitoring and review meetings were considered during project 
implementations. The project results could not have been realized without the passionate 
engagement of project stakeholders.
3.4 COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION AND SENSITIZATION: 
Communities were active in reflecting on their needs during the RNA. The communities were also 
involved in beneficiary selection. In particular, the community Early Warning Task Force was 
fully engaged in beneficiary selection and in some cases communities participated in endorsing 
the selection undertaken by the task force in each kebele. In some instances, ineligible beneficiaries 
were excluded due to the active involvement of the communities. After the seed distribution, 
orientation on good agricultural practices were undertaken. Moreover, 569 Kebele Early Warning 
Task Forces were trained on CMDRR mechanisms and the task forces were also encouraged to 
prepare their disaster prevention and reduction plans at the end of the training sessions. 
Communities were also sensitized on COVID 19 prevention and control. 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 14 
3.5 BENEFICIARY SELECTION, REGISTRATION AND VERIFICATION: 
PESS beneficiaries were selected using criteria set jointly with Zonal Agriculture Department and 
woreda agriculture offices. The criteria was communicated to the woreda and Kebele 
administration for selection by the Early Warning Task Force. The set criteria for beneficiary 
selection is as follows:
● PSNP beneficiaries should not be targeted
● Farmers who lost seeds due to the drought and do not have other seed sources 
● Farmers who have a minimum of 0.25 hectares of land if they are vulnerable
● At least 30% of beneficiaries needed to be Female HHs
● Youths who are certified land users (must show user right book up on request)
● People with disabilities who have land for cultivation 
As described above, these criteria were prepared in collaboration with the Zonal Department and 
Woreda Offices of Agriculture. The task force selected beneficiaries based on the criteria cascaded 
down to the kebele. During the beneficiary selection minutes were taken down for transparency in 
the selection process. These recorded minutes of the meeting were ratified by the members of the 
Early Warning Task Force who were involved in the selection process. After the beneficiary 
selection task force had prepared and ratified the minutes of the selection process, it prepared the 
master beneficiary list and sent it to the woreda office of agriculture for verification and approval. 
In most cases the communities were involved in approving the selected beneficiaries after the task 
force accomplished the selection process. However, in some cases communities were not consulted 
on the accuracy of the targeting, likely due to lack of information that was supposed to be 
communicated to kebeles from woredas. After critical scrutiny of the selection process, the 
Agriculture Office endorsed the process and authenticated the master beneficiary list for seed 
distribution. Following this process, a distribution list was prepared by FH and the Office of 
Agriculture which beneficiaries signed after receiving the seed from distributors. The distribution 
list was checked and approved by FH delegated staff during seed distribution.
3.6 Budget Status Report
During this activity, there was seven percent underspending less NICRA. Staff salary and benefits 
were underspent by 46.1% due to late employment of staff and unutilized salary at Global Office 
level. Additionally, beneficiary training used only 64.8% of its planned budget due to the low 
number of participants in the after action review and evaluation meetings. Seventy-six participants 
were not able to attend the training because of existing commitments by the government staff, 
damaged roads, and security tensions. The cost savings from seed purchase covered the majority 
of the increased tertiary transport expenses needed to deliver seeds to the communities due to 
particularly bad weather. 
4 PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Goal: Improved food security of the vulnerable disaster-affected farming HHs of Wag 
Himra Zone of Amhara Region, building their resilience and enhancing early recovery. 
4.1 SECTOR 1: 
Objective: Improved access and availability of improved seeds
Beneficiaries Targeted Cumulative: 143,730 Individuals (28,746 HHs) 
Beneficiaries Served for Reporting Period: 144,069
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 15 
Geographic Areas Covered: Eight woredas of Wag Himra Zone in Amhara Region (Abergele, 
Dehana, Gazgibla, Sehala, Sekota town, Sekota Zuria, Tsagbiji, and Ziquala woredas)
The Table below illustrates facts extracted from the final evaluation for each result indicator.
Table 8: Summary of Result-Baseline, Target and Achievement
Sub￾Sector
Seed Systems Security
Indicator Baseli
ne
LOA 
Target 
Achieved 
(Evaluatio
n Result)
Achieveme
nt 
(compared 
to target)
Achieveme
nt 
(compared 
to baseline)
Achieved 
during 
reporting 
period
Indicator 1 Number of 
months of HH 
food self￾sufficiency as a 
result of seed 
system security 
programming
5 7 6.3 90% 126% 6.3
Indicator 2 Number of 
people
directly 
benefiting from 
seed systems/ 
agricultural input 
activities
0 Total: 
144,069
Total: 
144,069
100% 100% Total: 
144,069
Male: 
74,211
Male: 
74,211
Male: 
74,211
Female:
69,858
Female: 
69,858
Female: 
69,858
Indicator 3 Percentage and
number of HHs 
with access to 
sufficient seed to 
plant
0 100% 99.99% 99.99%% 99.99%% 99.99%
Indicator 4 Increased 
production of 
major 
agricultural crops 
from seeds 
distributed to 
target HHs by 
37% from the 
baseline as a 
result of the 
project
150440 206,108.82 
qt 
356,521 qt 177% 243% 356,521qtt
Source: End line Evaluation Report, January 31,2021
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 16 
4.1.1 Sub-Sector – Seed Systems Security 
Result indicator 1: Number of months of HH food self- sufficiency as a result of seed system 
security programming: 
The baseline value for the number of months of HH food self-sufficiency was five months, but the 
PESS project aimed to increase the number of self-sufficiency months to seven through the 
provision of improved seeds of wheat and teff. The project managed to increase the food self￾sufficiency to 6.3 months (6 months and 10 days), 90% of the target. This is due to the planting of 
improved wheat and teff seed donated by FH. For this purpose, FH supplied 7,765.2 quintals of 
teff and wheat seed to target beneficiaries. Beneficiaries, on average, will have enough food for 
starting from October 2020 to Mid-April 2021. 
Result Indicator 2: Number of people directly benefiting from seed systems/ agricultural 
input activities
According to the baseline data none of the beneficiaries had received improved seeds before the 
project. With the objective of addressing the dire seed needs of beneficiaries, PESS targeted 
144,069 farmers (M-74,211, Women-69,858). To attain this objective, 7,765.2 quintals of wheat 
and teff were distributed to the aforementioned beneficiaries resulting in nearly 100% 
achievement.
Result Indicator 3: Percentage of HHs with access to sufficient seed to plant
The initial plan was to create access to sufficient seeds for 28,746 HHs. The seed amount required 
was calculated based on the amount of land PESS planned to cover for each beneficiary. The 
amount of seed donated was meant to cover 0.25 hectare of teff and 0.25 hectare of wheat land. 
For the 0.5 hectare of land, 6.25 kg of teff and 37.5 kg of wheat for each beneficiary was distributed 
for the same area of land in Sekota, Dehana, Sekota town, Gazgibla, and Tsagbiji Woredas where 
teff and wheat are produced. For areas like Sehala, Ziquala and Abergele, where wheat does not 
grow, 12.5 kg of teff was distributed to each beneficiary to cover half a hectare of land. The project 
planned to support 100% of the HHs with seed sufficient to cover a total of 0.5 hectares. It 
addressed 99.99% of the HHs. 
The discrepancy of the figures of this indicator between our report (99.99%) and the external 
evaluation report (58%) is due to different reference points for calculating the achievement. FH
defined sufficient ‘as the seed amount that covers 0.5 ha of land’, which is the amount of land 
normally to be covered in agricultural response. Normally for any seed response, the standard is 
to cover on average 0.25-0.5 ha of land per HH regardless of the amount of land the affected HH
may have. The external consultant, however, took the total land owned by the affected HHs as the 
reference point to compute the results.
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 17
Figure 1: Percentage of HHs with access to sufficient seed
Result Indicator 4 (custom): Increased production of major agricultural crops from seeds 
distributed to target HHs by 37% from the baseline as a result of the project
PESS intended to increase production by 37% through seed distribution to target HHs. The target 
yield to obtain from the intervention was 206,108 Qt. However, the HH survey indicates that a 
total of 365,521 Qt of crop yield was produced or expected to be harvested from the current harvest 
season. Thus, current season (project period) actual production increased by 77% of the target and 
143% of the baseline. This increase in yield was due to improved seed and fertilizer used by the 
beneficiaries. In addition to this, there was strong technical support from all levels of the 
agriculture office. 
5. Key Challenges
5.1 Challenges
● Sorghum seed was not available at seed enterprises as expected due to shortage of the required
variety once the PAL was received. Due to this, sorghum was not purchased.
● The positive COVID-19 cases at the FH Addis and Project Offices forced staff to self-isolate
at home and at quarantine centers and forced FHE country and project offices to close in the
month of August 2020. This negatively impacted the timely PESS baseline survey data
collection and report submission. The after action review meeting and internalization
workshop and training on CMDRR and Security Policy were also delayed.
● Seed transportation was slowed down by heavy rain in some locations.
● Seed transporters were not always cooperative and necessitated frequent communications with
delay in transportation in some instances.
● The Internet shut down by the government hampered the communication with Project Offices,
deployed staff and the Seed Coordinators. As a result, exchange of essential information and
activity photos was extremely challenging.
● Due to local government staff turnover, beneficiary selection was delayed and the master
beneficiary list was received late despite the early arrival of seed in some districts.
● The social unrest in the Oromia Region halted procurement and transportation of 1,441.5 qt of
wheat seed, which resulted in the substitution by teff seeds.
● The project experienced security problems in Abergele and Tsagbiji woredas and accessibility
problems in Sehala woreda which halted the final evaluation work.
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 18
● The final evaluation report indicated that there were targeting problems. Even though the
beneficiary selection was done at kebele level by the Early Warning and Food Security Task
Force, some ineligible beneficiaries received seeds. Targeting errors included double targeting
(husband and wife from a HH received seed), public sector staff and others who could afford
to buy seed were also erroneously targeted. Despite discussions with the Woreda and Zone
Department of Agriculture, it was not possible to fully correct the targeting errors.
● The revolving seed scheme was implemented by the local government at a later stage of the
project when farmers started harvesting. In this scheme, PESS beneficiaries had to give back
the amount of seed they received from the project during distribution. The scheme was put into
practice without prior notice or discussion with the beneficiaries bringing grievances from the
beneficiaries. The PESS staff tried to connect this scheme to the DRR plan of the communities
where the seed can be used for similar interventions if there is a seed shortage next season.
5.2 Actions to overcome the challenges
Despite the challenges during seed transportation and distribution, the project managed the 
activities by employing various measures like arranging tertiary transportation to some of the 
kebeles where roads were damaged due to rain. Even though the purchase of wheat seed from 
Asela seed enterprise was hampered because of turmoil in the Oromia region, the project managed 
to revise its plan to purchase more Teff to compensate for the shortfall. As a result, the project was 
able to support beneficiaries that could have been excluded from the seed support.
The delay of the master beneficiary list also affected timely seed distribution in some kebeles but 
with frequent communication with the office of agriculture and the kebele administration, it was 
possible to get the list for distribution.
6. Lessons Learned
● Understanding the seed system in the normal and stressed conditions was a key for success in
seed distribution. Seed distributions are an effective way to address food insecurity in the Wag
Himra Zone, where farmers have enough land for planting, but seed supply through formal
channels are not well established.
● Seed distribution needs quality seed, timely distribution and fair targeting. Late seed delivery
and improper targeting can lead to harvest failure.
● Involving community members in beneficiary selection minimizes targeting.
● Emergency seed supply should always be needs based and delivered at the appropriate time.
● Involve government counterparts in the seed assessment, quality control and procurement
order to increase transparency and ease decision making processes.
● Agricultural activities need to be continuous. Strengthening the technical support of post
distribution activities, such as improved weed management, surveillance of crop pests and
timely control of pests, are all essential features of successful farming. The timeliness of the
harvest and post-harvest handling are also key factors in ensuring high crop yields.
● Creating collaborative relationships with the government is critical.
7. Success Stories
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 19
Success Story 1: A female farmer overcomes seed scarcity 
For farmers in Gakew kebele of Dehana Woreda, lack of access to seed makes them particularly 
vulnerable to the effects of food insecurity and lower productivity in agricultural production. Due 
to lack of extensive arable land, farmers in Gakew village had to operate their farming practices 
on a very small plot of land. 
Seye, 50, along with her 13 year old daughter Mulu (8th Grade) have lived in Dehana woreda 
for 9 years. Her husband Azexe 40 is a soldier on military assignment in Metema on the Ethio￾Sudanese border and sends home a small amount of remittance which is barely enough to sustain 
the family with enough food and other basic needs. 
FH selected Seye as a beneficiary in the seed support project that operated in her village. The 
project provided her with 37.5 kg of improved wheat seed as well as 6.25 kgs of teff seed which 
she planted on her 0.5 hectares of land over the previous farming season. 
Speaking of her harvest from her plot of land, Seye 
said, “ Even if there was a problem related to water 
logging on the fields I have managed to harvest 2.5 
quintals of wheat and 2.5 quintals of teff that 
hopefully will sustain us for the coming five 
months,” 
To supplement her income from harvest, Seye also 
started to sell tella which is a cottage brewed 
traditional beer. She said “I sell a can of tella for 5 
Birr twice a week with a weekly income of 60 to 70 
Birr earning some 300 Birr per month.” 
Figure 10: Seye explaining her success story
She added that she has already reserved enough seed for the next farming season and may not 
need further support on seed as she can continue to be self-sufficient in seeds. 
At the end of our conversation, she wasted no time to thank the project launched by Food for the 
Hungry in her community. She said, “I really thank the organizers of the project for the support 
they provided us with seeds free of charge. This has enabled me not to worry about seed for the 
coming farming season. ” 
The project has enabled female headed families to support their families by benefiting from the 
seed project. Had it not been for the support they received from the project they could have been 
forced to take loans or sell their labor to other farmers. 
Success Story 2: Children no longer hungry
Zerfu and his wife Teweres live in Debre Woina kebele with three children, Fasika Zerfu, male 
18 and 12th grade, Nigus Zerfu, 12 male, 7th grade, Habtamu Zerfu, male 8 and first grade, 
Netsanet Zerfu, female and 2 years old. 
FH Final Program Results Report- 72OFDA20GR00095 20
The family of Mr. Zerfu received the standard ration 
of seed support which is 37.5kg of wheat worth Birr 
810 at market price and 6.25 kg of teff seed sown on 
0.25 hectares of land. 
In recalling his experience, Zerfu said, “I managed to 
harvest 3 quintals of wheat and have set aside enough 
amounts of seed for the next farming season so that I 
do not need to wait upon anyone to provide me with 
seeds'' 
Figure 11: Zerfu speaking his experience before and after PESS intervention
He plans to harvest more wheat, barley, beans and other legumes on his 0.25 hectares of land 
after the grain is harvested in the future. He added “with the wheat we have harvested, our 
children were able to eat good bread and also porridge to improve their national status” 
Apart from grain production, Zerfu and his family are also engaged in small scale irrigation for 
ensuring additional income for their family and as a nutrition supplement for the kids in the 
family. Speaking of his irrigation, Zerfu told the reporter, “I harvest potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, 
pepper as a supplement to family nutrition.” 
It appears that Zerfu has realized the importance of the seed distribution program from what he 
has commented on the project, He said, “we are all thankful for the support we received with 
seeds from the project and we will try to see more improvement in our livelihood due to the 
project.” 
Success Story 3: A vulnerable woman and family thrive
Asmaru, 60 and her daughter Aster live in Gaz Jibla woreda, Debre Woinal Kebele. Her 
husband passed away several years back. She received the standard ration of seed support 
which is 37.5kg of wheat worth Birr 810 at market price and 6.25 kg of teff seed sown on 0.5 
hectares of land. Apart from grain production, Asmaru and her family are also engaged in small 
scale irrigation in order to provide additional income and nutritional supplementation. 
Although this project is intended to provide support in areas with erratic rainfall and rugged 
terrain, it has improved the capacity of families to produce food which could sustain them during 
the food stress season. 
Asmaru said “The support we got from the project right at our community is very important 
because the seeds are very good and we receive them 
free of charge without worrying to pay back.” 
Figure 12: Asmaru, a needy woman who received seed 
support from USAID/BHA funded PESS project