Impact study of the Strengthened Accountability Programme, a programme for small-scale miners in Zambia

The Nexus Pilot (2020-2022) in Budi County, South Sudan addressed conflict, displacement and poverty through e.g. conflict resolution mechanisms, Village Savings and Loan Associations, activities aimed to reduce gender based violence, a grinding mill and boreholes. It was a pilot to learn more about the humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach managed by Church of Sweden.

Main evaluation method: Narratives from partner reporting and interviews with local stakeholders, triangulated with independent statistics.

Positives: The shortcomings below mainly reflect an “absence of evidence”, not “evidence of absence” of impact. It is plausible that the project achieved at least some of the suggested impacts.

Potential shortcomings: The evidence is contradictory and of limited confidence. Beneficiary interviews and project reports make numerous positive claims, but these could either not be triangulated or were sometimes seemingly contradicted by independent statistics. As a pilot project, learning was a key objective, yet documentation was inadequate. No quantitative baseline data were collected. The implementing partner received insufficient monitoring and evaluation support.

The Third UNFPA Country Programme for South Sudan (2019-2022) aimed to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to reduce maternal mortality in South Sudan. UNFPA partnered with the Government of South Sudan to strengthen national healthcare systems and deliver integrated sexual and reproductive health information and services. It also provided direct support to crisis-affected populations, particularly women and youth.

Main evaluation method: desk review of monitoring data, reports and relevant research.

Positives:  UNFPA improved the availability and use of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services in South Sudan, ensuring access for more than one million women and girls, including those affected by displacement. The training and deployment of midwives led to increases in skilled birth attendance, which is directly linked to reduced maternal mortality.

Potential shortcomings: It was difficult to achieve sustainable government ownership. The government lacks the institutional capacity, financial resources, and the political commitment needed to maintain the services and systems established by the international community. Challenges included inadequate training for healthcare professionals, high staff turnover, delayed or unpaid salaries, and chronic shortages of medicines and medical equipment.