Benishangul Gumuz Region (Kemashi Zone)

Multi-sectoral Rapid Assessment Report on Returnees/IDPs

MAY 2019
Table of Contents

Acronyms
Acknowledgement
1. Background ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Humanitarian situation Overview .................................................................................................... 7

2.1. Health and Nutrition ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2. Gap ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.3. Response ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.4. Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2. Mental Health Care Practice, Gender and Protection ................................................................................................... 11

2.2.1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

2.2.2. Gap ................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.3. Response......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.4. Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3. WASH ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.2. Gap ................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3.3. Response......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3.4. Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4. Food Security and Livelihood ............................................................................................................................................. 17
2.4.1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.2. Gap ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.3. Response ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.4.4. Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.5. Security Situation .................................................................................................................................................................. 20

2.5.1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20

2.5.2. Gap ................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.5.3. Response......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
2.5.4. Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
3. Partner mapping and Coordination Mechanism ...................................................................................................................... 21

3.1.1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21

3.1.2. Gap ................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.3. Response......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.4. Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................................... 22

4. Challenges .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Annexes
ToR
Assessment tool

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 Acronyms
ANC Antenatal Care
BGR Benishangul Gumuz Region

BSFP Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program

CP Care Practice
FGD Focused Group Discussion
GAM Global Acute Malnutrition
HEWs Health Extension Workers
HDW Hand Dug Well
HDA Health Development Army

IDP Internally Displaced people

IYCF-E Infant Youth Child Feeding in Emergency
HWs Heath Workers
KII Key Informant Interview
SAM Sever Acute Malnutrition
MAM Moderate Acute Malnutrition
MHPSS Mental Health Psychosocial Support
MtMSG Mother to Mother Support Group
NFI Non-Food Item
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
OTP Outpatient Therapeutic Program
PNC Postnatal Care
PLW Pregnant and Lactating Women

PoUWTC Point of Use Water Treatment Chemicals

PS Primary school
SC Stabilization Center
ShW Shallow well
WASH Water Sanitation and Hygiene
WME Water Mineral and Energy
WW West Wollega
ZHD zonal health Department

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 Acknowledgement

Action Against Hunger would like to express its gratitude to Mr. Tariku Kumera Kemashi Zone Administrator
for his support during the entire need assessment exercise in the zone. Our special thanks also goes to Mr.
Nasir Adele Mayor of Kamsho town, Mr. Work Boso staff of zonal DROM office and Boka Boso Head of
Zonal Administration Office for their contribution and facilitation in the process of conducting the
assessment.

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 1. Background
Benishangul Gumuz is located in the Western part of Ethiopia. The region has three zones, which are
Kamashi, Meteke and Assosa. Kamash Zone is located in the western part of the country and it is 240 Km
South of Assosa town which is the capital of the region. The zone widely share its border with west and East
Wollega zone of Oromia Region, Asossa Zone in West and Amhara region in the North. The total population
of the zone is 154,629 and it has a size of 10,069 Square
kilometre. Kemashi Town is the capital of the zone.

Agriculture and mining is the dominant economic

activity the zone and only 3% of the population engage
in trading. Kamashi zone is one of the most productive
and surplus producing zone of the region. The main
cereals produced are sorghum, maize, teff, and others.

Kamashi Zone has a history of medium-scale

intercommunal conflicts, erupting occasionally and resulted to the death of dozens and leading to the
displacement of thousands. As per the KII report, in 2007, 2009, and 2011, there were conflicts between
Gumuz and highlanders mainly Oromo. As per the information from the locals, the allocation of estates to
investors triggered the conflict. This is mainly because of most productive farming land owned by investors
and individuals displaced by this situation.

In September 2018, following the killing of high four high officials by an unidentified Armed Group, conflict
erupted in Kamashi zone and bordering Oromia. The conflict resulted in the death of hundreds of people
and displacement of thousands of people. Since the displacement, IDPs hosted in different Woredas of
East and West Wolega zone of Oromia region

However, it is a point of debate, as per the West Wollega report from local government, a total of 208,807
IDPs hosted in West Wollega (85,493) & East Wollega (123,314) Zones. It was reported that, about 71% of
the IDPs displaced from Kamashi zone (Benishangul Gumz Region) whereas the remaining 29% displaced
from bordering areas of Oromia Kebeles. Following the displacement, resources were mobilized & support
provided by the local community, government & INGOs to address the enormous humanitarian need of
these IDPs.

The conflict resulted in large-scale displacement of people, deaths, and injuries, loss of properties such as
houses, farmland, and damage to public infrastructures such as health post, health center, schools, and
training centres. IDPs in East and West Wollega have been facing distress due to lack of resources, limited
support, poor living conditions, uncertainties about their future, fear of insecurity and exposure to violence
which created distress, persistent flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares and other mental health problems.

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However, following the recent direction from federal government to return IDPs to their place of origin,
majority of IDPs returned. As per the latest information, 87 % of IDP in West Wollega and 90 % in East
Wollega returned to Kamashi and boarding Oromia kebeles.

Returnees within Oromia Region

30000

Haro Limu, 26629

25000

20000

15000

Najo+Latasibu, 11173 Sasiga, 11558

10000
Gimbi, 7172

Manasibu, 4480
Boji Dirmaji, 4044 Guto Gida, 4535
5000
Limu, 2592

Lalo Asabi,
Leka298
Dulecha, Diga,
154 124 Gida Ayana, 354
0

HH M F Total

As per the West Wollega zonal report, 73,113 individuals returned to their original places within the Oromia
region. Out of which 36.4% returned to Haro limu Woredas followed by Lata sibu and Lalo Asabi 15.3% and
Gimbi 9.8%.

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Similarly, following the peace and
reconciliation efforts between
the two communities, which was
mediated by elders of two HH M F Total
regional government, the process Agalo Meti,
18000 Yaso, 16782
of returning IDPs to their place of 16292
Origin (Kamashi zone and 16000 Bildigilu, 14162
bordering Oromia kebeles), 14000
Biojiganfado,
started in May 2019. 12000 Kamashi, 11204
10475
Sirba Abay, 9383
10000
Accordingly, about 68,214 IDPs
8000
returned to Kamshi zone. Yaso
woreda hosts the largest 6000
returnees (16,782) or 21.4% 4000
followed by Agalo Meti woreda 2000
(16,292) which is 20.8%. 0
Yaso Agalo Meti Kamashi Biojiganfado Sirba Abay Bildigilu

However, during the Assessment Kemashi Zone administration confirm the bellow return figures.

Returnee status
30000 Family Total, 28,568

25000

20000

15000

10000
HH Total, 6,539
5000
Civil servant Total, 984
0
M F TOTAL M F TOTAL M F TOTAL
HH FAMILY CIVIL SERVANT

Kemashi woreda Yaso Agalo Meti Belojiganfoy Sadal Kemashi Town Zone

Source: Kemashi Zonal Administration office as of May 25, 2019

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Woreda/town visited
During the assessment, the
team managed to visit a)
Kamashi woreda, b) Kamshi
town, c) Sedal and d) Yaso
woreda.

Objective of the Assessment

The main objective of the assessment is to identify the humanitarian needs of returnees in Kamashi zone.
More specifically, the assessment is focused on identifying,

o The health and nutrition gaps and capacity of health facilities in the provision of service to the
returnees.
o Gap in mental health care practices, gender and protection services.
o Gaps and challenges related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
o Access to humanitarian support

2. Methodology
The following methodology applied to gather the relevant information and understand the overall
humanitarian situation in Kamashi zone.

4.1 Secondary data collection

Secondary data collected from the zonal and woreda level authorities. The specific offices contacted
includes, Zonal Health Office, Water Office, Disaster Risk Management Office and Women and youth
Affairs Office.
Collection of data from Primary Sources.
The collection of qualitative data is intended to capture beneficiaries’ opinions, experiences and feelings on
the provision of basic humanitarian support and the challenges they encounter since their return.
Observation
The assessment team observed the returnees and the condition of their living in both Kamashi town, Sedal
and Yaso woredas.
Focus Group Discussion
Focus group discussions conducted with affected community representatives, PLW, zonal and woreda
government officials.
Key Informant Interview
Key informant interviews conducted with affected communities, government, stakeholders and partner
representatives.

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3. Humanitarian Situation Overview
The overall humanitarian situation in the zone is in a dire situation. Provision of basic health service is totally
interrupted due to destruction of health infrastructures, absence of health staff, lack of drugs and other
related factors. Even if the zone is one of surplus production area of the region, there is delay of preparation
of farmland, delayed distribution of improved fertilizers, seeds and other agricultural inputs. Schools
especially close to the border area is burned and looted as a result most of the schools are not functional.
As most of the returnees witness violence such as killing of people and the death of their own relatives and
family members, it caused severe fear and distress. Below is the humanitarian situation gaps and needed
support per sector.

3.1.Health and Nutrition

2.1.1 Overview
In the visited woredas, there are 33 Health Post and 5 Health centre in the 2017/18. The Performance of
health and nutrition program can be described as unsatisfactory. However, the bellow two table shows that
compared to previous year, the number MAM and SAM cases increased in 2019 and coverage of mass
screening decreased.
Active case search for malnutrition Secondary data shows (2018),

S/n Woreda Target screened % SAM MAM PLW PLW < 23 cm >23 cm
target Screened %
1 Yaso 4510 4602 >100% 11 39 981 871 89 83 788
2 Agelo 4907 4920 100% 17 43 1067 848 79 55 793
3 Kamash 3853 3954 >100% 3 6 838 687 82 45 642
Total 13270 13476 >100% 39 88 2886 2406 83 183 2223
Whereas, 2019 active case search conducted reveals,
S/no woreda Target screened % SAM MAM PLW PLW < 23 cm >23 cm
target Screened %
1 Yaso 4555 3294 72% 8 36 991 515 52% 120 395
2 Agelo 5051 3830 76% 15 45 1098 677 62% 108 568
3 Kamash 3971 1908 48% 1 16 695 306 44% 40 266
Total 13577 9032 66% 24 97 2784 1498 53% 268 1229

Screening coverage decreased from 100 % in 2018 to 66% in 2019 and GAM rate increased from 0.9 to
1.4.

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 100% 100% 100% 100%
100%
76%
80% 72%
66%

60% Target
48%
2010 screening
40%
2011 screening

20%

0%
Yaso Agelo kamash Total

Vitamin `A` supplementation in 2018 FY (secondary data)

S/no woreda Target for Vit `A` % Target for De wormed %

Vit `A` Supplemented De worming
1 Yaso 4510 4799 100% 2980 3070 >100%
2 Agelo 4907 4913 100% 3242 3485 >100%
3 Kamash 3853 3953 >100% 2546 2950 >100%
Total 13270 13665 >100% 8768 9505 >100%

Vitamin A supplementation in 2018 was good but no supplementation after security deterioration.

As per the secondary sources from health bureau, Vitamin `A` supplementation in 2018 was covered 100%.
However, following the security crisis in September 2018, there was no Vitamin A supplementation at all.
S/n Woreda Measles Fully ANC 4 PNC Delivery Contraceptive Malaria case Rx
vaccination Immunized

2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011
1 Yaso 666 199 666 199 344 79 188 12 328 114 1919 56 6119 2448
2 Agelo 736 228 729 228 439 85 535 23 314 109 2318 62 4183 1882
3 Kamash 693 250 693 250 421 108 483 0 323 197 1840 47 4071 1872
Total 2095 677 2088 677 1204 272 1206 35 965 420 6077 165 14373 6202
Average 32.3% 32.4% 22.6% 2.9% 43.5% 2.7% 43.2%

Maternal and child health service was dramatically decreased compared to the same month of last year. As
the table shows, following the security crisis, measles vaccination decrease from 2095 to 677, ANC 1204
to 272, contraceptive distribution from 6077 to 165

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 Maternal & Child Health 2010 & 2011
800
Measles 2010, 693 Fully 2010, 693
700
Number of Beneficiary

600
PNC 2010, 483
500 ANC 4 2010, 421
400 Delivery 2010, 323
300 measles 2011, 250 Fully 2011, 250
Delivery 2011, 197
200 ANC 4 2011, 108
100
PNC 2011, 0
0
Measles measles Fully Fully ANC 4 ANC 4 PNC PNC Delivery Delivery
2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011
Yaso 666 199 666 199 344 79 188 12 328 114
Agelo 736 228 729 228 439 85 535 23 314 109
Kamash 693 250 693 250 421 108 483 0 323 197

Yaso Agelo Kamash

Health institute service providing for CMAM (2018&2019)

woreda Health Centre Health Post

available Functional Functional Functional available Functional Functional Functional Functional
in 2018 in 2019 SC in 2018 in 2019 OTP TSFP
Yaso 1 1 1 1 9 9 6 6 0
Agelo 2 2 2 0 14 14 8 8 0
Kamash 2 2 2 1 11 11 7 7 0
5 5 5 2 34 34 21 (61%) 21 0
During the assessment, it was observed that only 61% of health facility was functional. The remaining heath
facilities (mainly health center and health post) are not functional because health workers have left the place
because of the security issues.

Training status of health worker and health Extension worker

woreda Untrained Health worker Untrained Health Extension Untrained CHVs

SAM MAM IYCF-E SAM MAM IYCF-E SAM MAM IYCF-E
Yaso 32 32 32 12 12 12 117 117 117
Agelo 45 45 45 27 27 27 148 148 148
kamash 38 38 38 30 30 30 153 153 153
Total 115 115 115 69 69 69 418 418 418
All health profession in kemashi zone were not trained especially on MAM case management

2.1.2 Gaps
o Low nutritional screening coverage after crises (no screening since September),
o High MAM and SAM case was identified during onset of the emergency,
o Lack of linkage to TSFP (kamash,Yaso & Agelo Meti) program,
o The aggravating factor for mal nutrition was lack of food diversity,
o No implementing partner supporting the government implement OTP. The government didn’t
conduct BSFP to treat MAM cases Kemashi woreda,

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o Gap in terms of building the capacity of HEW &HW on MAM and SAM management, IYCF-E and
Supplies chain management
o More than 60% of Health post was closed due to security problem and a lot of health professionals
left.
o Understaffed Health centers
o In some of the health posts, there is plumpy net. However, it is near to its date of expiry.
o All health post and health centers in the woreda have no drug supply
o Lack of budget to procure supply (Laboratory supply, routine medication and other commodity)
o High drug cost from private sector, which the community cannot afford to buy.
o Absence of Standard guideline for SAM and MAM management, IYCF-E
o No program monitoring (Integrated Supportive supervision) conducted after crises
o No reporting system from health facility to woreda and woreda to zone health department
o No HMIS system to implement DHIS-2 to show disease progress was the main problem (to analysis
disease trend

2.1.3 Response
o Supporting mass nutrition screening and linkage,
o Drug procurement and supply,
o Strengthening HMIS, supply chain
system,
o OTP and SC support,
o Strengthening referral and linkage,
o Logistic support, and other

2.1.4 Recommendation
Generally, Health system and health
service provision in kemashi zone needs
reconstruction to address primary health
care services. Below are some important recommendation to improve the overall provision of health
service in the zone.

o MAM and SAM case identified in their previous IDP site and returned to Kamashi zone should get
follow up at their returned place to decrease defaulter rate and improve cure rate.
o Active case search for mal nutrition was dramatically decreased and GAM rate with in screening
conducted was increasing that need especial attention for all stakeholders.
o Health reporting system from health facility to woreda and from woreda to zone health department
was not functional. Hence, there is a need to strengthened the information sharing and reporting
mechanisms.
o All under-five and PLW MAM case were not linked to TSFP program. Therefore, there is a need to
mobilize and provide necessary commodity (like CSB++ and Plumpy Sup) and AAH need to provide
technical and logistic support
o Support immediate response to strengthen OTP and SC material for health facilities,
o All health profession working in kamash Zone need capacity building training mainly on integrated
MAM and IYCF-E management protocol,
o Procurement of Essential drugs should be done quickly to address the sever needs.

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 o Free health service should be provided for IDPs, returnees and poor peoples by government
o Strengthen the existing SC service in HC and HPs
o Re-establish HAD at all kebeles to strengthen health system
o Standard guideline such as SAM and MAM management, IYCF-E should be provided
o Reimbursement of exempted service for health center
o Health profession in Health center should be as per the standard
o HRB should revise DHIS 2 data base (to generate disease prevalence)
o Conduct Integrated supportive supervision to health facility by concerned body

3.2.Mental Health Care Practice, Gender and Protection

3.2.1. Overview

There are 6 HC and 53 HP in Kamashi zone for five woreda and one zonal town, Based on observation
during the assessment, it is possible to say that the health facilities are operating below standard. Moreover,
due to the conflict, some health facilities, education institutions and other social infrastructures’ burned,
looted and destroyed. This makes the overall service provision in the zone extremely poor and affect the
entire population, which is both the host community, returnees and IDPs. . Currently, returnees are facing
lack of food, shelter, health services, dignity Kits, lack of adequate access to water and sanitation facilities
that is also a high risk for outbreaks of epidemics . The condition is more severely affecting vulnerable groups
such as pregnant, lactating women and children, old people and people with disabilities among others. As a
result, IDPs and Returnees are in desperate situations looking for humanitarian assistance at all level.
The physical observation, FGD & KII conducted showed that returnees are in critical need for humanitarian
support The assessment reveal that IDPs are in distressed condition due to lack of resources (economic,
food and other social services), poor living conditions, uncertainties about the future, feeling of insecurity,
and experiencing persistent flashbacks, sleep disturbances, anxiety, resentment and nightmares. In addition,
most of the FGD participants’ are still grieving due to the loss of their husband, son, daughter and other
family members. They say “I lost him/her here…...” indicating the areas. . This situation identified as the main
reason of psychological distress in the communities.
3.2.2. Gap
- Properties of returnees are burned & looted
- Basic services (health services, water, and shelter) are highly needed with special priority for food
aid
- Kitchen kits & NFI is also a priority need for IDPs & returnees
- Drug & medical supplies are out of stock
- Information through observation & data review shows the nutrition situation in Kamashi zone even
before the crisis is poor
- The poor care practice combined with the bad living conditions, might trigger high child
malnutrition among IDPs & returnees
- Due to the crisis there are health posts totally burned & demolished
- There are health centres & health posts already closed due to lack of staff & destruction.
Service providers (Health workers and health extension workers) not yet returned in some
facilities.
- School institutions especially around border areas totally burned & out of use.
- Majority of students (80%) from the IDP community are out of school (stability, education materials,
teachers….a concern)
- The HDA’ structure is disrupted and dysfunctional
- The zone is not in a position to respond to the need of the returnees

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MHPSS
- High level of tensions, insecurity & resentment among returnees (Yaso-FGD)
- Basic service denial (health service, water, social services,..) and community grievances (Yaso-FGD)
- BNFs experiencing psychological distress in IDPs. The major psychological symptoms reported were
sadness, worries, sleeplessness, fear and somatic complaints. “one of a returnee traumatized and
left Kurka kebele after he saw his house burned & everything lost” as per the report interview
participant from Agalometi Woreda
- People are sharing resources and information as a coping mechanism. In addition, communal praying
is one of the copying mechanism identified by the majority.
Care practices
- Seven cases were under nutrition intervention among returnees participated in Yaso FGD. They
started the treatment while they were in Oromia and the treatment interrupted when they returned
to Kemashi and their situation is deteriorating.
- There is no basic care provision for pregnant & lactating women (FGD-Yaso)
- Lack of food diversity for Complementary feeding. Maize is
being given as a ration for the returnees,. However,
returnees reported that the assistance is not enough.
- There is no safe places for children, no sleeping places &
clothes. High possibility to get malaria & other diseases
- IDPs, returnees and children are spending on unsafe and
unhygienic environment. We have also observed them
using untreated water-this will likely to expose children & care givers to water born disease
- Women are in high stress & trauma situations and this situation is affecting their care giving capacity.
- There is no any baby kits (soap, toys, cloths) and enabling environment at all and this will likely to
have a long term impact on child development Figure 2 Reconstructed House without Home kits Kemashi Woreda
- Participants reported that they do not feel their
breast milk is sufficient for their kids as they are suffering from lack of food. The exclusive breast-
feeding less practiced.
- Untrained service providers (HEWs & HWs not trained on IYCF-E & Care practices). Those who
received the training already left the facility for different reasons.

Protection (Child protection & SGBV)

- There are about 1205 registered
children in need of family reunification
and alternative care in the zone
- There are about 26 rape cases as
stipulated during FGD in Yaso (6) and
individual interview Agalometi (20).
The rape cases involved from children
6 years old to old ages. However, Figure 1 LW IDP returned from West Wollega-Gimbi
officials from Kamashi zone did not
disclose the presence of a single SGBV case.

3.2.3. Response

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 - IDPs & returnees are in need of immediate food assistance in both Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia
region kebeles. Kamashi zone is providing emergency food such as Maize with a support from
Federal DRM & the returnees are having difficulty of money for grinding mill & other basic home
choirs.
- Properties of IDPs & Returnees are have been burned and they are in need of shelter, Clothes,
dignity kits and Kichen kits. So far there have been provision of some cooking kits by Ethiopian Red
Cross Society & Action Aid but there are reports of selling,
- Generally, basic need related response in the return place is near to zero. Kamashi Zone officials
reported as it is beyond their capacity to respond to address the humanitarian need.
- Student are in desperate situations as their school documents burned and due to lack of school
materials. There are plenty of drop outs and absence due to instability & lack of scholastic materials
- There is no provision of IYCF-E & Care practices services at all
- SGBV & Child protection related services are not in places at this juncture
- There is no any mental health & psychosocial support services for the returnees despite the need is
high
- Shortage of trained health workers and health extension workers on IYCF-E to provide services
- Shortage of general food assistance & access to diversity food for children & PLWs.

3.2.4. Recommendation
- Health system strengthening through training & on job coaching is of paramount importance.
Training on IYCF-E & MHPSS followed by an on job support is important for HWs & HEWs
operating on the implementation woredas.
- Strengthening Zone health department capacity for the treatment of acute malnutrition in children
and support for IYCF-E promotion. Integrated CMAM IYCF-E training needed for service providers
at the beginning of the project together with Nutrition.
- Restoring the HDA’ structure and strengthen functionality to enhance social cohesion & promotion
of IYCF services. As part of strengthening the community based health system and restoring
community support, in an integration with HEWs & Women Affairs office the HDAs’ system need
to be re-established. Training on basic IYCF & Care practices needs to give for focal HDAs’.
- The existing service providing facilities should be strengthened and additional new facilities needs
to be constructed or rehabilitated.
- Providing psychological and psychosocial support to strengthen the resilience of distressed
returnees through the development of capacity both at institutional and community level.
- Promoting Protection Mainstreaming (supporting returnees access to basic services, ensure safety
& dignity, referral).
- Promoting IYCF messages in the community through Mass Awareness & MtMSG
- Mother to mother support group should be established in some selected kebeles and weekly-based
discussion on IYCF-E & CP should be organized accordingly. The HDAs will support the smoothly
running of MtMsg and promote IYCF-E in the community.
- Conduct practical Food preparation & Cooking demonstration sessions in the community
- Establish & strengthening referral system of cases for different services (Protection, PSS, Health &
Nutrition). Children, girls, and women with protection needs will be identified and referred to IPs.
This will be done after mapping service providers in the area of return.
- Establish multi-purpose BFS- Centre in Kamashi woreda,
- Strengthening integration of Multi-sectoral service to address the complex need of the returnees,
the women.

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3.3.Water Sanitation and Hygiene
3.3.1. Overview

According to Kemashi Zone Admin report, , 1,182 house

was totally damaged, properties and home utilities,
livestock’s was robed, and public institutions such as
schools, health institutions, FTC and religion institutes was
destroyed due to the conflict between Oromo and Gumuz
living in BGR Kemashi Zone and Oromia boundary. In
addition, farm products like maize, sorghum, Teff, Slite was burned at farmland. A large number of
community water schemes are still non-functional.
Due to high non-functionality rate of water schemes most of the returnees and host communities are using
unprotected water source such as river water and non-developed sprig. Average water Consumption rate
by returnee is less than 7.5 lit/cap/day. Most of the returnee IDP were respond there is a shortage of
PoUWTC. The P&G water treatment chemical observed at Yaso, Aaglo Meti and Kemashi Woreda water
office is expired on May 2019. Water treatment practice is poor/not regular at communal water point place.
Returnees at Yaso Woreda are not equally share resources like water, milling service and health services.
The FGD participants reviled that host communities are accusing returnee.
Since the crises, economic status of the zone is declining as the main corridor of commodity supply is from
Oromia region.
Figure 3 Non-functional water point kemashi woreda
West Wollega DRMO reported about 73,113 individuals
and 78,298 individuals was returned to Oromia and
Kemashi Zone Woredas respectively. However, during our assessment most of the BGR returnees were
back to Oromia for the reason of lack of food, lack of shelter, lack of ES/NFI, lack of medical services and
fear of security. Some returnees are hosted in their relatives house (15 to 25 people in small house), and
others living in rented house and under tree. Regarding institutions, Out of 46 health facilities (40Hp and 6
HP) only 5 HP (12.5%) and 5HC (83%) have water supply system and 37 HP (92%) and 6 HC (100%) have
latrine
From a total of 74 primary school and 12 Secondary school, only 15 PS (20%) and seven SC (58%) have
water supply system and 29% PS and 100% have latrine.
Woreda Population HDW SHW Spring Motorized Total

F NF F NF F NF F NF

Yaso 29029 40 23 63 2 3 131

Agalo Meti 32214 46 31 46 6 3 132
Kemashi 12756 24 7 35 8 1 75
Kemashi 12539 4 2 4 2 3 2 2 19
Town
Sedal 25455 18 3 97 11 129
Belojiganfoy 42636 37 3 60 5 20 2 127

Total 154629 169 69 305 34 29 5 2 0 613

Community Water scheme profile of the Kemashi Zone

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Out of 34,362 HH in the zone 16,724 of them have latrine of those had latrine only 4902 of them use
handwashing facility connected with latrine this indicate that both sanitation & hygiene status of the
community is very low/poor. Regarding community sanitation status, out of 57 kebeles only, 8 of them free
of open defecation. Diarrheal disease, Malaria and fever are the top disease observed at health institutions
visited.
WASH hardware
As per Kemashi Zonal water bureau, the types of water structure in the zone are 38.80% HDW, 55.30%
ShW, spring on spot 5.52% and Motorized 0.33%. All HDW and ShW is operating by Afredeve Hand pump.
About 18% of the scheme are non-functional due to lack of spare parts. Zonal Water office has reported as
some of the spare parts are under procurement by Regional Water bureau. The PoUWTC observed during
our assessment is already expired on May 30, 2019 and there is no supply of PoUWTC.
NFI
Most of the IDPs received NFI including women dignity kits in Oromia from different humanitarian
organization. However, a large number of them had sold the items like jerrycan, bucket, washing basin,
kitchen materials and bed kits and some of them are using it.
For returnees of BGR, Food and NFI support provided by Federal and regional DRM, Action Aid and ERCS
that was not sufficient and complete. 114 sanitary pad and 114 laundry, soap was distributed at Kemashi
town latest the assessment period.

NFI Support provided by Federal DRM Commotion

No Item Unit Kemashi Yaso Agalo Belo Sedal Total Zonal
1 Blanket No 2700 1312 4,012
2 Jerry can No 1861 618 560 3,039
3 Kettles No 507 507
4 Cup No 1013 1,013
5 Cooking pot No 507 1890 560 2,957
6 Dishes No 1300 1,300
7 Tents No -- 13 13
NFI Support provided by Action Aid
T Item Unit Kemashi Yaso Agalo Belo Sedal total Zonal
1 Cooking pot No 1,000
2 Sanitary Pad No 2,000
3 Soap No 5,000

WASH software
In the visited woredas, it was observed that the Hygiene practice of returnees is poor. Returnees practice
open defecation in the bush. Either by the government or other partners do not conduct hygiene promotion.

Shelter
Preparation works to receive returnee observed at some Woredas. Ethiopian Red Cross society supplied
tents and blanket that was not sufficient for returnees and not distributed until the date of our assessment.
About 157 temporary shelter/houses are under construction in participation with the host communities (71
in Agalometi Woredas and 86 in Kemashi town), but no grass/stubble to cover the roof and wall. The
seasonal rain and weather condition worsen the situation

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3.3.2. Gap

Overall finding of WASH intervention including shelter shows,

 High non-functional rate of community water schemes

 Insufficiency of water supply due to high non-functional water scheme and inadequate number of
water scheme
 Low coverage of institutional water(school and health institution)
 Lack of PoUWTC
 Lack of spare part for community water supply
 Poor hygiene practicing of community hand washing at critical moment, body hygiene food
hygiene,
 Poor sanitation practice Open defecation,
West disposal etc
 Poor access of institutional WASH Facility
 Lack of ES/NFI for returnees
 Lack of shelter for returnees
3.3.3. Recommend Response

 Rehabilitation of non-functional water

schemes (Hand pumps and Spring)
 Providing fast moving Afredeve spare part and construction of spare part retailing shop
 Distribution of PoUWTC and provision of HTH chlorine and water quality pool tester for woreda
Water offices
 Distribution of Es/NFI
 Distribution of women dignity Kits
 Provision of Shelter NFI
 Hygiene and sanitation promotion( in community and health institution)
 Capacity building training for WASH Committee, Woreda Water Office expert and health workers
 Rehabilitate/construct water and latrine for school and health institutions

3.4.Food Security and Livelihoods

3.4.1. Overview
The majority of IDPs (97%) has returned and their means of living depends on harvesting of crops and
rearing of livestock (Agro pastorals community). In the past the zone is known for its surplus production..
However, following the crisis, people had lost everything they had. This
will make , returnees to completely depend on humanitarian support .

Figure 5Figure
Damaged crop production
4 Damaged farm land
crop production andland and
farm
3.4.2. Gaps uncultivated during the
uncultivated season
during the season

Government is providing foods assistance which is maize 15kg, CSB 0.4

kg and Oil 0.45 kg for returnees and host community. However, due
to limitations of resources, it was not possible to support all returnees.

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Damaged Asset due to last disasters/ Conflict
As per Kemash Zonal DRMO report, the following asset damaged, destroyed or looted during the crisis.
o 1,182 houses destroyed out of which 1082 house covered with grass while 100 covered with
metals sheet or iron roofs.
o All the house materials and farm materials damaged and looted.

o 1,743 livestock, 1925 cattle, 138 shoats, and 2,838

o 4 FTC, 7 veterinary clinic, 4 human clinic, 12 Figure 7 Houses Burned in Kemash Woreda
school, 3 religious institutions and 12 kebeles
administrations office destroyed. .

However, from our observation, discussion with returnees and woreda level authorities the figure might be
higher than what is reported by the zone admin.. The data from Yaso woreda Admininstartion Office shows,
15, 670 hectares of crops and 15,000 small remounts 9,000 donkey 70 chicken looted and destroyed.
.
The data from Yaso woreda Administration Office report shows, crops 15, 670 hectares and estimated yields
in quintals= 400,017 qts. Cattle’s=15,000, small remounts 9,000, donkey 70 and chicken=10,000 were
damaged.

Rainfall situation
The rainy season has already started Kemashi Zone during the assessment,
which is conducive for meaher season production. The rain will last from
June up to last week of August. Kemashi zone agricultural production
contribute more than 50% of the region production. However, during the
assessment , it was possible to learn that preparation of farm land is not yet
started and the season for sowing maize and sorghum already passed.

Prevalence of crops pest and diseases

o Mango fruits infested by mango berry disease.
o All the farm land of IDP’s peoples need to prepare for Meaher seasons covered with weeds so it
needs chemicals for controlling it.

Livestock situation
The bodies condition of livestock is poor due to the external parasites and However, currently pastures is
growing due to the start of the new rainy season.

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Human health/water and food availability
o High prevalence of malaria
o Shortage of water due to not functional water points.
o Shortage of foods

3.4.3. Response

Immediate support need to

o Urgent food distribution.
o NFI’s specialy cocking and feeding materials, shelters,
o Medical service and drugs Supports
o Cash support to cover basic needs
Enhance recovery and restoration of livelihood invention to secure their future food security.
o Livestock support specially oxen- for – ploughing, goat, sheep, cow and donkey as well as chicken.
o Improved verities of seed like maize, sesame, groundnut, soybean, Masho, Teff and vegetables
seeds.
o Farm tools such as ploughing meatal point, meatal point hoe, large rack.
o sickles, flat metal point hoe ( locally called sapeta), cutlass and knapsack sprayers.
o Fertilizers (Urea and DAP)
o Startup capitals for Income Generation Activities like petty treading.

3.4.4. Recommendation
o From 5,434 HHs returned in to West Wollega zone, 165 need startup capital support for petty
trading while for the reaming 5,269 HHs need to b provided agricultural support.
o For those returnees in to Kemashi Zone, there is a need to support with startup capitals.
o For IDPs whose house materials damaged, specially IDP’s retuned in to Kemashi zone need to be
supported with Emergency WASH and SNFI.
o As there is limited number of Financial Service Providers (only Commercial Bank of Ethiopia present
in Kemashi town) and due to lack of access to principals market, and limited movement of traders,
in kind support should be encouraged.

3.5. Security Management

3.5.1. Overview
Kamashi Zone has a history of inter communal conflicts, which lead to the death of dozens, and
displacement of thousands. As per KII reports during two rounds of the assessment in West and BGR, there
was conflict in 2014, 2016, and 2018. The conflict was mainly between Gumuz and highlanders. The
respondent disclosed that the main triggers of conflict related with allocation of large estates to investors
for agriculture and mining activities. Moreover, tensions over land ownership and investment result in
causing intercommunal conflict in the zone.

On September 27, 2018 two vehicles transporting Benishangul-Gumuz Kemash zone officials is ambushed
by gunmen in Henna kebele of Nedjo woreda in West Wollega Zone of Oromia. During this incident,
Kamashi Woreda chairperson, his deputy, and the Kamashi Zone police commissioner were killed.

In the following days, dozens were killed in Kamashi (BGR) zone and Kemashi towns, east/west wollega
border kebeles leading to the displacement of more than 150,000 people to neighboring East and West

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Wollega zones and Kemashi zone. Most of the displaced were Oromo. The security crisis also caused a total
blockage of movement to Kamashi for which resulted, inflated market price, and destabilized whole
economic, health, social and political life of the people in Kamashi zone.

3.5.2. Main Gap

During the assessment, individuals participated in the KII raised the following issues as major gaps.
- Involvement of officials and public figure in the conflict.
- Delayed justice and lack low enforcement.
- Denial of basic services for returnees.
- Fear and tension among returnees,
- Poor integration and coordination in security management,

3.5.3. Recommended Response

In order to restore peaceful coexistence of the two community, it require commitment and ownership of
higher officials, law enforcement bodies and elders. The following measure recommended to build lasting
solutions.
o It requires an investments in peace building process,
o Encourage communal intervention program that will benefit all the community as the crisis affected
both the returnees and host community.
o Enhance awareness of the community on reconciliation process
o Protection actors required to safe guard returnees and to ensure low enforcement.
o Advocacy for peaceful coexistence, maintaining public discussions

4. Partner Mapping and Humanitarian Coordination Mechanism

4.1. Overview
Kemashi zone is known as one of surplus crop production zone of Benishangul Gumuz egion and contributes
more than 50% of the regional production. . As per the key informant interview, most of water facilities
constructed so far is not functional. At the same time, following the security crisis, presence of INGOs and
NGOs is very limited. Since the crisis, Action Aid Ethiopia and Ethiopian Red Cross Society and in
collaboration with Federal and Regional DRM tried to support people in Kamashi zone though the support
was far below the need.

4.2. Coordination
Since the beginning of the security crisis in the zone the overall coordination is significantly affected.
Limited access to the zone, lack of basic infrastructure and fragile security situation, high turn over of
government officials and appointees contributes for the poor coordination of response in the zone.

4.3. Response
In order to enhance effective and efficient delivery of emergency response, there is a high need to build
strong coordination mechanism through partnership and collaboration different stakeholders. Moreover,
zonal and woreda structure require guidance and coaching to understand humanitarian principles and
national frameworks in emergency response operation.

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Therefore, it is very critical and irreplaceable to activate different sectoral coordination mechanisms to
monitor ongoing services and putting necessary measures on timely fashion.

4.4. Recommendation
Some of the measure advised to build effective coordination and partnership mechanism, it is highly advised
to create acceptance at different level. Creating and leading effective coordination mechanism context like
Kemashi zone require knowledge and skill between partners, government sector and higher officials.
Therefore, it is important to advocate presence of humanitarian actors to take part in restoration and
delivery of emergency response for returnees IDP in kemashi zone.

5. Challenges
Some of the major challenges observed during the assessment includes;
o Lack of clean hotel services,
o Lack of meal choice (Limited choice),
o Lack clear secondary data in different government sectors,
o Absence of staffs in charge of data and information management, health professionals, head of
offices,
o Security related tensions,
o Limited choice for office, and warehouse renting
o Roads inaccessibility in some woredas,
o Lack of access to market (point in case Kemashi to Nejo market West Wollega and Yaso- Belo
Jingfoy Haro Limu East Wollega)

Annexes

Agricultural Input 2019.05.25 Kemashi Kemashi

Required Returned IDP data Assessment ToR

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