Impact evaluation
A review of Strengthening Host and Refugee Populations in Ethiopia program (SHARPE)
- Published by
- DAI
- Project implementer
- DAI
- Donor
- FCDO
- Programme
- Strengthening Host and Refugee Populations in Ethiopia (SHARPE)
- Results level
- Systemic change
- Method
- Mixed method
- Data source
- Mixed
- Intervention types
- Improved access to finance
- Improved input supply
- Improved value chain coordination
This independent review of Strengthening Host and Refugee Populations in Ethiopia (SHARPE) captures lessons derived from the first two full years of implementation of applying an MSD approach to foster greater economic integration between host and refugee communities in protracted refugee settings.
The programme has drawn invaluable lessons about the readiness of the private sector to enter and develop markets for their products and services to, and beyond, the last mile into refugee communities. The review concludes that the MSD approach is fit for the purpose of developing practical, private sector driven models in a traditional humanitarian aid sector refugee context, and can complement humanitarian aid sector livelihood approaches.
Intervention description
The SHARPE programme implemented several interventions aimed at improving economic integration between host and refugee communities in Ethiopia through a MSD approach.
The project worked with various partners, including private sector companies like Shabelle Bank, EthioChicken, and Ethio Feed. Activities included expanding digital financial services (DFS), developing poultry and livestock markets, and improving agricultural input supply chains.
For example, the partnership with Shabelle Bank led to the onboarding of 258 Hello Cash agents, including 32 refugee agents, which expanded access to digital financial services in refugee-hosting woredas. The agro-vet intervention enabled 17 agro-vet partners to expand their sales and services, reaching 11,707 customers, with a 25 per cent increase in sales from the programme's baseline.
Evidence methodology
The review employed a mixed-method approach, including document reviews, stakeholder interviews and field visits.
Data collection involved interviews with SHARPE staff, FCDO representatives, private sector partners, and beneficiaries in Addis Ababa, Adama, Jijiga, and Gambella. The evaluation was conducted between 7-22 September 2022, with follow-up interactions for data verification. The methodology focused on evaluating the programme's performance, impact and sustainability using qualitative and quantitative data.
This programme’s results measurement system underwent a pre-audit review using the DCED Standard.