| Abstract: | This study explores the effectiveness of coordination and impact of the VBT implemented by
CRS within JEOP in North Wollo, Amhara Region. Specific areas investigated in this research
are inclusion and exclusion gaps in targeting, change in beneficiaries induced by VBT,
capacity building effort for partners, and stakeholder collaboration in aid distribution at the
grassroots level, project participant engagement and FCRM mechanism. A mixed-method
approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. The Demographic and
impact-related information was collected through household surveys, whereas in-depth
interviews with the JEOP stakeholders explored operational challenges and effectiveness of
VBT. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to summarize relationships
between key variables, and thematic analysis provided qualitative insights.
Results indicated significant demographic diversity among beneficiaries, with older maleheaded households and relief beneficiaries dominating the sample. Vulnerability-based
targeting had moderate success in reaching priority groups but faced several challenges, IDPs
and ultra poor households were most affected by exclusion error. inclusion exclusion errors
linked to quotas and data mismanagement. Stakeholder collaboration remained limited,
particularly with respect to engaging local governments in decision-making processes. The
effect of VBT on food security was negligible, with only 3.8% showing statistically significant
improvements. Satisfaction with the mechanism of VBT was generally mixed: 58.5% reported
satisfaction, while dissatisfaction reached 40% due to high exclusion rates and inequity.
The study concludes that there has been an improvement with respect to targeting transparency
and inclusivity, but many important gaps remain in terms of operational effectiveness and
resource equity. Recommendations include enhancing coordination mechanisms, stakeholder
involvement, scale-up of training for partners, and strengthening feedback and complaint
mechanisms to redress exclusion errors. These recommendations are important in refining the
VBT and bringing improved humanitarian outcomes for vulnerable populations. |
