Due to travel restrictions resulting from COVID-19, FAO has partnered with Farm Radio International to undertake remote monitoring of ongoing humanitarian interventions. ©FAO

In response to the changing work modalities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, FAO Ethiopia partnered with Farm Radio International to undertake remote monitoring of its ongoing humanitarian interventions.

"The presence of FAO staff in the field to monitor project activities is now limited, hence the need to use Farm Radio International's computer-assisted telephone interviews approach to complement FAO's monitoring efforts," said Fatouma Seid, the FAO Representative in Ethiopia.

Farm Radio International verifies beneficiary authenticity, monitors their access to and utilization of cash and agricultural inputs, and will evaluate the interventions.

Currently, FAO is assisting over 70 000 households affected by the desert locust invasion and COVID-19 pandemic with agricultural inputs, cash transfers, and training and extension support.  FAO is implementing the interventions in Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Somali and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' regional states.

"Despite the wide geographical spread of the interventions, remote monitoring has enabled us to get data and information in real-time. We know if the interventions are on track or need modification," noted Ms. Seid.

The remote monitoring initiative is being implemented under the framework of the European Union-funded FAO project - "Global Network Against Food Crises Partnership Programme - Management and crosscutting support." The Project aims to enhance resilience to food crises.

Resources

FAO Ethiopia on Twitter - @FAOEthiopia

Contact

Douglas Magunda

Evaluation Specialist 

FAO Ethiopia

[email protected]

Rachel Nandelenga

Communications Consultant

FAO Ethiopia

[email protected]