Final Evaluation of the SHG/Food Security Programme, Horn of Africa
Tear Netherlands and Tearfund UK partnered to implement a food security program in the Horn of Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Somaliland), with SHGs playing a central role. The final evaluation of the program evaluated the impact of the initiative on the food security and resilience of the most marginalized in the area. The evaluation team found that SHG members, especially longer standing ones, were better able than non-members to withstand shocks such as drought and were better placed for recovery. Household food security was increased by 30-50%. SHGs that did not include training were effective at raising their members above the poverty line, but the change was accelerated with advising and training. Livelihood resilience was increased if paired with trainings in disaster risk prevention, business development and conservation agriculture.