Evaluation of RIPAT for Peace
RIPAT for Peace was a food security and peace-building project aimed at improving human and community security (standard of living, freedom from fear) among agro-pastoralists in Northern Kenya. The project builded on the RIPAT model, but whereas the RIPAT model in Tanzania was developed with settled farming communities in mind and in regions where political conditions were relatively stable, the RIPAT for Peace was applied among agro-pastoralist communities in Samburu County in Northern Kenya, a semi-arid area characterised by recurrent conflicts. Furthermore, the model was tested in partnership with a set of peace-building activities.
The evaluation
In order to assess the effects of the project in terms of the stated project objectives, an evaluation process was initiated simultaneously with the launch of the project. The evaluation was divided into two parts: one focusing on the general livelihood situation, including food security, and one focusing specifically on peace. In the autumn of 2014 a baseline study was carried out in the area. The objective was to generate, analyse and present information about selected key aspects of the livelihood and peace situation in the project area at the commencement of the implementation process, in order to enable comparisons at later stages and thus to assess the effects of the project. The baseline should also help to validate indicators described in the log frame and, where appropriate, to suggest additional indicators to ensure that the programme goals were relevant and transparent.
Evaluation method
The data collection was carried out using appropriate qualitative methods such as analysis of relevant documents, focus-group discussions, village mappings, informal conversations, observations, workshops and individual interviews with various stakeholders. The baseline study was performed by two evaluation teams; one team focused on peace, and the other on livelihood and food security.
Principal results
The baseline study showed that due to the increasing social and environmental challenges facing pastoralists in northern Kenya, many were receptive to learning new methods and approaches to maintain a sustainable way of life. Based on this consideration, RIPAT was a relevant initiative in the area. However, the unstable political climate, long periods of drought and poor market conditions made the project very vulnerable and would require that the project was monitored closely. Furthermore, despite relatively short distances, there were large contextual differences between the villages where the project was implemented.
