Oxfam GB - HUM 2021-2025

During April 2022 March 2023, Oxfam and their local humanitarian partners implemented a total of 15 projects in 11 countries including Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Algeria, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Colombia, Kenya, Somalia and Yemen. The interventions were within the following sectors water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), emergency food security and vulnerable livelihoods (EFSVL), Protection and Gender. Of these, 7 projects were Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) projects, 6 were annual year projects and 2 were method and capacity projects: WASH Tweaks and the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP). Examples of results achieved through the HPA 2022/23 include: The HPA reached a total of 2,419,330 women, men, girls and boys with humanitarian assistance (1,289,234 women and girls and 1,130,096 men and boys). A total of 312,038 people benefitted from WASH services, 99,161 from Protection services, 2,102,315 from food and economic security and 53,857 from cash programming. Oxfam implemented seven RRM projects in a total of seven countries, including Kenya, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Niger, Yemen, Syria and South Sudan, reaching 269,722 people (144,099 women and girls and 125,623 men and boys) with lifesaving assistance in Protection, WASH and Emergency Food Security. 54,763 crisis-affected people were reached with standalone Protection assistance under the RRM. Protection and Gender were mainstreamed in all WASH and Food Security activities. All of the RRM projects were triggered by the effects of climate change, with the only exception of the RRM in Syria which responded to a cholera outbreak. All RRM projects took place in conflict-affected areas. Four of the RRM projects were sudden emergencies and three other RRM projects were slow-onset crisis responses, all driven by displacement, drought and food insecurity, floods and disease outbreaks. Somalia and Kenya have for years been prevalent in Oxfam's proposals and approved RRM projects due to the cyclical nature of the crises. The reports showed the timeliness and relevance of the RRM projects. Examples of outcomes and impacts of the RRM projects include the following: In Kenya, 776 vulnerable households (HH) received three rounds of cash transfers which resulted in a reduction in the percentage of HH with poor food consumption scores (FCS), a 27% improvement of HH with good FCS and 12% improvement in dietary diversity. In Yemen, WASH support was successfully met, resulting in ensuring 89% of target population had access to adequate WASH services and hygiene practices. In Syria, Oxfam's interventions provided safe drinking water to 85% of the population in targeted areas, preventing the transmission of Acute Watery diarrhoea and Cholera and enabled health institutions treat cases effectively and break the chain of transmission. Oxfam implemented six Annual Projects in Algeria, CAR, Chad, Colombia, Syria and Yemen reaching 2,149,608 people (1,145,135 women and girls and 1,004,473 men and boys) with lifesaving assistance in Protection, WASH and Emergency Food Security. All projects were implemented in hard-to-reach areas. Four of the six projects were forgotten crises in West and North Africa and Latin America as per the 2022 ECHO Forgotten Crises Assessment. The other two projects were implemented in complex protracted crises in the Middle East region (Syria and Yemen). All protracted crises had climate change dimensions. Examples of outcomes and impacts of the annual projects include the following: In Algeria, Oxfam reached 133,672 refugees who are food insecure or vulnerable to food insecurity with 2.5 kg of fresh vegetables per person. Together with UNHCRs interventions in the target areas, Oxfams interventions increased the acceptable FCS from 57% to 75%. Oxfam constructed an additional 12% of the total pipe network in one of the five Sahrawi refugee camps which will provide water for 3,296 refugees. In CAR, people reported that they improved their self-protection capacity from 35% to 65% and 80% of women and men had knowledge of protection risks and were able to report those risks to protection actors including local authorities. In Chad, the project facilitated the construction of water infrastructure, including four boreholes and 100 latrines, in areas with limited access and the construction made it possible to reduce the distance and risk of various attacks with fetching water and transmission of diseases. In fact, 79.4% of sanitation facilities were reported as safe by women and girls. In Syria, the project reached a total of 1.9 million people through the provision of WASH services in Handarat community (Jabal Samaan subdistrict) and through the provision of yeast supplies to bakeries in Aleppo, Hama, and Lattakia. Specifically, under the WASH intervention, Oxfam rehabilitated a high-water tank serving water to 4,200 people, all Handarat community members. About 50% of the population had access to water before the intervention, which increased to 78% after the intervention. All projects in the year 2022/23 were implemented in hard-to-reach areas. Of the projects in the Oxfam-Sida portfolio in the programme year 2022/23, the regions of Middle East and North Africa, West Africa and East Africa stood out as the main hotspots in terms of challenging access. Oxfam has reported using a range of advocacy methods to advocate for access and reported that their valued partnerships with local humanitarian responders has enabled swift responses in hard-to-reach locations. Community engagement was central in all projects where affected populations have participated in defining context analyses, adaptations to programming, outreach, capacity building, coordination and advocacy. Key highlights of this work include adaptations to the needs of the affected population in all programmes, through the use of a Community Perception Tracker in all contexts and the use of WASH Tweaks in projects as well as the roll out of WASH Tweaks in three WASH Clusters in South Sudan, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. WASH Tweaks is a methodology and guidance for a consultative approach to increasing the protection of women and girls when accessing WASH services. The Annual Report for 2022/23 emphasised Oxfam's protection and advocacy work. They established, together with Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a Community-led Protection Task Team where the work will be co-created by national and international organisations under the Global Protection Cluster (GPC). Through this type of work, Oxfam has increased support to local and national actors to engage on protection at the global level. Oxfam also continued to strengthen collective protection advocacy in the Cluster system by seconding an advocacy specialist to the GPC. As a result, Oxfam has seen significant improvement in advocacy work in the GPC. Oxfam continued to support community-based protection committees in various country programmes, including South Sudan, Chad, CAR, Burkina Faso, Niger and Somalia. In addition, Oxfam strengthened advocacy work around hunger and conflict in a number of crises, including Burkina Faso and Yemen by supporting communities including the community protection committees and other local structures as well as national actors and networks. Throughout the implementation period, over 20% of the total funds from Sida were forwarded to local and national partners. 31% of the entire RRM project spend in 2022/23 was transferred and implemented by local humanitarian actors. Five of the seven RRM projects were implemented jointly with local counterparts (Kenya, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Niger and South Sudan). 20% of the entire Annual Project budget in 2022/23 was dedicated to local humanitarian partners. The interventions in Algeria, Chad and in government controlled areas in Syria were directly implemented by Oxfam due to the challenges of partnering with local actors in these contexts. However, in contexts where it was feasible to partner with local humanitarian actors, the share of the project spend was high, such as in Colombia, where the local partner APOYAR consumed 92% of the total spend. CaLP reported a number of key achievements including support to the implementation of the cash coordination model, intentional investment in addressing barriers to locally-led response and strengthening linkages with financial and technology service providers investment in communication platforms in various languages, strong growth in engagement in Asia and the Pacific relevant and timely studies on a range of topics, including inflation, social protection linkages and human mobility, plus work began on the next State of the Worlds Cash Report revision of the CaLP glossary, a 50% increase in regionally based certified trainers, and for the first time the number of courses arranged by members exceeded the number organised by the CaLP team. Globally, Oxfam was recently recognized by the Global Food Security Cluster as one of the top 10 agencies providing livelihoods assistance in emergencies, based on the number of people reached. Approximately over 23% of Oxfam's global humanitarian spending was transferred through cash and voucher assistance (CVA) in 2022/23. In 2023, Oxfam received 103,2 MSEK in financial contributions to respond to sudden onset and deteriorating humanitarian situations through 15 projects/programmes in 14 countries. Throughout 2023, Oxfam has implemented a total of five country-based annual and multi-year projects/programmes where two were multi-year programmes and one was a multi-year project. In 2023, 27% of the total Sida grant to Oxfam was provided to the Programme Based Approach (PBA) in three contexts. Oxfam also implemented three method development and capacity-building projects. Furthermore, Oxfam implemented a total of ten RRM projects targeting 221,183 women, girls, men and boys. Six of the RRM projects were initiated due to a sudden onset crises and four to a sudden severe deterioration of a crisis. Four of the RRM projects responded to natural disasters (one earthquake, one drought and flood and two cyclone/typhoon responses), one public-health response and five RRMs responded to conflict-affected populations. Half of the RRMs were delivered jointly with local humanitarian actors in line with Oxfams Grand Bargain and Charter for Change Commitments to localisation. During 2023, Sidas humanitarian staff were able to conduct follow-up field visits with Oxfam country offices and Oxfams operations in Algeria, CAR, Colombia, Chad, Burkina Faso, Somalia and Kenya. Overall, the conclusions of these field visits are positive and emphasise the relevance of Oxfams comparative advantage and response modalities in different contexts.

Sida's Humanitarian Assistance to Oxfam GB 2024 Sida's Humanitarian Unit has prioritized funding allocations on the basis of most severe humanitarian needs and of the ability of its strategic partners to address them efficiently. The prioritized support will be in line with the Humanitarian Response Plans (HRP) and Refugee Response Plans (RRP), coordinated by the UN, and the ICRC operational appeals where applicable. OCHA's Global Humanitarian Overview 2024 indicates another year of significant humanitarian relief requirements, with 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in 72 countries. The estimated cost of the global humanitarian response going into 2024 is US$46.4 billion, a decrease of 5 billion compared to the beginning of 2023. However, this is not an indication of the humanitarian situation improving on a global level, rather that the humanitarian system has partly improved in prioritizing the most severe humanitarian needs, and that prioritization in general is needed in light of the decreasing global funding for humanitarian assistance. In 2024, Sida humanitarian unit will be prioritizing 30 crises worldwide and Oxfam has been selected as one of the best placed actors in five crises. For 2024, the following support is proposed for Oxfam: Country-based Programmes in Algeria, CAR, Yemen, Myanmar and Chad in line with Humanitarian Response Plans or Refugee Response Plans - 53 MSEK Rapid Response Mechanism - 45 MSEK Method Development and Capacity-Building - 12 MSEK Programme management support - 2 MSEK This means that the total initial contribution to Oxfam GB in 2024 amounts to 112 MSEK. Country-based Programmes (2024: 53 MSEK, 2025: 28 MSEK) Annual Country-based Programmes (PBA) Yemen (10 MSEK) Oxfam is present in seven governorates, both in the south and the north, focusing on Food Security, WASH and protection. Oxfams rapid response capacity is a strong reason for continued Sida support. Myanmar (10 MSEK) Oxfam will through PBA support focus on providing lifesaving assistance to crisis-affected and disaster vulnerable people. Oxfam will work in various sectors including Protection, WASH, Food Security and Livelihoods as well as NFIs. The support will be implemented in hard-to-reach communities in Kachin State, Shan State, Rakhine State, Chin and the southeastern part of Myanmar. Through its strong focus on WASH which is a chronically underfunded sector and its wide range of local partners, Oxfam adds value to the Sida portfolio. Multiyear Country-based Programmes 2024-2025 (PBA) Algeria (2024: 10 MSEK 2025: 10 MSEK, already approved via decision 010286/23) Sida has identified Oxfam as a key actor in critical response sectors including: WASH, Protection and Food Security and Livelihoods. The programme is in line with the first ever consolidated Sahrawi Refugee Response Plan elaborated (2024-2025). Given the protracted crisis and slightly deteriorating situations year-on-year, in 2023 Sida decided to support Oxfam Algeria with multiyear programme based support (2023-2025). CAR (2024: 8 MSEK 2025: 8 MSEK, already approved via decision 010286/23) Oxfam provides humanitarian assistance to improve living conditions, provide emergency food and means of production, access to WASH services, and strengthen protection mechanisms (including GBV) for 340,000 displaced, returnee and host communities, in the target areas of Bria (Haute Kotto) and Batangafo (Ouham). Oxfam works through services, cash and in kind modalities. Oxfam has been granted multiyear funding for 2023-2025 and will continue the PBA-approach during this period. Chad (2024: 15 MSEK of which 10 MSEK already approved via decision 010286/23 2025: 10 MSEK, already approved via decision 010286/23) In 2023, Oxfam was proposed for multiyear programme-based approach financing. Oxfam are active in the Lake region, including in hard-to-reach areas, and work in the Protection, WASH and Livelihoods sectors. Oxfam have specific inclusion of disabled persons and elderly and target both displaced persons and host communities. Oxfam have continued to deliver with good results during 2022. For 2024, Sida proposes to increase the allocation to 15 MSEK. Sida assesses that Oxfam has submitted relevant proposals, strategies and updated workplans and budgets for all the above mentioned contexts and that they should be approved (see the Budget analysis as well). The disbursement of the support to the country contexts for 2025 á 28 MSEK is conditioned on the receipt of an updated workplan and budget and subject to parliamentary appropriation of funds. Rapid Response Mechanism (45 MSEK) Part of the annual humanitarian budget is set aside for sudden humanitarian crises and deteriorations of major ongoing crises. For these situations Sida has an RRM with partner organisations that makes it possible to fund lifesaving responses worldwide within 24 hours. Oxfam prioritises RRM applications in hard-to-reach areas, areas with increased needs and forgotten crisis with limited international visibility. The RRM complements Oxfams Catastrophe Fund Mechanism (CAT Fund) and public appeals. Sida assesses that Oxfam has a relevant and strategic approach to the RRM and is well-placed in order to respond quickly to sudden onset crises through the RRM. Therefore Sida will maintain the allocation of RRM funding to Oxfam in 2024. In 2024, 45 MSEK will be added to the Agreement with Oxfam GB to support the organisation through the modality of RRM support. Method development and capacity-building support (2024: 12 MSEK, 2025: 3 MSEK) CaLP (2024: 5 MSEK already approved via decision 009880/22) In 2022, Sida proposed to provide multiyear support to CaLP between 20222024 with 5 MSEK per year. Sida will in 2024 continue its support to the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP), a network based on learning, knowledge sharing, networking and coordination around the appropriate and timely use of cash transfer programming (CTP) in humanitarian response. As CaLP is not a legal body and is hosted by the Humanitarian Department of Oxfam House, it was decided to include the support to CaLP in the Agreement between Oxfam GB and Sida.Sida funding will support the delivery of all five strategic focus areas of the CaLP strategy for 20202025. In 2024, Sida will continue to support CaLP with 5 MSEK. Frontline Community Protection (2024: 4 MSEK already approved via decision 010286/23) In 2023, Sida decided to provide multi-year support to Oxfam GB's method development and capacity-building project called Frontline Community Protection between 2023-2025 with 4 MSEK per year. This project will build humanitarian capacity in three key areas: participatory feminist MEAL for protection protection advocacy and implementing community-led protection work. By improving capacity, technical skills and expertise in these three areas, this project will contribute towards a more inclusive, coordinated and collaborative humanitarian system that is more effective in reducing protection risks to populations affected by conflict and crises. The project will be implemented globally under Oxfam's Global Humanitarian Team working in coordination with the Global Protection Cluster and two thematic task teams on Protection Advocacy and Community-led Protection. The project will also work in strategic partnerships with up to four national NGOs with direct funding and mentorship to support leadership functions and greater national representation in thematic protection task teams. In 2024, Sida will continue to support this project with 4 MSEK. Group Cash Transfer (GCT): Enhancing Community Agency for Localized Humanitarian Action (2024: 3 MSEK 2025: 3 MSEK) In 2024, Sida proposes to provide multi-year support to Oxfam GB's method development and capacity-building project called Group Cash Transfer (GCT): Enhancing Community Agency for Localized Humanitarian Action between 2024-2025 with 3 MSEK per year. Oxfam seeks to contribute to the growing knowledge and evidence base for Group Cash Transfers (GCTs) as an innovative modality for pursuing meaningful locally-led humanitarian action across sectors, improve social cohesion and promote inclusion and local leadership of women and young people in particular. The project will develop and test these innovative approaches to enable grass-root level community groups to better respond to their own needs and priorities by focusing on two countries, Yemen and Lebanon. The disbursement of the support to the project for 2025 á 3 MSEK is conditioned on the receipt of an updated work-plan and budget and subject to parliamentary appropriation of funds. Programme Management costs (2 MSEK) It is also suggested that Oxfam GB receive funding for programme management costs. This is further elaborated in the budget section of this appraisal.