JORDAN EMOP : Food assistance to vulnerable Syrian populations in Jordan affected by conflict in Syria. Beneficiaries. Actual Beneficiaries

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1 INTERNAL BULLETIN JULY 214 Jordan Emergency Operation 2433 Syria crisis WFP Jordan Monthly Monitoring Report July at a Glance In July, WFP provided food assistance to 84,425 Syrian refugees with paper vouchers, dry rations, and daily bread along with welcome meals to newly arriving refugees and date bars for school feeding in Za atri and Azraq camps. In Jordanian communities, assistance was provided to 461,588 beneficiaries through value-based food vouchers (both paper and e-vouchers). This report is based on the Sub- Offices July Monthly Monitoring Report and PDM analysis for the last quarter covering April June in addition to newly implemented Pre-Assistance Baseline (PAB) findings. JORDAN EMOP 2433: Food assistance to vulnerable Syrian populations in Jordan affected by conflict in Syria. July Cycle Operational Beneficiaries Beneficiaries Beneficiaries Percent of Operational Reached Food (mt) & Voucher Value Distributed (USD)* Food and Voucher Value Food and Voucher Value* Vouchers in Communities 473,87 461,588 97% US$ 16,3,626 US$ 15,623,81 Photo: WFP/Dina El-Kassaby Vouchers in Za atri 83,231 79,29 95% US$ 2,336,658 US$ 2,223,743 Vouchers in Azraq 11,238 5,216 46% US$ 314,664 US$ 142,246 Daily Bread in Camps 94,469 82,64 87% 578 mt mt Welcome Meals 6,*** 3,19 52% 5.17 mt 2.68 mt GFD/Welcome Meal Date Bars 94,469 82,64 87% mt mt School Feeding in Camps 15, 2,63 14% 26.4 mt.52 mt Nutrition Age Appropriate Nutrition MAM Treatment 13, 13,141 11% 75 mt 78.5 mt % 2 mt 1.26 mt Total 568, ,13 96% 72 mt/ $18,684, mt/ $17,986,127 *Figures have not yet been reconciled. **These figures includes new arrival packages that are not in the UNHCR planning figure in addition to the different database UNHCR uses for food compared to vouchers. ***Based on an estimated 2 new arrivals per day. I. Highlights Pre-Assistance Baseline (PAB) WFP began the PAB in June to compare the food security status of newly arrived (pre-assistance) Syrian refugees with beneficiaries of WFP assistance in order to measure the impact of WFP s food assistance on the Syrian refugee population in Jordan. PAB analysis, while only indicative due to the small sample size, shows that once on WFP assistance refugees are much more food secure. New arrivals were far more likely to have low food consumption scores (FCS) of 83% poor an 85% borderline, compared with those on WFP assistance at 8% poor and 4% borderline.

2 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 II. Implementation Ratio 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Community Camps Figure 1: WFP beneficiaries in Camps and communities a) Paper vouchers and e-vouchers for refugees in Jordanian Communities: WFP reached 97% of beneficiaries on the planned UNHCR manifest in July with voucher and e-card assistance in all governorates. The 3% of individuals that were not reached did not come to distribution sites either because they were either were not contactable by mobile, had returned to Syria or chose not to attend distributions. Since WFP began the e-card distributions in Jordanian communities in January 213, 62% of households have received their e-vouchers thus far. b) Vouchers in Za atri camp: beneficiaries continue to receive partial vouchers on a bi-weekly basis and bread through daily distributions. Voucher distributions reached 95% of the planned UNHCR manifest (i.e. beneficiary list) in 214. c) Vouchers in Azraq Camp: In July, WFP reached 46% of the Azraq camp manifest during the regular voucher distribution. The 54% of individuals that were not reached have either returned to Syria or left to live in communities through informal means or with leave permits from the Syrian Refugees Affairs Directorate (SRAD). New arrivals continue to receive New Arrival Vouchers (NAV) until incorporated into the regular voucher cycle. d) Welcome Meals: new arrivals continued to receive welcome meals and new arrival packages during the reporting period; 3,19 of welcome meals in Raba a Al Sarhan, and 3,23 welcome meals in Azraq camp. e) Bread: WFP, through ACTED and SCI, continue to distribute 24g of bread per person on a daily basis in both Azraq and Za atri camps. The overall quantity distributed during the reporting period was 578 mt of pita bread in both camps. f) School Feeding: In Azraq and Za atri camps, summer schools commenced on 24 July; during July, WFP reached 2,63 students with date bars. The normal school year will re-commence on 24 August. g) Date distribution: JHCO completed date distribution in July in all regions of Jordan to both Syrian refugees and affected Jordanians. JHCO reached 94% of the overall planned number of beneficiaries in all governorates (35,444 Syrian refugees and 39,422 affected Jordanians) for the Holy month of Ramadan. h) Nutrition: WFP cooperating partners ACTED, Medair and Save the Children Jordan continue to implement the targeted nutrition programme for the treatment of MAM in the host community, Azraq and Za atri camps. WFP reached 95 Syrian boys and girls under the age of five and pregnant and lactating women with MAM with SuperCereal Plus rations in Zaatri camp during July. In communities, WFP reached 12,93 beneficiaries (CU5) with SuperCereal Plus as an age appropriate food. In total, both MAM and age appropriate programmes, WFP reached 13,434 beneficiaries with the SuperCereal Plus nutritional product. 2

3 Number of Visits Number of Visits III. July Monitoring Za'atri Camp Monitoring PDM Shop BCM Shop Checklist Shop Price Voucher Distributions SF Nutrition (OSM DP) Nutrition (BCM) Figure 2: Za'atri Camp monitoring in July Voucher Monitoring in Community PDM Shop BCM Shops Checklist Shop Price Voucher Distributions Nutrition (OSM DP) Nutrition (BCM) Figure 3: Voucher monitoring by WFP offices in communities by Sub-office in July PDM: Post-Distribution Monitoring Shop BCM: Beneficiary Contact Monitoring (shop level) SF: School Feeding Checklist IV. Monitoring Challenges With the ongoing e-voucher rollout, many monitors were occupied assisting with the process of having to sign over every e-voucher distributed along with all partners, particularly from the SO. Due to the month of Ramadan, working hours were reduced from 8 to 6 hours which affected WFP s ability to meet monitoring targets. In addition, a majority of beneficiaries shopped at night, when monitors were off work and thus not many were found in shops for BCM. Many staff absences and leaves during the holiday affected WFP s ability to reach the targeted achievements. 3

4 During the reporting period, the continued suspension of 9 shops were in Za atri camp affected the monitoring of shops in the camp as the number of CBOs decreased mid-month which prevented sub-office from reaching their target. V. Process Monitoring Za atri camp Syrian Refugees held demonstrations over perceived water shortages again this month; however, ACTED and UNICEF continued to communicate that there is sufficient water in the camp to concerned refugees. UNICEF found that Syrian refugees water usage rate per person is three times higher than the Jordanian water usage average rate. Given that many Syrian refugees come from regions rich in water, UNICEF and ACTED continue to communicate the need to minimize water usage in the camp. During the holy month of Ramadan, beneficiaries increased purchases of chicken and rice and shops met the demand with no reported shortages. However, WFP FMAs reported that some shops were not keeping frozen foods at the required temperatures and shop owners were notified to use proper storing conditions. Azraq Camp Initial price monitoring has shown that prices are fair, with a food basket value of JOD 2.66 for a 3 day ration per individual based voucher value. During July, Sameh Mall agreed to decrease the prices of popular products including eggs, milk and oil. Beneficiaries continued to complain about the low quality of produce at Sameh Market, which happens in many markets given the quality of produce in Jordan is of lower quality than in Syria. During the reporting period, beneficiaries continued to request an option to purchase NFI items. This request may be met in the future through the one-card system which will allow other UN agencies and NGOs to provide assistance through WFP s e-cards. Many beneficiaries requested to make the general voucher value at JD 5 (two vouchers per individual), similar to NAVs, as they don t have the adequate storage space and conditions. This issue will be resolved once e-cards are rolled-out in camps. Beneficiaries complained about the location of the bread distribution site as it is too far from their dwellings and so beneficiaries are forced to take their children for bread collection every morning as they prefer not to leave them home without adult supervision. WFP has followed up with UNHCR to push for a camp transport system to be implemented, which would enhance beneficiaries access to other camp services in addition to WFP s supermarket and bread site. Communities Monitors found that the partner shop in Cyber City was not stocking sufficient varieties of food and was opening too late in the day. Following this report, WFP visited Cyber City and cancelled the agreement with the shop and agreed with camp management to allow beneficiaries to redeem their vouchers at another shop 2 meters away from the camp. WFP is now taking necessary procedures to open a second shop in Cyber City as well. On a different day Save the Children International received an overwhelming number of beneficiaries at a distribution site in during e-cards and paper vouchers from the same location. WFP and SCI agreed to postpone the e-card distributions to the following week, after SCI completed the distribution of paper vouchers. The JHCO date distribution site in Zarqa was found to be too small for the size of their caseload. This issue was reported to Jordan EMOP for further action to notify JHCO management to increase the size or number of their distribution points. On 17 July, some beneficiaries in Irbid received an SMS to attend distributions on the same day of their scheduled distribution and thus some could not attend distributions. sub-office followed up with IRW to send SMS in advance and increase staff capacity at distribution points. 4

5 VI. Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) The following analysis of PDM at the household level is based on surveys collected by WFP monitors between April and June 214. In total, WFP collected 252 PDM surveys, 63 in Za atri camp and 862 in communities. At a national scale this sample is statistically representative with a 9% level of confidence, 3.1% margin of error and a response distribution of 63%. When split by Za atri camp and communities, the margin of error increases to 5.2% and 3.86% respectively, which is still well above minimum WFP standards for reporting. Beneficiary Profile 23% of respondents were receiving food assistance through the new e-voucher modality and the rest received paper voucher assistance. 43% of interviewees were women and 39% of households were headed by women. The average dependency ratio was 1.5 in camps and communities. Figure 6 shows the difference in arrival times to Za atri camp and communities, which clearly shows there are many more new 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% % Child School Attendance Camp Attending Communties Not Attending Figure 5: School attendance comparison between Za'atri camp and communities. arrivals in camps, given all new arrivals that informally cross into Jordan are taken to Azraq camp. Figure 5 shows that school attendance was higher in communities than Za atri camp, with no significant changes over the past year. Attendance in Za atri camp continues to be quite low at 27%. 1% Income Sources Overall, those in Za atri camp more often had no source of income (%) compared with those in communities (13%) which denotes the state of vulnerability those face in camps with very few livelihood opportunities. Interestingly, female heads of household were nearly twice as likely to have no source of income than male heads of household. In camps, refugees were more likely to take part in casual labour and use savings, while in communities, casual labour and cash from humanitarian agencies were the primary sources of income. Lastly, those with remittances always lived in communities. 5% % Figure 4: PDM by CPs' area of operation Camp Arrival Time Communties -6 months 7-12 months 13+ months Figure 6: Comparison between arrival times in Za atri Camp and communities Primary Income Source 4% 35% 3% 25% 2% 15% 1% 5% % Casual labour Savings Sale of assets Gifts from family, relatives Sale of food aid Cash from Remittances humanitarian orgs Za'atri Camp Communities Food Consumption Figure 7: Primary source of income by Za'atri camp and communities Food Consumption Score Poor ( 28) Borderline ( ) Acceptable (>42) Apr - June PDM Za'atri Camp % 3% 97% Apr - June PDM Communities 1% 4% 95% 5

6 Jul-13 Nov-13 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Jul-13 Nov-14 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Overall in Jordan, 8% of Syrian refugees had poor food consumption, 4% with borderline and 65% with acceptable food consumption. When comparing food consumption scores between male and female heads of household there were no statistically signficant differences. Over time, food consumption has improved since a year ago (see Figure 8). Given there are many variables affecting households food consumption such as seasonality and holiday feasting, deciphering causality is difficult, but most likely regular WFP assistance has aided in this improvement. 2% 18% 16% 14% 12% 1% 8% 16% 6% 8% 8% Poor As Figure 9 shows, the dietary diversity increased slightly over the 4% 5% past eight months in both camps 4% 1% 2% 4% 2% 5% and communities. Like food 2% % 1% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% % % 1% consumption, male and female heads of households had the same dietary diversity on average. Za'atri Communities Interestingly, those who sold agricultural products as a main Figure 8: Food Consumption Scores over time in Za atri and communities. source of income had the lowest dietary diversity (5.5) compared with the country average of 6.4. This figure means that on average 6.4 food groups are consumed on a daily basis of 8 groups in total. 8% Borderline 45 4 Dietary Diversity (number of times consumed per week) Nov'13 Apr'14 June'14 Nov'13 Apr'14 June'14 Communities Camp Oil Sugar Dairy Fruit Vegetable Pulses Meat Cereals Figure 9: Dietary Diversity from November 213 till June 214 (communities vs Za'atri camp). Coping Strategies In Za atri camp, the Coping Strategies Index (CSI) was relatively stable over the past year. The overall CSI of Syrian refugees in Jordan was 11. In communities, the CSI improved over the last six months, likely due to seasonal patters including warm weather and lowered expenditures on winter related costs. Male heads of household were more likely to adopt coping strategies (CSI of 1.8) than female heads of hosuehold (CSI of 9.4). Those who relied on the sale of agricultural products and begging as a main income source were most likely to adopt severe coping strategies with a CSI of 19 and 18 respectively. 6

7 Coping Strategy Index Jul-13 Nov-13 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Jul-13 Nov-13 Jan-14 Apr-14 Jun-14 Za'atri Communities Figure 1: CSI by time on WFP assistance, July 213 June 214 Analysis of the more mid-term livelihood coping strategies shows that the most recurring coping strategy is spending savings (61%) followed by buying food on credit (42%) and selling household goods (41%) to meet their basic needs. Main Needs When comparing Za atri camp with communities, main needs did not change much from prior quarters. The main need in communities is rental assistance while in camps the lack of livelihood opportunities, and thus cash, is the main need. While both male and female refugees reported their main need was rental support in communities, men more often needed jobs while women cited their primary need is cash. It is likely cultural norms are the reason for this difference, given it is often more accepted for men to work than women amongst the Syrian refugee population in Jordan. Medicines/health Medicines/health More Food More Food Job Job Cash Cash Support for rent/improved shelter Support for rent/improved shelter % 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% % 1% 2% 3% 4% Communities Camp Female Male Figure 12: Main needs (camps vs communities) Figure 11: Main needs by Sex of Head of HH VII. Pre- Assistance Baseline (PAB) In June 214, WFP began the PAB surveying new arrivals in Azraq camp to obtain a better understanding of the food security situation inside Syria as well as enable the Jordan EMOP to show impact of food assistance by comparing refugees food security status upon arrival to Jordan with those already on WFP food assistance. Monitors were instructed to survey only those that arrived the day of 7

8 surveying to avoid potential bias. It must be noted that while most questions are one week and one month recalls, many refugees currently get stuck along the border and at the Raba a Al Sarhan registration point for multiple days. At this registration point and once crossed into Jordan they receive humanitarian food aid and thus the 35% 3% 32% PAB is merely an indication of their 25% 28% food security status in Syria. The following information is based on 68 2% surveys conducted and thus is only indicative and are not statistically 15% 21% representative. The next quarterly 1% report will cover the PAB/PDM 5% comparison more extensively. 6% Figure 13 shows where new arrivals came from over the past two months. The majority of refugees arrived from Aleppo and Homs followed by Dar a and Damascus in June and July 214. % Figure 13: Home Governorate in Syria of those arriving to Azraq camp 3% 3% 3% 1% When comparing the PAB with PDM, refugees that received WFP assistance had a much higher food consumption score than newly arrived refugees prior to receiving assistance. Figure 14 denotes the importance of WFP assistance by showing clear impact on refugees food frequency and dietary diversity. 3% 25% 2% 15% 1% 5% FCS Comparison % PAB PDM Poor Borderline Figure 14: FCS comparison (new arrivals vs current WFP beneficiaries) The average number of meals consumed were significantly higher for those on WFP assistance. In addition, those on WFP assistance had higher dietary diversity scores than new arrivals to Azraq camp. This is likely due to the diverse array of foods available from the food voucher compared to what they could access in Syria and at the border. While it must be noted that these findings are indicative only and the next quarterly will have a sufficient sample size, these findings do indicate the positive impact from WFP assistance on the food consumption levels of Syrian refugees in Jordan. 8

9 Jordanian Dinar Average number of meals Dietary Diversity Score PAB PDM 3 PAB PDM Figure 12: Average number of meals consumed (new arrivals vs current WFP beneficiaries) Figure 13: Average DDS (new arrivals vs current WFP beneficiaries) VIII. Price Analysis WFP collects pricing information on partner and non-partner shops on a continual basis. The following information is based on prices collected from shops from December 213 to July 214, then compared with prices from the March 213 price assessment. The July figures are based on the monitoring of 51 partner and 7 non-partner shops from a total of 77 partner and many other non-partner shops in Jordan. The following prices in Figure 14 depicts the average cost of the monthly food basket over time of the eight basic commodities the voucher value was based on at the start of the EMOP (rice, bulgur wheat, lentils, pasta, oil, sugar, salt and canned meat) Za'atri Camp - Supermarkets Za'atri Camp - CBOs Communities - Partners Communities - Non-partners Average Price of Food Basket 2 Jan '14 Feb '14 Mar '14 Apr '14 May '14 Jun '14 Jul '14 Figure 14: Average monthly cost of the basic food basket over time In communities, despite the 1.4% increase of the average food basket in partner shops when compared to June s food basket, WFP partner shops continue to be cheaper than non-partner shops by 1%. In July, the average food basket cost increased to JOD 22.1 from JOD in June, which still remains less than JOD 24 currently distributed through WFP vouchers per person in communities. IX. Voucher and E-voucher Hotline Analysis In July, the WFP hotline unit received a total of 1,13 calls from beneficiaries on the hotline during the reporting period with an average of 5 calls per business day. The overall number of calls in July decreased from June by 31% likely due to the enhanced e-voucher education sessions provided to beneficiaries by cooperating partners. 9

10 3 2 1 April-14 May-14 June-14 July-14 Paper Voucher Calls E-Card Calls Total Figure 15: Hotline calls related to paper voucher and e-vouchers Paper voucher calls: 42% of 391 were related to clarifications on the distribution location or date of distribution and 47% called because they were no longer on the paper voucher list. This is most often because beneficiaries receive an e-voucher and it was not yet loaded. E-voucher calls: 44% of 666 recorded calls were related to clarification about balance, reload date, transaction issues and questions about the e-card process. 19% called because they were no longer on UNHCR list. 14% of calls were related to those who wanted e-cards but had not yet received theirs. WFP has finalized the contractual agreement with partner bank, Jordan Ahli Bank (JAB). WFP s hotline staff will be moving to JAB to assist beneficiaries with technical issues related to their vouchers and e- cards from the bank s call center facilities. This will allow hotline staff to receive a large volume of calls. *Note: A number of calls received had multiple issues or questions and therefore, the above analysis accounts for all issues raised by beneficiaries and the total number of received calls remains at 1,13; however, the recorded number of calls was at 1,57 as many of the same beneficiaries called multiple times for the same/similar issues. 1

11 Annex A. Action Points/Follow-Up Obs. # Date Action Responsible Status Za atri Camp 1 2/3/14 Ensure those leaving the FDP receive adequate protections and are not selling assistance under EH/FD Ongoing duress. 2 1/6/14 Closely monitor CBO prices as they have been increasing since February 214. EH/FD Ongoing 3 22/6/ /6/ /7/ /6/213 Azraq Camp Improve visibility and sensitization at distribution points and shop to help beneficiaries understand the voucher programme. Continue to closely monitor the waiting times at checkout counters at Sameh Mall and ensure they are as efficient as possible. Increase monitoring activities in communities and ensure targets are met. Vouchers in Jordanian Communities Hotline protocol: Establish a hotline protocol what can and cannot be changed in the WFP database through calls, what information is needed from beneficiary etc. PV/AA PV/AA PV/AA RB/AA Outstanding Ongoing Ongoing Outstanding 7 2/3/14 Pilot and rollout the M&E tablets EL/IW Ongoing 8 22/6/ /6/14 Ensure shops comply with e-card standard procedures to check IDs and allow the inputting of PIN codes by beneficiaries themselves. Communicate with shop owners that keeping beneficiaries e-vouchers allowing them to purchase on credit is not allowed. PV/EH RB/AA Outstanding Outstanding 1 24/6/ /8/14 Voucher unit/m&e to follow up with bank to receive timely e-card redemption reports. RB/AA/EL Ongoing Voucher unit to ensure shops are notified prior to e-card loadings. RB/AA Outstanding 11

12 B. WFP Syrian Refugee Operations in Jordan July

13 C. Monthly Distribution Information Monthly Distribution Voucher Report - Number of beneficiaires and number and value of vouchers distributed per implementing partner, and sub-office/region Month Sub-Office/Region Value of Total value of Distributor (WFP/Government N of Vouchers N of Benefs of Voucher type Individal Vouchers Distributed /NGO/UN Agency) Distributed vouchers distributed Vouchers (USD) Central Gov. Save the Children Paper Voucher 32,456 1,877, , E-Voucher 4,46, ,822 TOTAL 32,456. 6,338, ,37. Northern Gov. IRW Paper Voucher 64,36 3,841, , E-Voucher 3,31, ,83 TOTAL 64,36. 7,152, ,357. Jul Paper Voucher 5, ,87 8,83 Southern Gov. HRF E-Voucher 1,83,541 54,94 TOTAL 5,542. 2,129, ,924. Za'atri Save the Children ,441 2,223,743 79,29 Azraq ACTED NAV 7.1 1,79 76,69. 4,32 RV ,71 142, ,216 TOTAL 269,87. 17,986, ,13. Monthly Distribution GFD Report - Commodities (Kg), Rations (number) and packages (number) distributed per implementing partner, and suboffice/region Month Sub-Office/Region FDP Date bars Date (kg) - Supercere Distributor (WFP/Government Welcome (kg) - in A28/A29 TOTAL MT Total BREAD (kg) in WM and al plus /NGO/UN Agency) meals (kg) WM and (kg) distributed beneficiaries GFD (kg) GFD Za'atri SCI 523,44 18,366 52, ,583 Za'atri SCJ Sub-Office Za'atri NRC North MEDAIR 25, ,5 ITS ACTED 13, ,25 JUL Border Azraq IOM ACTED 54,442 2,781 15,996 2, ,21 JAF Sub-Office NAJMAH 2, 2. 5, ICRC 5, 5. 2,5 HRF 4, 4. 2, MEDAIR 38, , ,882 2,997 18, ,498 66, ,64 Monthly School Feeding Date Bar Distribution Report TOTAL Beneficiaries Distributor (WFP/Government Month Sub-Office/Region FDP Date Bars reached Total biscuits /NGO/UN Agency) distribute (highest day) Za'atri Save the Children 2,195 1,329 27,437.5 Sub-Office Za'atri NRC ,478. JUL Sub-Office Azraq ACTED ,. TOTAL 3,353 2,441 41,915.5 Month Sub-Office/Region FDP Distributor (WFP/Government /NGO/UN Agency) JUL Sub-Office Monthly Nutrition programme Distribution Report MAM/Beneficiaries Age Appr/Beneficiaries PLW Boys-CU5 Girls-CU5 MAM Boys-CU2 Girls-CU2 Total Beneficiaries Total MT Za'atri SCJ North MEDAIR ,444 3,158 6, MEDAIR ,323 2,978 6, Azraq ACTED ,141 13, For further information please contact: Edgar Luce Programme Officer - Reports and M&E, Jordan Edgar.Luce@wfp.org Photo: WFP/Dina El-Kassaby 13