Kenya/Tanzania/South Sudan

German Agro Action

Kenya/Tanzania/South Sudan

LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY

GUIDELINES & STANDARDS

TRAINING REPORT

APRIL 2011

Kajiado District Steering Group (DSG)Training supported by German Agro Action (GAA) and held at the Garden Hotel, Machakos, Kenya from 18th - 21st April 2011

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AIDS / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
CAHWs / Community Animal Health Workers
CBOs / Community Based Organizations
CSOs / Civil Society Organizations
DCP / Disaster (Drought) Contingency Planning
DDO / District Development Officer
DLPO / District Livestock Production Officer
DMO / Drought Management Officer
DRMC / Disaster Risk Management Cycle
DRR / Disaster Risk Reduction
DSG / District Steering Group
DVO / District Veterinary Officer
EP & R / Emergency Preparedness & Response
EWS / Early Warning System
EWT / Emergency Water Trucking
FAO / Food and Agricultural Organization (UN)
GAA / German Agro Action
GN / Guidance Notes
GoK / Government of Kenya
HIV / Human Immune Virus
KFSM / Kenya Food Security Meeting
KFSSG / Kenya Food Security Steering Group
KI / Key Indicators
KRCS / Kenya Red Cross Society
LEGS / Livestock Emergency Guidelines & Standards
M & E / Monitoring & Evaluation
MGC&SS / Ministry of Gender, Culture and Social Services
MoA / Ministry of Agriculture
MoLD / Ministry of Livestock Development
MoPH&S / Ministry of Public Health & Sanitation
MoWI / Ministry of Water & Irrigation
MS / Minimum Standards
NEMA / National Environmental Management Authority
NGOs / Non Governmental Organizations
NIA / Neighborhood Initiatives Alliance
OIE / World Animal Health Organization
PHO / Public Health Officer
PRIM / Participatory Response Identification Matrix
UN OCHA / United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
WFP / World Food Programme
WVK / World Vision Kenya

1.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction to LEGS

The Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) are a set of international guidelines and standards for the design, implementation and assessment of livestock interventions to assist people affected by humanitarian crises. They are based on livelihoods objectives that aim to provide rapid assistance to protect and rebuild the livestock assets of crisis affected communities.

Thus, LEGS aims to support both the saving of lives and the saving of livelihoods, through two key strategies: assisting in the identification of the most appropriate livestock interventions in emergencies, and providing standards, indicators and guidance notes for these interventions based on good practice. The LEGS handbook was first published in April 2009 and is being used all over the developing world. It is hoped that lessons will be learned on the use of this first edition and revision and refining the handbook will take place in the coming years to have improved editions.

The LEGS is intended for all those involved in livestock-based interventions in disasters. In particular, it is aimed at NGOs, bi- and multi-lateral agencies and governments who are implementing emergency interventions in areas where livelihoods are derived in part or in full from livestock. It is also relevant to policy and decision-makers within donor and government agencies, whose funding and implementation decisions impact on disaster response. A third audience for LEGS includes educational institutions and community-based organizations.

1.2 Background to this LEGS training

A number of LEGS training events have now been implemented in Kenya and in the Eastern and Horn of Africa Region in general. The trainings that have taken place so far indicate that the LEGS handbook is appreciated and many wonder why such guidelines and standards were not developed earlier. However, everything has its timing and the LEGS handbook could not have come out at a better time.

There was one LEGS training for the Kajiado DSG in December 2010 conducted in Kitengela in Kajiado County. This course was very much appreciated although it did not attract many senior level participants who are DSG members. Therefore in one of the DSG meetings early this year, DSG members acknowledged the fact that LEGS was important and that there was need for the appropriate DSG members to go through a LEGS training. Fortunately, the German Agro Action (GAA) Project in Kajiado had a keen interest, took this matter up and sponsored this second training held at the Garden Hotel in Machokos, Kenya. The venue was selected in order to provide an ideal environment for participants to concentrate and focus on the training without interruption from their regular office and field duties.

1.3 Participants in this LEGS training

Participants were drawn from various government departments, Civil Society Organizations as well as national organizations such as the Kenya Red Cross Society. The GAA Project in Kajiado had done a great work in vetting potential guidelines and the facilitator acknowledges that the participants were the right ones to attend the training because many had knowledge and experience of livestock-based emergency interventions. Even those working in the humanitarian field but had no livestock-based experience very easily understood the subject matter because of being involved in humanitarian interventions such as nutrition, food aid distribution and emergency water trucking.

The table below presents the participants who attended the training.

No. / Name / Organization / Designation / Station / Telephone / E-Mail
1 / Daniel M. Nyoro / MoLD
(Veterinary) / DVO / Mashuru District / 0722605996 /
2 / James Wachira / MoLD
(Production) / DRO / Kajiado Central / 0729614867 /
3 / Sammy M. Kangethe / ALRMP (DMO) / EWS monitor / Namanga / 0721888893 /
4 / James N. Peli / MoPH & S / Public Health Officer / Kajiado / 0713292670
5 / John K. Mugucia / MoWI / SGW / Kajiado / 0720738734 /
6 / Richard Maina Mwangi / NEMA / District Environment Officer / Kajiado / 0721859621 /
7 / Emily J. Kwambai / DDO / DFOA / Kajiado / 0725882884 /
8 / Bernard Wamwati Kariuki / MGC & Social Services / DGSGO / Kajiado / 0736929936 /
9 / Flora Ajwera / GAA / NRMO / Kajiado / 0724480749 /
10 / Jemmimah Kuta / World Vision / Project Officer / Maili Tisa / 0721141690 /
11 / John N. Nkaru / CAHW / CAHW / Mashuru / 0729508674
12 / Shadrack Muli / GAA / DRRO / Kajiado / 0722666673 /
13 / Gideon O. Nkeyasha / NIA / Chairman BoD / Kajiado / 0722894268 /
14 / Elijah Melita / KRC / Branch Coordinator / Kajiado / 0722477703 /
15 / Moses Leir / MAA partners initiative / Field Mobiliser / Isinya / 0721229760 /
16 / Joseph Nkanoni / Dupoto-MAA / Livelihoods Project Officer / Kajiado / 0712869082
17 / Moses Murunya / NIA / Member BOD / Kajiado / 0724818903 /
18 / Stephen Tonou / VSF / CAHW / Namanga / 0724463495
19 / Francis Opiyo / GAA / DDRE / Kajiado / 0733817750
20 / S.S Ole Timoi / Dupoto-e-Maa / Program Manager / Kajiado / 0726056855 /
21 / Noah Nkoye / CAHW / CAHW / Kajiado / 0728299386
22 / Daniel Nchani / KRCS / Ass. Focal Person / Kajiado / 0729250026 /

2. TRAINING METHODOLOGY & APPROACH

The training was structured along the Standard LEGS timetable that aims to cover the essential elements of the handbook and how to use it i.e. the 4 Steps of the LEGS approach which are 1) Preliminary Assessment; 2) Using the PRIM; 3) Technical Analysis of Response Interventions and 4) Monitoring & Evaluation.

2.1 Five tools of training
The methodology used in the workshop combined the following five tools

Presentation of information on LEGS using Power Point Slides;
Participation through question and answer sessions during plenary discussions;
Learning and gaining knowledge through about LEGS trough small group exercises;
Participation through Small Group Discussions
Navigation through the LEGS handbook and review of various literature and reports provided in form of handouts and case studies, etc.

2.2 Using adult learning and training techniques

A participatory approach was adopted based on adult training techniques where the training builds on the experience and knowledge that participants already had, with participants being encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. It was recognized by the facilitator that:

Adults learn best:

When they understand the objectives of the training;
When the training is relevant to their daily lives;
When they come to learn voluntarily;
They can share their own experiences through discussion;
They are encouraged to present their problems freely;
They are encouraged to analyze problems and find their own solutions;
When the trainer uses discussion, pictures, plays, song, drama, exercises and visual aids such as pictures, models, films, photographs, slides, etc.

It was the responsibility of the facilitator to encourage participation as much as possible. Group work formed an important part of the process. Groups contained between four to five members around each table, giving a total of five groups. The group members were changed at least every day, and groups were encouraged to rotate group work presenters in order to give opportunity to as many people to make the presentations as possible. As it was a residential training, most participants remained in the training for the whole period.

2.3 Sitting arrangements

The sitting arrangement was café style, with five tables where four or five people sat. This meant that participants were in ready-made groups for when the group work begun. The training room was large enough to accommodate participants working in small groups. In plenary, question and answer method was used as much as possible, both to promote participation, and also to help localize and contextualize the LEGS material. This is because the LEGS Training module is for global use, based on regional ToTs, and could not include specific examples from the local context in which the training was given. Participants were encouraged to give examples and experiences from their own work and this helped root the training in the local context.

At the end of the LEGS Training an evaluation was carried out. The results of this evaluation were analyzed and form part of this report.

3. THE TIMETABLE

The following timetable guided the training for the four days of the event

TIMETABLE FOR THE LEGS TRAINING, MACHAKOS (18TH -21ST APRIL 2001)

Time

/ Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four
8.30 – 9.30 / Registration & Introductions / Preliminary Assessment / Analysis of Technical Interventions / Monitoring and Evaluation
9:30-10:30 / Presentation on participative training & adult learning techniques / Preliminary Assessment / Analysis of Technical Interventions / Monitoring and Evaluation
Tea/ Coffee Break
11:00-12:00 / Introduction to the Legs Handbook (1) / Preliminary Assessment / Analysis of technical Interventions / Monitoring and Evaluation
12:00-1:00 / Introduction to the Legs Handbook (2) / Response Identification / Analysis of technical Interventions / Monitoring and Evaluation

Lunch Break

2:00-3:30

Livelihoods, Livestock and Emergencies

Response Identification

/ Analysis of technical Interventions /

Documentation and Dissemination of lessons learned

Tea/ Coffee Break

4:00- 5:30

Livelihoods, Livestock and Emergencies

Response Identification

/ Analysis of technical Interventions /

Action Planning and Next Steps

5.30 – 6.00

Review and Wrap up

Closing Session

4. SUMMARY OF KEY MESSAGES FROM THE DIFFERENT SESSSIONS

Learning Objectives and Key Messages from each Session

Session / Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, participants will be able to … / Key Messages
At the end of the session, the trainer will have covered the following points…
Session 1
Registration & Introduction /

Feel welcome to the training and to understand training content, approach to be used and timing of different sessions;
Start knowing each other and share their expectations of the training;
Understand objectives of the training;
Agree on code of conduct and expectations for the training

Participants feel welcome and have received background information on the training;
The role of the trainer is to facilitate the training, provide instructions to participants and learn from the process;
Participants are responsible for their learning;
Good learning environment has been created

Session 2
Participative training & Adult Learning /

Understand how adult learn;
Know how best to facilitate effective adult learning and what methods to use

The “Pyramid of Learning” i.e. adults learn best by sharing the knowledge and skills they have and by teaching others how to do things.
Adults learn least when they are controlled and the method is lecture rather than participative;
When designing a training event for adults use participative learning techniques provided.

Session 3
An Introduction to LEGS /

Describe the rationale for LEGS;
List the aim and objectives of LEGS;
Outline the links between LEGS and SPHERE;
Describe the structure of the LEGS handbook;
Distinguish between Minimum Standards, Key Indicators and Guidance Notes;
Identify the steps and tools of the LEGS Assessment and design process

The structure of the LEGS handbook has been designed to be complementary to the SPHERE handbook;
LEGS is founded on a rights-based approach’ in particular to a right to food and a right to a standard of living;
LEGS reflects agreed upon good practice of livelihood-based livestock responses;
LEGS focuses on the overlap between emergencies, livelihoods and livestock and aims to bring a livelihoods perspective into livestock based disaster relief;
LEGS has 3 main objectives: 1) To provide rapid assistance to livestock-based livelihoods during emergencies; 2) protect assets and 3) rebuild assets.
The LEGS process consists of four key stages: preliminary assessment; response identification; analysis of technical interventions and options; monitoring and evaluation;
Cross cutting issues should be integrated into emergency livestock response: gender and social equity; HIV and AIDS; security and protection; environment; participation; preparedness and early response; coordination and advocacy and policy.

Session 4
Livelihoods & Livestock in Emergencies /

Describe the Disaster Risk Management Cycle;
Describe the characteristics of disasters and complex emergencies and how they affect the operating context for livestock interventions;
Explain the interactions of the concepts in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework;
Describe how livestock assets are affected by disasters

A disaster is a combination of a hazard, poor risk management and vulnerability;
Vulnerability is a function of exposure to hazards, susceptibility and limited capacity to cope;
Emergency responses are based on the principles of disaster risk reduction, including preparedness, contingency planning and early response;
Different types of emergency (rapid-onset; slow-onset and complex) and their specific characteristics affect livestock keepers and their livestock assets in different ways;
Appropriate support to affected households varies according to the different phases of the emergency
Livestock constitute an important asset and play a significant role in the livelihoods of many people worldwide;
Livestock owners’ vulnerability may be directly linked to their livestock assets and how well they can protect and rebuild them;
Policies and institutions influence the ability of livestock owners to use their assets in support of their livelihoods e.g. vet services, marketing and export etc.

Session 5
Preliminary Assessment /

Describe the importance of using participatory methodologies in assessments;
Describe the importance of the three parts of LEGS assessment process;
Locate and use the assessment checklist in the LEGS Handbook (p.32);
Use/apply a participatory method to conduct an assessment on livestock

Preliminary assessment according to LEGS is the first step to enable decisions to be made regarding which technical interventions to explore;
Good assessment practice must incorporate participatory methodologies (e.g. PRA toolkit) to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice;
The LEGS assessment is made up of three parts, each of which has a checklist;
The three LEGS preliminary assessment checklists cover: the Role of Livestock in Livelihoods; the Impact of the Emergency and the Situation Analysis;
Assessment data ought to be disaggregated to ensure integration of cross cutting issues.

Session 6
Response Identification /

Describe the range of potential technical response interventions;
Describe the need to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process;
Select and use the PRIM to identify livelihood-based livestock interventions that are appropriate, feasible and timely;
Identify potential links and coordination with other humanitarian and development actors.

Livestock interventions are complementary to other humanitarian responses;
The range of technical interventions includes: destocking; veterinary services; feed; water; shelter; provision of livestock (restocking or redistribution);
Participation is essential for effective decision making during response identification and planning;
The PRIM is a tool to identify appropriate, feasible and timely livestock interventions based on the information gathered in the preliminary assessment;
The PRIM format varies slightly for rapid onset and slow onset emergencies;
Livestock interventions need to be planned according to the different phases of the emergency;
Coordination with other humanitarian with other humanitarian and development actors is vital to optimize the effectiveness and quality of the response.

Session 7
Analysis of technical interventions and options /

Describe the implications and issues of the different technical interventions (table in p 24-25 of handbook);
Use the technical chapters in the LEGS handbook to identify and appropriate livelihoods-based livestock response in a situation (using the decision trees, timing table, advantages and disadvantages table etc.)
Use the relevant standards and guidance notes , and select and adapt indicators, to design an appropriate livelihood-based livestock response;
Describe how to integrate cross-cutting issues (and relevant Common Standards) into the response;
Recognize biases and how they can be reduced.

Each technical intervention has pros and cons, and implications with regard to meeting the LEGS livelihoods-based objectives;
The technical interventions can be complementary;
Each technical chapter provides a number of options within that intervention;
Each technical chapter provides a decision-making tree to help identify the appropriate option(s);
Standards, Key Indicators and Guidance Notes give information and guidance on how to design and implement the different technical options within that intervention;
The cross-cutting issues (and the Common Standards) need to be integrated in the response for all technical interventions, for example through the collection of disaggregated data, the designation of focal persons, etc.
Monitoring and evaluation indicators for both process and outcome need to be agreed at the design stage to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation;
Bias should be recognized and mitigated, through for example coordination, triangulation etc.

Session 8
Monitoring & Evaluation /

Discuss and contrast the key elements of monitoring and evaluation;
Use the technical chapter to design a simple M & E system to monitor indicators and evaluate the intervention;
Identify ways to integrate lessons learned into response.

Monitoring and evaluation enable the timely identification of changes in the needs or operating context in order to improve practice and impact;
Monitoring and evaluation (including impact assessment) of emergency livestock interventions should use participatory approaches and methods and include feedback from beneficiaries help ensure quality results;
Impact assessment should aim to understand the role of projects in increasing or decreasing livelihoods benefits

Session 9
Documentation and dissemination of lessons learned /

Understand the importance of documenting lessons learned from implementation;
Know how to identify and tease out lessons from M & E information and data;
Know how to package lessons for different purposes and audience;
Identify ways to share learning with external stakeholders

Documentation of lessons learned is a process that ought to be inbuilt into M & E system and is a deliberate attempt to tease out lessons from implementing livestock-based emergency interventions;
Lessons are important so that we do not re-invent the wheel or repeat mistakes made from previous emergency interventions;
Lessons are important for bringing about policy change; improved practice in implementation and for maintaining an effective institutional memory in our organizations;
Dissemination of lessons learned can use various development communication avenues such as newsletters, documentaries, photo galleries, key sheets, reports and publications in reputable journals.

5. ACTION PLANNING AND CLOSURE