Cross-River TPM Report

NG-CARES PROGRAMME THIRD PARTY MONITORING REPORT
Cross River State
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The NG-CARES Programme is an emergency operation designed to support
budgeted Programme of expenditures and interventions at the State level – targeting
existing and newly emerging vulnerable and poor households, agricultural value
chains, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) affected by the economic crisis. The
programme is an intervention that is built on the platforms of existing projects of the
Federal Government of Nigeria. These include National Cash Transfer Programme
(NCTP), Youth Employment and Social Support Operations (YESSO), Community and
Social Development Project (CSDP), FADAMA, Government Enterprise and
Empowerment Programme, (GEEP). These projects are operational at the Federal
and State level.
The NG-CARES Programme is designed to restore the livelihoods of the poor and
vulnerable, maintain food security, and facilitate recovery of MSEs are some of the
key objectives set out in the Government’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to
respond to the current economic crisis in Nigeria. The GON has proposed ambitious
measures to cushion the poor and vulnerable against the negative impact of the
crisis.
This report shows findings of the monitoring and evaluation activities carried out on
the implementation/disbursement of the NG-CARES grant in Cross River State. NG-
CARES is a multi-sectoral programme designed to provide immediate emergency
relief to the vulnerable and poor Nigerians, smallholder farmers and SMEs that were
adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty million dollars was allocated
to each state under the project and was disbursed in tranches using a Performance
for Result (PforR) system.
The Programme was outlined to provide support to the State in three key areas
relating to livelihood support, food security, and economic recovery of micro, small
and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). To achieve this, Akwa-Ibom State under
the State Steering Committee leveraged on existing mechanisms within the state
such as the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), State Cash
Transfer Units, State FADAMA or Agriculture Development Agencies, Youth
Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), State Job Creation Units/MSE
Support Units supported by the Government Enterprise and Empowerment
Programme (GEEP).
Monitoring and Evaluation exercises were carried out in the State Coordinating Cares
Unit (SCCU), and the coordinating offices of the Disbursement Platforms (DPs)
managing the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs). Attention was paid to the
implementation processes, disbursement methods/platforms, and other
implementation indicators. Findings were fact-checked with selected beneficiaries
across the states through key informant interviews, questionnaire administrations,
and focus-group discussions.
Findings from the monitoring exercise showed that the NG Cares project has been
implemented for 11 months in Cross River state. In Result Area 1, DLI 1.1 had a total
of 2438 beneficiaries, 780 in DLI 1.2, and 25,005 direct beneficiaries in DLI 1.4. In
2
Result Area 2, a total of 5223 beneficiaries were recorded in DLI 2.1, 4301 in DLI 2.2,
6094 in DLI 2.3, and 9221 in DLI 2.4. In Result Area 3, a total of 3954 firms were the
beneficiaries.
Generally, there was an adherence to the agreed selection criteria across the three
Result Areas, payment service providers, and service providers were engaged after a
competitive process, and beneficiaries received the grant directly into their bank
account. Issues around grievance redress mechanisms and gender-based violence
were also monitored. While the selection criteria were largely adhered to, there is a
need to seriously consider an exit plan for the beneficiaries of the project.
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are very grateful to Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator, Federal Cares Support Unit
(FCSU), who gave the approval and committed funds to undertake the TPM assignment. We
sincerely thank Mr Atiku Abubakar Musa, Head of Department and the entire team of the M&E
Department, FCSU for their technical support and guidance, particularly from the processes
leading to development of the monitoring tools, TPM fieldwork and development of this report. Our
appreciation also goes to other staff of FCSU who contributed one role or the other in the
actualization of the TPM exercise.
We also express our profound gratitude to Mr Charles Anake, Head, and staff of State Cares
Coordinating Unit, Cross Rivers State. We acknowledge the support of the management and staff
of the delivery platforms in the state for their commitment and support to the TPM consultants
especially in providing access to relevant project documents requested for. Finally, we are
particularly grateful to the beneficiaries of the projects interviewed who, despite their tight time
schedules, created time to be part of the TPM assignment.
George Monyei
Executive Director
4
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
Table of Contents 4
LIST OF TABLES 5
ACRONYMS 6
INTRODUCTION 9
1.1 Project Background 9
2.0 REVIEW OF PROJECT PROCESS AND COMPLIANCE 14
METHODOLOGY 15
3.1 Stakeholders 15
3.2 Data Collected 15
3.2.1 Sampling Procedure 15
3.2.2 Sample Size 16
3.2.3 Data Collection Instruments 16
3.3 Data Collection from Primary Stakeholders 17
3.4 Data Analysis 17
FINDINGS 18
4.1 Third Party Monitoring of Process By Results Areas and Disbursement Linked
Indicators (DLIS) and Beneficiaries Satisfaction 18
4.1.1 Results Area 1 18
DLI 1.1: Social Transfer to aged, physically challenged, chronically ill and urban
poor. 18
4.1.2 Results Area 2 - Increasing Food Security and Safe Functioning of Food
Supply Chain 34
4.1.3 Results Area 3 46
CHAPTER FIVE 48
Conclusions 48
APPENDICES 49
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3. 1: Local Government Areas of Data Collection 15
Table 4. 1: Beneficiaries' selection, enrolment, orientation, participation & payment 18

Table 4. 2: Funds Transfer Mechanism 20
Table 4. 3: Beneficiaries' selection, enrolment, orientation, participation & payment 22
Table 4. 4: LIPW Payment 22
Table 4. 5: Environmental Issues 23
Table 4. 6: Social Issues 24
Table 4. 7: Grievances Redress Mechanism 24
Table 4. 8: Beneficiaries' targeting, MP/GMP preparation, approval, and
implementation 25
Table 4. 9: Basic Services Projects by LGA 27
Table 4. 10: Beneficiaries' targeting, CARPs preparation, approval and
implementation 30
Table 4. 11: Distribution of Inputs and Service Provision 30
Table 4. 13: Gender Compliance Analysis 33
implementation 34
Table 4. 15: Labour Intensive Agricultural Infrastructure 34
Table 4. 17: Gender Compliance 36
implementation 37
Table 4. 19: Agricultural Assets 37
Table 4. 21: Gender Compliance and Value Chain 39
implementation 40
Table 4. 23: Gender Compliance and Value Chain 40
Table 4. 24: Selection Process of Beneficiaries, Payment 42
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ACRONYMS
AF: Additional Financing
AHQ: Administrative Headquarters.
BOD: Board of Directors.
CBOs: Community Based Organisations.
CCT: Conditional Cash Transfer
CDA: Community Development Association
CDD: Community-Driven Development.
CDO: Community Development Officer.
CDP: Community Development Plan
CoT: Cash on Transactions
CPRP: Community Based Poverty Reduction Project
CPS: Country Partnership Strategy
NG-CARES: Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus
CWIQ: Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire.
EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment.
ESIA: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMF: Environmental and Social Management Framework.
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
ESP Economic Sustainability Plan
FADAMA II: Second National Fadama Development Project.
FCA Farmers Community Association
FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria.
FMF. Federal Ministry of Finance.
FMR: Financial Monitoring Report.
FPM: Financial Procedures Manual.
FCSC: Federal Cares Steering Committee.
FCSU: Federal Cares Support Unit.
GIS: Geographic Information System.
GM: General Manager.
HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immune-deficiency
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syndrome
IBRD: International bank for Reconstruction and Development.
IDA: International Development Association.
IEC: Information, Education and Communication.
LEEMP: Local Empowerment and Environmental management Project.
LGA: Local Government Authority.
LGDO: Local Government Desk office.
LGRC: Local Government Review Committee.
MDAs: Ministries, Departments, Agencies.
MDGs: Millennium Development Goals.
M&E: Monitoring and Evaluation
MIS; Management Information System.
MoU: Memorandum of Understanding.
NAPEP: National Poverty Eradication Programme.
NBS: National Bureau of Statistics.
NC: National Coordinator
NCB: National Competitive Bidding.
NEEDS: National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy.
NGO: Non-Governmental Organization.
NHIS: National Health Insurance Scheme.
NOA: National Orientation Agency.
NPC: National Planning Commission.
OOs: Operation Officers
OSGF: Office of the Secretary to the Federation.
PMC: Project Management Committee.
PO: Project Officer.
PRA: Participatory Rural Appraisal.
PIM: Project Implementation Manual.
PIU: Project Implementation Unit.
PMU: Project Management Unit.
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PSU: Project Support Unit.
PRSP: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (Process).
RPF: Resettlement Policy Framework.
SA: State Agency.
SBD: Standard Bidding Documents.
SDR: Special Drawing Rights.
SOE: Statement of Expenditure.
SAB: State Agency Board.
TRC: Technical review Committee.
VGs: Vulnerable Groups.
VIP: Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines.
9
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency with far-reaching consequences

on the economy, basic services, social unrest and livelihood of the poor and
vulnerable. In Nigeria, the pandemic led to the closure of many MSEs, loss of jobs,
stalled provision of basic services in poor communities and thereby increasing the
population of Nigerians living below the poverty line.
As a response to the hardship perpetrated by the COVID-19 pandemic and in line

with the vision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to lift 100 million Nigerians out
of poverty in ten years, the Federal Government of Nigeria, on behalf of the 36 states
and the FCT, sought and obtained assistance from the World Bank to the tune of
USD 750 Million for on-lending to the States and FCT to implement a two-year
emergency response program, named the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and
Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES). Each State is allocated ex-ante USD 20 million, FCT
$15 Million and the Federal CARES Support Unit is allocated USD 15 million.
The NG-CARES program seeks to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the
livelihoods of poor individuals, farmers, vulnerable households, communities and
owners of micro and small enterprises. The financial instrument is Program for
Result (PforR) at the states and FCT while the Federal level is financed through the
Investment Project Financing (IPF).
It is designed to support a budgeted program of expenditures and interventions at

the State level – targeting existing and emerging vulnerable and poor households,
agricultural value chains, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) affected by the
economic crisis.
The NG-CARES program is a multi-sectoral intervention designed to provide

immediate emergency relief to poor and vulnerable individuals and households,
Smallholder Farmers and MSEs that were adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
It is a two-year budget support operation to be implemented from 2021-2023. NG-
CARES Program is implemented using the World Bank Program for Results (PforR)
financing instrument at the State level and Investment Project Financing (IPF) at the
Federal level. 98% of the resources is allocated to the States and FCT and
implemented through existing platforms such as National Cash Transfer (NCT),
Youth Employment and Social Support Operations (YESSO), Community and Social
Development Project (CSDP), National Fadama Development Project and
Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP) without creating another
project implementation structure.
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The NG-CARES Program supports three (3) of the Government’s Economic
Sustainability Plan (ESP) objectives, using established platforms at the State level as
follows:
a) Protecting the very poor and vulnerable groups through expanding coverage of
the existing social assistance interventions at the State level and enabling the
delivery of basic social services.
b) Use Labor Intensive Public Works (LIPW) in the social and agriculture sectors to
maintain and enhance social and agricultural infrastructure; this is a Community-
Driven Development (CDD) Project focusing on building and rebuilding social and
natural resource infrastructure services at the community level.
c) Stimulate the economy by supporting agricultural value chains, providing

livelihood grants to prevent the collapse of informal enterprises, helping finance
costs to help retain workers in MSEs, and enabling technology enhancements to
allow businesses to adapt to COVID-19-induced constraints.
The Program Development Objective of the NG-CARES is “to expand access to

livelihood support and food security services, and grants for poor and vulnerable
households and firms”.
The key performance indicators are:
 Number of beneficiaries of targeted safety nets and with access to basic social
services (disaggregated by gender).
 Number of farmers supported to increase food production (disaggregated by

gender).
 Number of vulnerable and viable firms supported by the program (disaggregated

by gender of ownership).
The Program by design is structured to be flexible, fast disbursing using three (3)
Results Areas and 1 foundation Results Area:
Results Area 1 (RA1): Increased Social Transfer, Basic Services and Livelihood
Support to Poor and Vulnerable Households. This Results Area is disaggregated
around the following activities:
 Social Transfer to aged, physically challenged, chronically ill and urban poor.
 Labour Intensive Public Work (LIPW) activities.
 Livelihood grants to economically active household members.
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 Community and group investment/basic infrastructure services.
Results Area 2 (RA 2): Increased food security and safe functioning of food supply
chain. This will include agriculture related activities across the entire Agriculture
value chain such as:
 Provision of agricultural inputs and services.
 Labour intensive agricultural infrastructures.
 Agricultural assets for production and mitigation of food loss and waste.
 Upgrading wet markets to function safely.
Results Area 3 (RA 3): Facilitating Recovery and Enhancing Capabilities of MSEs.
Activities proposed under this Results Area include:
 Provision of well targeted conditional grants to co-finance loans that eligible

MSEs received during the COVID-19.
 Extending conditional grants to MSEs to cover up to 50% portion of the

monthly operation cost of MSEs.
 Support adoption of digital payments integration and IT connection cost of

MSEs.
The implementation of Results Areas 1-3 happens at the State level.

Foundation Results Area: Strengthened Institutional Support for State
Coordination and Delivery. The Foundation Results Area is implemented at the
Federal level and includes
 Verification of Results through an Independent Verification Agent. (IVA);
 Financial Management Service and Technical Support.
 Monitoring and Evaluation; and
 Peer Learning and Experience Sharing.
Results Areas and Disbursement Link Indicators:

There are three(3) result areas and eleven (11) disbursement link indicators which
are as follows:
Result Area 1:
1.1 Increased social transfers, basic services, and livelihood support to poor and
vulnerable households.
Disbursement Link Indicators for Result Area 1:

1.1 Number of Individual/HHs receiving periodic social transfers disaggregated by
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vulnerability profile.
1.2 Number of beneficiaries engaged and deployed into LIPW activities on social
services and works
1.3 Number of HH/members supported with livelihood grant.
1.4 Number of direct beneficiaries of completed and functional microprojects
Result Area 2:
2.0 Increasing food production (security) and safe functioning of food supply chains.
Disbursement Link Indicators for Result Area 2:
2.1 Number of farmers utilizing agricultural inputs and services
2.2 Number of individuals accessing improved agricultural infrastructure
2.3 Number of farmers utilizing agricultural assets (production and small-scale

primary processing)
2.4 Number of existing wet markets with upgraded water and sanitation service
Result Area 3:
3.0 Facilitating Recovery and Enhancing Capabilities of MSEs
Disbursement Linked Indicators for Result Area 3:

3.1 Number of firms receiving conditional capital grant to support new - post-
COVID19 loans.
3.2 Number of firms receiving conditional – operational support grants.

3.3 Number of firms receiving conditional grants to support IT enhancement.
The objectives of the third-party monitoring are to ensure that:
 The Program has been implemented in accordance with its overall objective to
expand access to livelihoods support and food security services, and grants for
poor and vulnerable households and firms.
 Program activities have been implemented in accordance with the approved

Operational Manual for each of the States.
 Results are being achieved in accordance with the approved results-framework.
 Ensure transparency and compliance with principles of selecting beneficiaries.
 Cross-cutting issues such as safeguards, gender mainstreaming and

inclusiveness, the environment and people with special needs have been
considered in the course program implementation.
The Majesty Community Rural Development Foundation, Lugbe, Federal Capital
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Territory and Foundation for Community Health, Rights and Development (FOCHRID),
Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State entered into a legally partnership and submitted a proposal to
provide the consulting services for Engagement Of Zonal Third-Party Monitors
(NGOos/CSOs) For Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery And Economic Stimulus
Programme In The Six Geo-Political Zones (Edo, Cross-River And Akwa-Ibom) in
accordance with the Request for Proposals (RFP) dated 15th March, 2023.
1.2 Objectives of the TPM
The objectives of the third-party monitoring are to ensure that:
 The Programme has been implemented in accordance with its overall objective
to expand access to livelihoods support and food security services, and grants
for poor and vulnerable households and firms.
 Programme activities have been implemented in accordance with the approved

Operational Manual for each of the States.
 Results are being achieved in accordance with the approved results-framework.
 Ensure transparency and compliance with principles of selecting beneficiaries.
 Cross-cutting issues such as safeguards, gender mainstreaming and

inclusiveness, the environment and people with special needs have been
considered in the course programme implementation.
 States and FCT adhere to the provisions of the Programme Action Plan (PAP).
1.2 Scope of Assignment
The implementation of the above will require the services of one CSO/NGO for a
cluster of participating states and FCT. The programme is being implemented
progressively in the selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of each participating
state. Each consultant taking due cognizance of the objectives in (6) above is,
therefore, expected to undertake the following specific assignments twice in one
year:
(a) Review all project documents related to NG-CARES implementation and

operational modalities.
(b) Conduct visits to a cluster of States and 25% of the participating (beneficiary)
LGAs and communities during each round of monitoring visits, taking into
consideration States’ geographical spread and the distribution of the
Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) being implemented by the States.
(c) Interact with beneficiaries of each DLIs in each Results Areas and ensure that the
sampling procedure used are representative of beneficiaries of DLIs
(d) Ascertain the extent to which the state DPs followed the guidelines for
beneficiary selection.
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(e) Check on the use of Grievance Redress Mechanism by the Delivery platforms.
(f) Ascertain the extent to which SCCU followed guidelines for the coordinating roles
in the State/FCT.
(g) Produce, on a biannual basis, an independent report that will be used to cross-
check payments made by the DPs from States, highlighting the processes
undertaken and their consistency with laid down procedures for discussion with
SCCU and DPs.
(h) Produce a final report succinctly detailing the above processes and submit a
detailed report to FCSU
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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 REVIEW OF PROJECT PROCESS AND COMPLIANCE
Monitoring activities were divided into two sections – verification of available

information at the State CARES Coordinating Offices and Disbursement platforms
and engagement with the beneficiaries of the project. The objectives of the
monitoring activities informed the design of interview guides administered to key
informants, focus-group discussions and survey questions.
In Cross River State, the project process was respected and largely followed
according to the DLIs implemented in the state. There are indications, however, that
on some occasions the state defaults from in disbursing funds to the beneficiaries.
More often than not, the state improvises based on existing realities and ensures
that they do not delay the payment of their staff.
The state also strives to comply with the process as evident in the conversations
with the State CARES coordinators and the DP heads.
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CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Stakeholders
Majesty Foundation and FOCHRID undertook advocacy visits and held meetings with
State Cares Coordinating Unit and Delivery Platforms in Cross River state. The
consultancy team also paid advocacy visits to the leadership of the coordinating
ministries of the delivery platforms to solicit their support towards the success of
the TPM consultancy.
At the LGA level, the consultancy team also conducted advocacy visits to LGA
coordinating mechanism of the Cares project including the delivery platforms. In
addition, the team also met with the leadership of beneficiaries’ groups of the
delivery platforms where necessary to support in identifying the households of
randomly selected beneficiaries.
This visit enabled the team to receive technical briefings on the type of interventions
the state prioritized and the processes and procedures adopted in implementation.
Furthermore, during the TPM visit, the team in Cross state formally requested from
the State Cares Coordinating Unit and Delivery Platforms state specific operational
manuals, project appraisal report, implementation reports (monthly, quarterly, and
annual) etc.
3.2 Data Collected
The consultancy team conducted desk review of the state specific operational
manuals, project appraisal report, implementation reports (monthly, quarterly, and
annual). This enabled the team to understand adherence and compliance to the
processes and procedures adopted in each result area, achievements recorded, and
challenges encountered.
Furthermore, a mixed method of data collection was adopted to ensure a holistic

representation of data. The data focused mainly on the implementation processes of
the project. Monitoring and Evaluation data included Key Informant Interviews with
stakeholders, focus group discussions with beneficiaries, and documents/reports on
the implementation activities of the state.
3.2.1 Sampling Procedure
A purposive sampling method was adopted for the monitoring and evaluation
exercise. Twenty five percent (25%) of beneficiaries from each disbursement linked-
indicators implemented in the state, and across the three Result Areas were selected
for the compliance verification.
At the end of the selection, the following were the Local Government Areas which
were covered disaggregated by the DLIs that they implemented:
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Table 3. 1: Local Government Areas of Data Collection
RESULT AREA 1 Local Government Dr Taiwo Benson, Lead

Consultant; Mr. Oladimeji
Ogunoye, M&E Expert; Mr.
Tosin, CDD Expert
DLI1.1 Yakurr, Obanliku
DLI 1.2 Ogoja, Obankilu, Calabar South
DLI 1.4 Abi, Akamkpa, Yala, Ogoja

RESULT AREA 2 Dr Taiwo Benson, Lead
Ogunoye, M&E Expert; Mr.
Victor Essien, Agric Expert.
DLI 2.1 Calabar Municipal, Yala, Abi
DLI 2.2 Yala, Yakurr, Obanliku
DLI 2.3 Calabar South, Yala, Abi,
Yakurr
DLI 2.4 Ogoja, Akamkpa, Yala, Abi
RESULT AREA 3 Dr Taiwo Benson, Lead
Ogunoye, M&E Expert; Mr
Simeon Adeba, MSE Expert.
DLI
DL2 Calabar Municipal, Calabar
South, Ogoja, Abi, Yakurr
DLI3
DLI4
3.2.2 Sample Size
In Cross River state, 25% of the beneficiaries were selected across each DLI and
Result Area. At the end of the sampling procedure, five Local Government Areas
were covered in the study. In each LGA, Structured questionnaire, Key Informant
Interviews, In-depth Interviews and Focus Group discussions were carried out.
3.2.3 Data Collection Instruments
For quantitative data collection in regular households, a structured questionnaire

was developed and was finalized as the consultancy team meets physically to review
the tools. The final approved questionnaire was scripted to an android platform
using SurveyCTO. For the qualitative instruments, the consultancy firm adopted key
informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) in obtaining data
from beneficiaries of the delivery platforms. The specific tool was used to collect
data for each delivery linked indicator captured in the TPM framework which is
attached to this report. KII interviews were conducted for the Key stakeholders in
each result area. Based on the 25% selection, 2 focus group discussion were
18
conducted per local government considering the gender disaggregation. KII
interviews were conducted at the community level based on the level of the issues
identified.
3.3 Data Collection from Primary Stakeholders
The monitoring and evaluation officer for each state visited the offices of each result
area to administer the tracking tool and also conducted Key Informant interviews.
3.4 Data Analysis
The key informant interviews and the focus-group discussions were analysed using
Atlas.ti 23. Themes were identified based on the responses and objectives of the
evaluation. The survey data was analysed using Stata software.
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CHAPTER FOUR
FINDINGS
4.1 Third Party Monitoring of Process By Results Areas and Disbursement Linked
Indicators (DLIS) and Beneficiaries Satisfaction
The findings of the Monitoring and Evaluation done in Cross River state is reported
according to the Result Area and Disbursement-Linked Indicators.
4.1.1 Results Area 1
The goal of Result Area 1 is to achieve increased social transfers, basic services, and
livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households.
DLI 1.1: Social Transfer to aged, physically challenged, chronically ill and urban poor.
DLI 1.1: BENEFICIARIES’ SELECTION, ENROLMENT,

ORIENTATION, PARTICIPATION & PAYMENT
Table 4. 1: Beneficiaries' selection, enrolment, orientation, participation & payment
State No of No No Orienta No of Total No. of Round Varianc

DLI Beneficiar Valida enrol tion Benefici Amount Beneficiar s e
Target ies Mined ted led Condu aries Transferre ies paid Payme
(disaggre cted Transfer d to PSP (disaggre nt
gated by (Y/N) red to gated by Compl
gender, PSP gender) eted
vulnerabili
ty profile:
Aged,
Chrinicall
y ill, Urban
poor and
people
with
Special
Needs.)
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) = D -
H
2438 2854 2438 2438 Y 2438 268,800,0 Female = 15 0
00.00 1407
Male =
1031
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Beneficiaries Selected Versus Number of Beneficiaries Enrolled
In the Cross River state, final selection of beneficiaries occurred after verification
and enrolment. There is therefore no difference between the number of selected
beneficiaries and the number of enrolled beneficiaries. Information from the survey
and qualitative interviews conducted do not suggest variance in the number of
beneficiaries selected and the number of beneficiaries enrolled. During the focused
group discussion, participants confirmed that they were informed that their selection
is validated only by successful enrolment into the programme. Furthermore, the list
of beneficiaries that were enrolled into the project, was sighted and confirmed by the
Monitoring Consultant. Available records indicated that Cross River state met the
target of providing for a total of two thousand, four hundred and thirty and eight
(2438) beneficiaries under DLI 1.1.
Compliance to agreed selection Criteria
Sighted reports from the state indicate that a total of two thousand, eight hundred
and fifty four (2854) names were mined from the state social register. However, after
verification exercises, the number was reduced to the targeted two thousand four
hundred and thirty eight (2438). The monitoring team sighted the response letter
from the state SOCU and the data sent from the state social register. The criteria
listed in the report sighted at the state for the mining process and selection were:
 Aged
 Chronically ill
 Urban poor
 People with special Needs
 People alive and traceable
The beneficiaries were collated in two different exercises. Five hundred (500)
beneficiaries were on-boarded in 2022, and 1938 beneficiaries were on-boarded in
2023. The selected people were contacted through the local Community Chiefs, they
were informed about the benefits, and were invited to a sensitization exercise.
Contact between the state and beneficiaries was coordinating through the local
Community Chiefs, so the monitoring agents could not sight a sample of the
invitation memo to the beneficiaries. However, the list of the beneficiaries was
sighted by the monitoring agents.
Sensitization /Orientation /Enrolment
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The State CARES Coordinating Unit organised sensitization programmes for the
representatives of the communities where beneficiaries of DLI 1.1 were from. Local
community representatives were trained as Community Facilitators and empowered
to disseminate information about the intervention programme in their local
communities and inform the beneficiaries of their selection. In local communities in
the state, sensitization and announcements about the opportunity were done
through town criers.
The State CARES Coordinating Unit coordinated the orientation programme for
beneficiaries in partnership with the local community representatives. The e-
capturing/ enrolment of beneficiaries was planned together with the orientation
programme.
Payment of Bi-Monthly Transfer
Transfer to beneficiaries started in April 2022 with 500 (Female = 223, Male = 277)
beneficiaries who were selected from the mined list of 630 gotten from SOCU after a
thorough validation and verification exercise. These 500 (Female = 223, Male = 277)
beneficiaries were paid from April to August 2023 in two tranches. To meet the
target of 2438 beneficiaries, 1938 (Female = 1098, Male = 840) beneficiaries out of
the 2192 mined list were enrolled as addition to the initial 500 beneficiaries and were
enlisted for payments from September 2022 till date. However, their backlogged of
monthly stipends commenced from the 1st quarter of 2023 with 10 months payment
starting from September 2022 to June 2023, in which, N10, 000 each was transferred
in arrears to 2438 beneficiaries with the total sum of N243, 800, 000.00 expended
only for the beneficiaries. These last sets of payments were done in 5 tranches.
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Table 4. 2: Funds Transfer Mechanism
Tranc NO. OF Month of NO. OF AMOUN TOTAL Months Paid

he BENEFICIARI payment MONTH T/PERS
ES PAID S ON
1st 500 June 2022 3 N10,000 15,000,000 Apr, May, Jun
2022
2nd 500 September 2 N10,000 10,000,000 Jul, Aug 2022
2022
3rd 2438 January 2023 3 N10,000 73,140,000 Sep, Oct, Nov
2022
4th 2438 February 1 N10,000 24,380,000 Dec 2022
2023
5th 2438 March 2023 3 N10,000 73,140,000 Jan, Feb, Mar
2023
th
6 2438 May 2023 2 N10,000 48,760,000 Apr, May, 2023
th
7 2438 June 2023 1 N10,000 24,380,000 Jun 2023
Total 15 268, 800,
000
Monitoring and Evaluation/ Grievances Redress Mechanisms
The monitoring and evaluation structure is designed to include the community

facilitators. The community facilitators directly supervise the implementation of the
project at the community level and are the first line for monitoring, grievance redress,
and orientation.
The numbers of cases recorded are presented on the chart below for quarter 1 and 2
of this year 2023.
Key Analysis Areas
Beneficiaries Selected Versus Number of Beneficiaries Enrolled
Final selection occurred after verification and enrolment of beneficiaries. There is

therefore no difference between the number of selected beneficiaries and the
number of enrolled beneficiaries. Information from the survey and qualitative
interviews conducted do not suggest variance in the number of beneficiaries
selected and the number of beneficiaries enrolled.
Compliance to agreed selection criteria
Available information suggests that there was substantial compliance with the
selection criteria. Data from the survey confirms the findings from the reports at the
state.
Number of Beneficiaries enrolled Versus Number participating in interventions.
Available information from the state do not indicate a disparity in the number of
enrolled beneficiaries and the number participating in the interventions.
23
Comments on Variations in numbers or criteria
N/A.
When asked about disengagement plans during the focus group discussion,
beneficiaries noted that they had not received any information on the disengagement
plan. The information gathered from the DP also shows that there is no
disengagement plan in view. There were no reports of gender-based violence.
Beneficiaries noted that grievances are channelled through local monitoring agents
that interface with them periodically. However, there was no discussion about
environmental and social safeguard issues for this DLI. Issues about fraud and
corruption were mitigated as beneficiaries received payment directly into their
designated bank accounts.
DLI 1.2: Public Welfare
Cross-River
24
DLI 1.2: BENEFICIARIES’ SELECTION, ENROLMENT,
ORIENTATION, PARTICIPATION & PAYMENT
Table 4. 3: Beneficiaries' selection, enrolment, orientation, participation & payment
State No of No No No. of No of No. of No. of Total No of

DLI Beneficiari Valid enrolle Benefi Benefi workin Benefici amount Beneficiarie
Target es Mined ated d into ciaries ciaries g aries Transfer s paid
(disaggreg LIPW Orient deploy days/ transfer red to (disaggrega
ated by ation ed benefi red to PSP ted by
gender, ciaries PSP gender)
from
agreed
SR.)
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I)

2600 2600 2600 2600 2600 4 2600 286,000, Female =
000 1356
Male = 1244
The report is based on findings from sighted reports, interviews with beneficiaries
and with DP head.
Number of Beneficiaries Selected Versus Number of Beneficiaries enrolled for the

intervention
The worksites were identified by the DP in partnership with the local communities.
The evidence available in the sighted register at the DP office shows that the LIPW
was implemented in 18 Local Governments in the State. Also, evidence shows that
the number of active of beneficiaries enrolled in the programme is not different from
the number of beneficiaries selected for the programme.
Table 4. 4: LIPW Payment
NO. NO. NO. OF AMOUNT

ENROLLED PAID MONTHS EXPENDED ON
INTO LIPW PAID STIPENDS
2600 2600 11 286,000,000.00
Compliance to agreed selection criteria into various DLIs
In line with NG CARES objective of increasing social transfers, basic services and
livelihood support to poor & vulnerable households affected by covid-19 pandemic,
the LIPW unit mined 630 beneficiaries from the State Social Register of poor and
25
vulnerable households, from which 500 LIPW Beneficiaries were validated, enrolled
and deployed into public works in April 2022. This cycle of Beneficiaries earned 4
months (April to July 2022) stipends.
The parameters for mining the data included:
 Age: 18 – 45
 Poor and vulnerable
 Living within the State
Subsequently, in July 2022, the unit mined additional 2268 beneficiaries from which
a 2nd cycle of 2100 Beneficiaries were validated, enrolled, and deployed, in addition
to initial 500 beneficiaries making a total of 2600 enrolled LIPW Beneficiaries in the
State. Therefore, from April 2022 to July 2022 a total of 2898 potential beneficiaries
were mined from the social register of which 2600 beneficiaries were enrolled. The
breakdown includes Male 1244, and Female 1356.
Available records and information from the beneficiaries show that there is
substantial compliance with the agreed criteria. Occasionally the state re-adjusted
the order of events to reflect the realities of the state. There was no variation in
numbers or criteria.
Sensitization, Orientation of Beneficiaries & On-boarding
The Government relied heavily on existing local apparatuses in reaching out to and
sensitizing the beneficiaries. The Government partnered with local authorities to
recruit adhoc staff members for the enrolment exercise of the beneficiaries. In each
community that was listed, beneficiaries were invited to a central location for
sensitization. The sensitization exercise discussed various issues including how the
beneficiaries would receive their payment and other environmental issues. Below is a
table indicating how the environmental issues were mitigated based on the
sensitization received:
Table 4. 5: Environmental Issues
S/N ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES MITIGATION MEASURES DEPLOYED
1. Improper disposal of waste on Awareness creation on hazard on
land improper waste disposal.
2 Flooding due to blockage of Clearing of drainages
drainages
3 Air pollution through carbon Collaboration with Waste
emission from burnt refuse Management Agency for proper
waste management
4 Odour from decomposed waste Sensitization of the community to
provide central waste bins at least
26
100 metres away from residential
areas.
5 Surface water pollution from Water treatment before consumption
decomposed waste
During the LIPW implementation in benefiting communities, the under listed social
issues were encountered and managed:
Table 4. 6: Social Issues
S/N SOCIAL ISSUES MITIGATION MEASURE DEPLOYED

1. Stigmatization and social Counseling against stigmatization
harassment of Beneficiaries and other social vices emanating
during implementation
2 Exposure of Beneficiaries to Sensitization on proper usage of
Negative health hazard. personal protective Equipment (PPE)
3 Complains on the need for Regular payment of monthly stipends.
increased stipends
4 Injuries during Labour Intensive Sensitization on proper handling of
Public Works work tools.
Fund Disbursement
The monitoring team sighted the call for expression of interest for payment service
providers. The payment service provider was engaged after a competitive process.
The monitoring team sighted the call for expression of interest for payment services
providers and the application letters submitted by various financial institutions. The
DP head noted that First City Monument Bank was engaged based on their offer
which guarantees the ease of payment to beneficiaries. The payment service
provider paid the sum of 10,000 naira only to the beneficiaries which they received in
their registered account. Records show that beneficiaries have been paid for 11
months. A monthly review was carried out through attendance collected during
activities and recommendations are made based on participation.
Grievances Redress Mechanism available in the state was through the monitoring
27
officers of the state. Some of the issues reported are below:
Table 4. 7: Grievances Redress Mechanism
S/N GRM ISSUES REDRESS MECHANISM

1. Non-inclusion of some members Community leaders were educated on
of benefiting community, as well the community-based targeting
as some communities of process of SOCU.
benefiting LGA.
There was no issue of gender-based violence reported in the state. There was also
no exit strategy for the beneficiaries.
28
DLI1.4 – Basic Services
DLI 1.4: BENEFICIARIES’ TARGETING, MP/GMP PREPARATION,

APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION
Table 4. 8: Beneficiaries' targeting, MP/GMP preparation, approval, and

implementation
Variables A B C D E
CDPs/GrDPs Number Number Number Variance Remark

Preparation Approved Completed Ongoing
A-B
Number of
CDPs/GrDPs
reviewed by
LGRC
Total Number Completed Functional by Ongoing by Not yet Specify

of Completed by sector sector sector implemented cancelled/abandoned
MPs by MPs (with
Sector documented reasons
Number of
MPs with
documented
Voluntary
Land
Donation
Protocols by
Sectors
Number of
MPs
Completed in
compliance
with
Environmental
29
and Social
Safeguards
Management
Plan by Sector
Criteria used
for
Community
targeting
Beneficiary Community No. of Male/Female

Targeting population beneficiaries disaggregation
of completed
MP/GMP
25,005 Male = 13,098
Female =
11,907
Social Widows Vulnerable People living Youth and Others (specify)

inclusion with special elderly
(from PRA needs
Report)
Gender No. Male No. Female

inclusion
8, 739 7,916
CDPs Total cost MP Sustainability

Resource of (%completion) Plan
Utilization approved
CDP
The Agency implementing DLI 1.4 NG-CARES Program for the first and second
quarter of 2023, i.e., January - June 2023 is presented in this implementation status
report. Agency approved nine (9) additional CDPs within the quarters thereby making
a total of sixteen (16) CDPs from inception of NG-CARES to date. These sixteen (16)
CDPs comprises of 32 micro projects which spanned in three sectors of Education,
Health, and Water & Sanitation. Also, within the quarter, two (2) GDPs were approved
30
comprises of four (4) micro projects which spanned in three sectors of Education,
Health, and Water & Sanitation.
As of June 30, 2023, a total of thirty-two (32) micro projects and four (4) Group
micro projects have been completed and put to use by a total number of 25,005
direct beneficiaries disaggregated further by gender – 13,098 male and 11,907
female.
The NG-CARES has been implemented for twenty-four (24) Months as of June 2023,
but only 18 out of the 40 projected CDPs/GDPs have been funded, completed, and
put to use. Funds are released from the state to the Disbursement Platform.
Key Analysis Points
MP completed in compliance with the Environmental and social safeguard issues
Environmental and social safeguard issues were built into the implementation of the
micro projects. Attention was paid to the need for environmental safety, and
sustainability of the projects. From project design, issues of Environmental
safeguards are built into the project by ensuring that waste from the construction
site are immediately removed along with contaminated materials and disposed of at
an approved landfill. Also, proper building orientation, construction of drainages,
proper site cleaning and landscaping are part of interventions and training given to
beneficiary communities and groups during CPMC training. Environmental issues are
monitored throughout project implementation to ensure adequate compliance.
Communities and Groups were made to respect the safeguards of their projects by
providing Voluntary Land Donation (VLD) with documentation showing that
landowners and their relatives understood the need to willingly donate or sell their
land for the purpose of the project.
31
32
Table 4. 9: Basic Services Projects by LGA
NAME OF DETAILS OF MICRO NO. OF
S/N LGA S/N SECTOR MALE FEMALE
COMMUNITY PROJECT IN A CDP BENEFICIARIES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP)
Construction of Solar
1 Water 716 732
Powered Borehole
1 Ketting Obanliku Construction of Multi 1,977
Purpose Science
2 Education 317 212
Laboratory/Furnishing
/Equipping
Construction of
Health
3 Health 307 276
Post/Furnishing &
Equipping
Drilling, Installation of
2 Ohong Obudu 1,701
Solar Pump, and
Construction, Storage
4 Water 647 471
Tanks, Plumbing &
Accessories/
Reticulation
Solar Pump, and
5 Water 806 569
Tanks, Plumbing &
3 Agbaragba Ikom Accessories 1,531
/Reticulation
Furnishing of
6 Education 85 71
Classrooms Block
33
Health Post
17 Furnishing /Equipping Health 265 449
Calabar
4 Ikot Ekpo Solar Pump, and 1,723
Municipality
18 Water 489 520
Tanks, Plumbing &
Accessories
/Reticulation
Rehabilitation of 2No
13 Water 659 537
Calabar Solar Pump boreholes
5 Ansa Ewa 1,407
South Furnishing of
14 Education 98 113
Classroom Block
Rehabilitation of
11 Motorized Borehole Water 595 487
Calabar
6 Atakpa and Reticulation 1,486
South
Furnishing Of
12 Education 208 196
Classroom Block
Health Post
7 Health 236 246
Furnishing/Equipping
Solar Pump, And
7 Anyikang-Iye Bekwarra 1,334
8 Water 368 484
Tanks, Plumbing &
Accessories
/Reticulation
8 Ebuafen Bekwarra Health Post 1,381
9 Health 279 220
Furnishing/Equipping
34
Solar Pump, And
10 Water 461 421
Tanks, Plumbing &
Accessories/
Reticulation
Health Post
15 Health 299 269
9 Mgbenege Obudu Furnishing/Equipping 1,374
16 Reticulation of Water Water 426 380
Total 7261 6653
GROUP DEVELOPMENT PLAN (GrDP)
Health Post
19 Health 431 379
Enemi Vul. Furnishing/ Equipping
10 Biase 1,335
Group/ Umai Rehabilitation of 1No
20 Water 298 227
Solar Pump boreholes
1no 6 Classroom
21 Block With 2no Wheel Education 158 141
Chair
Association Drilling, Installation of
11 Of Special Yala Solar Pump, and 1,406
People Construction, Storage
22 Water 591 516
Tanks, Plumbing &
Accessories/
Reticulation
16,655 1,478 1,263
TOTAL
35
Compliance to agreed selection Criteria.
There was compliance with the agreed selection criteria across the three states. Due
diligence was done in selecting beneficiary communities. The selection of which
project to fund was decided in a meeting between community heads of selected
communities and the representatives of the state. Communities participated in the
completion of projects through land donation and in some cases counterpart funding.
Funds were released from the state account into the account of the DP. The DP
disburses funds into accounts of the selected contractor. The contractor that
delivered materials for the projects was selected after a competitive process. The
monitoring team sighted the expression of interest documents submitted by the
various companies. The coordinating DP selected the most suitable among the
contractors and conduct on-field appraisal. Rural participatory activities were carried
out. A total of 3 Form As were completed.
There are no variations in number or criteria.
Other activities/number
N/A
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Community heads of beneficiary communities mentioned in key informant interviews
that from project design, issues of Environmental safeguards are built into the
project by ensuring that waste from the construction site are immediately removed
along with contaminated materials and disposed of at an approved landfill. Also,
proper building orientation, construction of drainages, proper site cleaning and
landscaping are part of interventions and training given to beneficiary communities
and groups during CPMC training. Environmental issues are monitored throughout
project implementation to ensure adequate compliance.
SOCIAL ISSUES
Communities and Groups were made to respect the safeguards of their projects by
providing Voluntary Land Donation (VLD) with documentations showing that land
owners and their relatives understood the need for willingly donate or sold their land
for the purpose of the project.
GRIEVANCES
36
There was no grievance issue reported among our beneficiary communities and
groups within the period under review as they all work as a team among themselves
and their host community/group.
GENDER COMPLIANCE MEASURES.

From the project inception, at least three women are made to be part of the CPMC or
GPMC and at least one of them being a signatory to the CPMC or GPMC account;
this help to address gender inclusiveness in the project implementation.
37
4.1.2 Results Area 2 - Increasing Food Security and Safe Functioning of Food
Supply Chain
DLI 2.1 – Agricultural Inputs and Services
DLI 2.1: BENEFICIARIES’ TARGETING, CARPs PREPARATION, APPROVAL

AND IMPLEMENTATION

implementation
Target Nos of Nos Nos No of No of No of No of Farmer Total No of

CARP of of Farmer Farmers Farmers Farmers s No. of Cycles
Prepared CARP Farm s Utilizing Receiving Utilizing utilizin Hecta of visit
Appro ers in Receivi Agricult Agricultur Agricultur g res to
ved CAR ng ural al al climat farmer
Ps Agricul inputs services services e s for
tural smart Exten
Inputs inputs sion
and Servic
service es
s
Social Inclusion 5,223 Widows Vulnerable People living with Youth Others (Please
(From PRA report) special needs and specify)
elderly
Gender Inclusion No. Male No. Female

2,715 2,508
Beneficiary Selection and Sensitization
The state partnered with FADAMA to meet the objectives of DLI 2.1. Data of
potential beneficiaries was mined from the FADAMA database and through
community tracing of farmer groups. Beneficiaries were reached by the local
community representatives and invited to the sensitization programme. A total of
5,223 beneficiaries were selected for support on the DLI.
Table 4. 11: Distribution of Inputs and Service Provision
Male Female M/F

DLIs VALUE CHAIN /ITEMS Beneficiaries Ratio
DLI 2.1: Rice 1,000 829 171 82:17
38
Cassava 1,500 506 994 34:66
Distribution of Poultry 823 205 618 25:75
Inputs & Piggery 450 306 144 68:32
Service Aquaculture 450 162 288 36:64
Provision Mechanization 1,000 707 293 71:29
Total 5,223 2,715 2,508 52:48
Beneficiary farmers and farmer groups were invited to a central place closest to their
communities and sensitized on the project focus, and their benefits and
expectations. The sensitization exercise was coordinated by the FADAMA office and
had in attendance representatives from the State Ministry of Agriculture and the
SCCU.
Disbursement of Agricultural Inputs
The FADAMA office engaged the services of a contractor for the delivery of inputs
and services after a competitive process. The monitoring team sighted the award
letter of the contractor. Beneficiaries confirmed that they received their inputs and
services directly from the contractor under the supervision of FADAMA officers. The
contractor who is also the service provider received payment directly from the
FADAMA office.
The Farmers were grouped and mobilized with various agricultural produce including
rice, cassava, day-old chicks, piglets, fingerlings, etc. The selected beneficiaries were
supported with agricultural inputs to help them generate funds. Rice seeds were
made available to 1000 beneficiaries, while 1,500 people received cassava stems.
Poultry birds were made available to 823 beneficiaries, small piglets were made
available to 450 beneficiaries, fish fingerlings were made available to 450
beneficiaries, and mechanisation supports were made available to 1000
beneficiaries. Sighted documents indicate that all the beneficiaries (5223) are
utilizing the input and services as at the time of monitoring.
The monitoring team could not verify the number of hectares being cultivated under
DLI 2.1 as the record was not readily available at the FADAMA office.
Key Analysis Areas
Number of Farmers in the CARPs Versus Number of Farmers Receiving Agricultural

inputs
In Cross River states all farmers that were approved in CARPs received agricultural
inputs. The preparation of CARPs is done with support from dedicated officers of the
State FADAMA Coordinating Office (SFCO).
Compliance to agreed selection criteria into the DLI
39
There was substantial compliance with the agreed selection criteria into the DLI.
Data was mined from FADAMA, and through local farmer groups, and sensitization
exercises were carried out for selected beneficiaries before the agricultural inputs
were handed over to them. The communities also constituted a committee that
worked with the SFCO for the implementation of the process. The Service Provider
was selected after a keenly contested process with other contractors who submitted
expressions of interest.
There was no difference between the number of selected beneficiaries and the
number of beneficiaries utilizing inputs and services. The monitoring team sighted
approved 5 CARPs during the monitoring exercise. However, records at the FADAMA
office indicated that 67 CARPs were approved for 4,681 beneficiaries.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND REDRESSES

In the course of Implementation, the SFCO adopted World Bank environmental
guidelines on implementation that includes;
 Reduce the number of crop planting sites that involved the clearing or
disruption of virgin lands/forest by beneficiaries. This aided in reducing
implementation effects on other wildlife and ecosystem on subproject sites.
 Training of beneficiaries on use of PPEs,
 Use of NAFDAC approved Eco-friendly Agro-chemicals,
 Positioning of livestock/ Agro-processing sites at least a 100 meters away from
residential buildings, and water bodies,
 Reduction of Market waste through the use of incinerators.
 Regular Sanitations within and around project sites
 Waste management trainings and Use of Charcoal to reduce offensive smell in
project sites,
 Use of Water Sprinklers in road rehabilitation to reduce effect on road
commuters,
 channelization of drainages to avoid/ reduce erosion
SOCIAL ISSUES AND REDRESSES
Social Issues observed in implementation were distinct in their characteristics
and were mainly concerns over the use of available family land where various
members of the family had plans for, Social inclusion of female Rice farmers and
40
other value chains that are male dominated, Local customs and traditions that
surround land use and application of fertilizers, etc were some of the highlighted
Social issues experienced. The SFCO had to weave around the already established
social norms in various traditional farming practices in various communities through
Capacity Building trainings, Advisory and extension visits by Agro consulting experts
from within and outside the Cross River State Agricultural Development Programme
Office.
GRIEVANCES AND REDRESSES

The Implementation structure for grievance at the Implementation stage (at
Farmer User Groups & Farmer Community Association) was that grievances would
first be redressed by the Sub Committees of the FCA in conjunction with the FCAs
EXCO and can only be escalated to the Grievance Office when it cannot be resolved
by the Sub-Committee and FCA EXCO. The table below Shows grievances redressed
at both FCA sub-Committee level and SFCO Level.
S/ TYPE OF RESOLVED RESOLVED TOTAL OUTSTANDING

N GRIEVANCES AT FCA AT SFCO RESOLVED GRIEVANCES
LEVEL LEVEL GRIEVANCE
1 Offensive Odour 23 2 25 0
Coming Sub-Project
2 Dispute on the use 16 2 18 0
of Land for Sub-
Project
3 Dispute on the 14 1 15 0
Distribution of
Inputs and Assets
4 Dispute on 4 2 6 0
rehabilitation of
Wet Market and
sanitation
5 Intra FUG Disputes 42 2 44 0
6 Inter-FUG Disputes 24 1 25 0
7 Financial Disputes 10 0 10 0
41
& Corruption
8 Total 133 10 143 0
From the above table, more of the grievances were handled at FCA level while there
is currently no outstanding grievances.
GENDER COMPLIANCE MEASURES
From the project Appraisal Document, a minimum gender compliance of
40:60 (40%) Female beneficiaries was targeted before implementation. The
Summary of Gender compliance by DLIs and Value Chain is shown in the Table
Below. The Gender policy of at least 35% female beneficiaries was adhered to in all
the DLIs, with different ratios biased towards each gender based on the value chain/
Items under consideration.
Table 4. 13: Gender Compliance Analysis
Male Female M/F

S/N DLIs VALUE CHAIN /ITEMS Beneficiaries Ratio
Rice 1,000 829 171 82:17
DLI 2.1: Cassava 1,500 506 994 34:66
Distribution Poultry 823 205 618 25:75
1 of Inputs & Piggery 450 306 144 68:32
Service Aquaculture 450 162 288 36:64
Provision Mechanization 1,000 707 293 71:29
Total 5,223 2,715 2,508 52:48
There was no exit strategy.
42
DLI 2.2 – Agricultural Infrastructure

implementation
Target Nos of Nos Nos No of No of No of No of Farmer Total No of

CARP of of Agricul Farmers Farmers Farmers s No. of Cycles
Prepared CARP Farm tural Utilizing Receiving Utilizing utilizin Hecta of visit
Appro ers in Infrastr Agricult Agricultur Agricultur g res to
ved CAR uctures ural al al climat farmer
Ps with inputs services services e s for
agreed smart Exten
LIPW inputs sion
Require and Servic
ments service es
s
Disaggregated No. 4,301 No. Male = 1,849 No. Female = 2,452

of farmers
accessing climate-
smart improved
agricultural
infrastructure
Farm access roads were constructed as the deliverables of DLI 2.2 in Cross River
state. The constructed roads directly benefited 4,028 people and their agricultural
businesses. The table below shows the completed projects.
Table 4. 15: Labour Intensive Agricultural Infrastructure
DLI Value Chain/Items Beneficiaries

DLI 2.2: Labour Farm access roads 4,028
Intensive Capacity Building 4,028
Agricultural
Total
Infrastructure 4,028
Beneficiary farmers and farmer groups were invited to a central place closest to their
expectations. The sensitization exercise was coordinated by the SFCO.
Key Analysis Points
Number of Farmers in the CARPs Versus Number of Farmers Receiving Agricultural
inputs
CARPs were prepared by FCAs under the supervision of SFCO officials. The
monitoring team sighted 5 CARPs at the communities during the monitoring
43
exercise. However, records at the State FADAMA Coordinating Office indicated that
29 CARPs were prepared and approved for 4,028 beneficiaries. However, there are
no variation in the number of farmers in CARPs and number of farmers receiving
agricultural inputs.
Compliance to agreed selection criteria into the DLI
The beneficiary communities were selected by the SFCO based on the data available
at the FADAMA office. The communities also constituted a committee that worked
with the SFCO for the implementation of the process. The selected FCAs were
invited to a central location in the closest Local Government Facility and sensitized
on the project, their roles, and their benefits. The Service Provider was selected after
a keenly contested process with other contractors who submitted expressions of
interest. The monitoring team sighted the expressions of interest submitted to the
SFCO, and the award letter to the service provider. The Service provider was engaged
by the state FADAMA office, and the payment service provider selected for the entire
NG CARES project in Cross River was FCMB. SFCO officials performed the oversight
function and certified works done. All listed works were completed. There are no
variation in the number of farmers in CARPs and number of farmers receiving
agricultural inputs.
Therefore, there was substantial compliance with the agreed selection criteria into
the DLI.

project sites,
commuters,
44
Office.

by the Sub-Committee and FCA EXCO. The table below Shows grievance redressed
at both FCA sub Committee level and SFCO Level.

Coming Sub-Project
of Land for Sub-
Project
Distribution of
Inputs and Assets
rehabilitation of
Wet Market and
sanitation
& Corruption
45
8 Total 133 10 143 0
The sighted project Appraisal Document shows that a minimum gender compliance
of 40:60 (40%) Female beneficiaries was targeted before implementation. The
Table 4. 17: Gender Compliance
Male Female M/F

DLI 2.2: Labour 1,849 2,452
Farm access roads
Intensive 4,301
Agricultural
Total
Infrastructure 4,301 1,849 2,452 43:57
46
DLI 2.3: Agricultural Assets for Production and Mitigating Food Loss and
Waste

implementation
Target Nos of Nos Nos No of Farmers No of Farmers No. of Farmers Utilizing

CARP of of who applied for Receiving Agricultural Agricutural Assets
Prepared CARP Farm Agricultural Assets
Appro ers in Assets
ved CAR
Ps
6,094 No. No. No. Male No.
Male Female = 2,932 Female =
3,162
In Cross River, the following are the list of farm agricultural assets and the number of
beneficiaries:
Table 4. 19: Agricultural Assets
Male Female M/F

DLI VALUE CHAIN/ITEMS Beneficiaries
Ratio
Mini Processing Cassava 813 1033 44:56
1,846
Machines
1000kg/hour Rice thresher 360 223 137 62:38
DLI 2.3: Farm R175 engine powered 493 767 39:61
1,260
Agricultural grinding machine
Assets Poultry Assets 630 177 453 28:72
(Productive & Piggery Assets 454 309 145 68:32
Small Scale Aquaculture Assets 500 280 220 56:44
Processing) Rice Assets 360 234 126 65:35
Cassava Assets 684 403 281 59:41
2,932 3,162 48:52
TOTAL
6,094
Beneficiaries Selection/Orientation/Onboarding
The State FADAMA office mined data of farmer groups from their register and also
used local mobilizers in the farm communities to gather farm groups. Beneficiary
farmers and farmer groups were invited to a central place closest to their
expectations. The sensitization exercise was coordinated by the FADAMA office.
Local Government facilities or community town halls were sued for sensitization
based on their closeness to the farm settlement. There was substantial compliance
with agreed selection.
47
The FADAMA office engaged the services of a contractor for the delivery of inputs
and services after a competitive process. The monitoring team sighted the award
letter of the contractor. Payment is made to the dedicated bank account of the
FADAMA office from the state account. The State FADAMA Coordinating Office then
disburses the payment to the contractors. Beneficiaries confirmed that they
received their inputs and services directly from the contractor under the supervision
of FADAMA officers. The contractor who is also the service provider received
payment directly from the FADAMA office. A mini processing cassava machine
fitted with 3.5hp sifters of 2mt/hr was provided to 1,846 direct beneficiaries. Three
hundred and sixty farmers benefitted from the provision of 199kg/hour rice thresher.
The R175 engine-powered grinding machine benefitted 1,260 people directly among
others.
Staff of the FADAMA office were allocated to each farmer group to train them on
how to prepare CARPs. Although the monitoring team only sighted 5 approved
CARPs, the information on the number of approved CARPs could not be verified at
the time of the monitoring exercise. However, FADAMA staff noted in a key
informant interview that all beneficiaries (6094) are captured in CARPs and that there
was no variation.

project sites,
commuters,
48
Office.

by the Sub-Committee and FCA EXCO. The table below Shows grievance redressed
at both FCA sub Committee level and SFCO Level.

Coming Sub-Project
of Land for Sub-
Project
Distribution of
Inputs and Assets
rehabilitation of
Wet Market and
sanitation
49
& Corruption
8 Total 133 10 143 0
The sighted project Appraisal Document shows that a minimum gender compliance
of 40:60 (40%) Female beneficiaries was targeted before implementation. The
Table 4. 21: Gender Compliance and Value Chain
Male Female M/F

Mini Processing Cassava 813 1033 44:56
1,846
Machines
1000kg/hour Rice 223 137 62:38
360
thresher
DLI 2.3: Farm R175 engine powered 493 767 39:61
Agricultural 1,260
grinding machine
Assets
Poultry Assets 630 177 453 28:72
(Productive &
Piggery Assets 454 309 145 68:32
Small Scale
Aquaculture Assets 500 280 220 56:44
Processing)
Rice Assets 360 234 126 65:35
Cassava Assets 684 403 281 59:41
2,932 3,162 48:52
TOTAL
6,094
50
DLI 2.4 Upgrading Wet Markets

implementation
Target Nos of Nos of CARP Number of Wet Number of Existing Number of Remar
CARP Approved Market in the Wet Markets with Sellers ks
Prepared CARPs Upgraded Water and Benefitting
Sanitation Services from Upgraded
Wet Markets
73 81 73 73 73 14,612
Social Widows Vulnerable People living with Youth and Others
Inclusiven special needs elderly (Speci
ess (PRA) fy)
At least Gender Male Female
35% Inclusion
female
5,379 9,221
Beneficiary Selection and Sensitization
The state partnered with FADAMA to meet the objectives of DLI 2.4 and select
markets for upgrade. Communities were informed about the plans to upgrade the
wet market and sensitization exercises were organized. The sensitization exercise
was carried out in a central location in each beneficiary local government area. The
sighted document indicates that there was substantial compliance with the agreed
selection criteria.
Table 4. 23: Gender Compliance and Value Chain

Male Female M/F
DLI 2.4: Food Rehabilitation of Existing
Supply Chains Wet Markets 73
& Mitigating 5379 9221 37:63
Food Loss /
Waste - Wet TOTAL
Markets 14612
Cross River State upgraded 73 wet markets. The FADAMA office engaged the
services of a contractor for the delivery of inputs and services after a competitive
process. The monitoring team sighted the award letter of the contractor.
Beneficiaries confirmed that they received their inputs and services directly from the
contractor under the supervision of FADAMA officers. The contractor who is also the
service provider received payment directly from the FADAMA office.
51
Staff of the FADAMA office were allocated to each farmer group to train them on
how to prepare CARPs. Although the monitoring team only sighted 5 approved
CARPs, the available information indicates that 73 CARPs were approved. SFCO
performs certification exercises in partnership with the local community committee.
The Wet Markets are already being used. Records show that 73 wet markets were
captured in CARPs and are enjoying the benefits.

project sites,
commuters,
Office.
52
No gender issue was reported.
53
4.1.3 Results Area 3
DLI 3.2: Operations Grant

Table 4. 24: Selection Process of Beneficiaries, Payment
Target Nos of Nos of No. of Number of Amount Variance Remarks
Registered Eligible selected Firms Disbursed
Firms that and Firms Receiving to Lending
Applied for Verified Conditional Financial
conditional firms Matching Institutions
Matching Credit Grant (on behalf
Credit of
Grants Beneficiary
Firms)
Gender Male Female

Inclusion
Male = Male =
4,576 4,315
Female = Female
2,652 = 2,073
In Cross River State, the existing online platform in the state was used for the
onboarding of beneficiaries. FCMB was engaged as the payment service provider for
the entire NG Cares including for DLI 3.2. The monitoring team sighted letters
showing an exchange of information and payment between the coordinating DP and
FCMB as the payment service provider. Funds were transferred from the state to the
bank account of the delivery platform from which funds are transferred to the
payment service providers. The Head of the Disbursement Platform noted during the
Key Informant Interview that the state had a website that was designed specifically
for virtual applications so it was adopted for the project. The website was tested in
the presence of the monitoring team.
The monitoring team visited the ICT department where the Manager demonstrated
how the virtual application platform worked to the team. The monitoring team
sighted the information requested from the MSEs including the registration status of
their business, staff strength, age, sex, and disability status, among others.
Beneficiary MSEs also confirmed during in-depth interviews that they
registered/applied for support via the website provided by the Ministry of Trade and
Investment. The sighted report at the Ministry of Trade and Investment as well as the
responses from beneficiaries indicated that there were two sensitization
programmes.
Two sensitization exercises were carried out according to the sighted report at the
MSE DP office. The DP head noted that the first sensitization exercise was a
54
publicity drive to inform the community about the availability of the grant. The
sensitization was done through social media, local town criers, and through
meetings with local community heads and youth leaders. Among others, the first
sensitization drive emphasised the benefits of the project to SMEs and the
application procedure.
After the first sensitization process, 7,228 SMEs applied through the online platform
for the grant. The platform was designed to screen out ineligible MSEs so the
monitoring team could not verify how many MSEs were disqualified from the online
platform. The MSEs that were able to complete the application were 7228 and they
were subjected to a vetting and screening exercise. Onsite tracing of businesses
was done and at the end of the exercise, 4,289 businesses were selected for support.
The 4,289 businesses were invited to Calabar for the sensitization exercise, but only
3,954 ended up attending the second sensitization exercise and were onboarded to
the project. The number of male beneficiaries was 2,376 and the number of female
beneficiaries was 1,578. The evidence available indicates that there was substantial
compliance to the agreed selection criteria.
The DP received funds from the state Government and disbursed it to FCMB the
payment service provider. The beneficiaries received the grants directly into their
bank accounts from the payment service provider – FCMB. Support grants were
disbursed according to categories, (Micro enterprises = N200,000 per enterprise;
Small enterprises = N400,000 per enterprise). The sum of N600,000,000 (Six
Hundred Million Naira) was disbursed to 1,500 small enterprises while N490,800,000
(Four Hundred and Ninety Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) was disbursed to
2,454 micro-enterprises. The total amount disbursed to enterprises = N1,
090,800,000 (One Billion and Ninety Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only.
Monitoring and evaluation officers were assigned to the businesses that received
grants. These monitoring officers are the first point of call for grievances redress.
Orientation on environmental and social safeguard issues was also carried out as
related to the MSE delivery unit.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARD
The following steps were taking to mitigate potential environmental and social
safeguard issues
• Training of enterprise owners on social and environmental issues.
• Sensitization on proper waste management methods.
• Encouraged use of personal protective equipment by beneficiaries.
• Provision of waste bins.
• Regular Sanitation (Drainage clearing)
55
• Monitoring to ensure compliance.
There was no report of gender-based violence at the time of monitoring.
56
CHAPTER FIVE
Conclusions
Cross River State implemented 8 disbursement-linked indicators. The

implementation of the NG-CARES project in Akwa-Ibom State was successful. The
effect of the project in the state is felt positively by the beneficiaries, however,
existing political and bureaucratic processes in the state threaten the smooth
running of the project. Below are some of the issues identified as challenges:
Bureaucratic Process of Fund Release: The State CARES Coordinating offices
expressed concerns about the delay in the disbursement of the funds from the
Federal Government, and the shortage of hands in implementing the project.
Beneficiaries lamented the irregular funds disbursement patterns which was
eventually linked with the intervals of fund receipt from the Federal Government by
the State CARES Coordinating office. The NG-CARES project is planned as a
seamless process of providing support to states and people affected by the COVID-
19 pandemic and easy access to funds would make the process less stressful for
the beneficiaries.
DLI 2 Implementation: In the provision of farm support under DLIs 2.1 and 2.3, there
is the nagging question of sustainability. Beneficiaries were given farm products,
and/or livestock to raise and generate income, however, there is little or no support
in terms of infrastructure, and continuing support for the beneficiaries. The provision
of domestic animals at infant stages without cognate investment in sustainable
systems threatens the sustainability of the initiative.
Secondly, farmers were not linked with funding or microloan agencies to assist in
accessing further loans for their agricultural businesses. The implication therefore
suggests inability to sustain the business past the first quarter after the one-off
support from the NG-CARES project.
Exit Strategy: From the interaction with the State’s CARES officials, and the
beneficiaries, there is no clear exit strategy in view for the beneficiaries or the project.
The implication therefore is that beneficiaries are anxious about the uncertainty
surrounding the lifespan of the project, particularly the support that is received.
Despite the above, Cross River State has progressed satisfactorily in compliance
with project implementation processes.
Suggestions
1. Clear target monitoring and prompt disbursement of funds to the state would
assist in the smooth implementation of the project.
2. Sustainability strategies for the agri-businesses should be a priority so that
farmers could outgrow the programme.
3. Budgetary allocation for exit strategy to ensure sustainability and peaceful
graduation.
57
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APPENDICES
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NG-CARES PROGRAMME THIRD PARTY MONITORING REPORT

Cross River State

Table 3. 1: Local Government Areas of Data Collection 15

Table 4. 1: Beneficiaries' selection, enrolment, orientation, participation & payment 18

1.1 Project Background

COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency with far-reaching consequences

As a response to the hardship perpetrated by the COVID-19 pandemic and in line

It is designed to support a budgeted program of expenditures and interventions at

The NG-CARES program is a multi-sectoral intervention designed to provide

c) Stimulate the economy by supporting agricultural value chains, providing

The Program Development Objective of the NG-CARES is “to expand access to

 Number of farmers supported to increase food production (disaggregated by

 Number of vulnerable and viable firms supported by the program (disaggregated

 Labour Intensive Public Work (LIPW) activities.

 Livelihood grants to economically active household members.

 Provision of agricultural inputs and services.

 Labour intensive agricultural infrastructures.

 Upgrading wet markets to function safely.

 Provision of well targeted conditional grants to co-finance loans that eligible

 Extending conditional grants to MSEs to cover up to 50% portion of the

 Support adoption of digital payments integration and IT connection cost of

The implementation of Results Areas 1-3 happens at the State level.

 Verification of Results through an Independent Verification Agent. (IVA);

 Financial Management Service and Technical Support.

 Monitoring and Evaluation; and

 Peer Learning and Experience Sharing.

Results Areas and Disbursement Link Indicators:

Disbursement Link Indicators for Result Area 1:

1.3 Number of HH/members supported with livelihood grant.

1.4 Number of direct beneficiaries of completed and functional microprojects

2.2 Number of individuals accessing improved agricultural infrastructure

2.3 Number of farmers utilizing agricultural assets (production and small-scale

Disbursement Linked Indicators for Result Area 3:

3.2 Number of firms receiving conditional – operational support grants.

 Program activities have been implemented in accordance with the approved

 Results are being achieved in accordance with the approved results-framework.

 Ensure transparency and compliance with principles of selecting beneficiaries.

 Cross-cutting issues such as safeguards, gender mainstreaming and

The Majesty Community Rural Development Foundation, Lugbe, Federal Capital

 Programme activities have been implemented in accordance with the approved

 Results are being achieved in accordance with the approved results-framework.

 Ensure transparency and compliance with principles of selecting beneficiaries.

 Cross-cutting issues such as safeguards, gender mainstreaming and

1.2 Scope of Assignment

(a) Review all project documents related to NG-CARES implementation and

2.0 REVIEW OF PROJECT PROCESS AND COMPLIANCE

Monitoring activities were divided into two sections – verification of available

Furthermore, a mixed method of data collection was adopted to ensure a holistic

RESULT AREA 1 Local Government Dr Taiwo Benson, Lead

DLI 1.4 Abi, Akamkpa, Yala, Ogoja

3.2.3 Data Collection Instruments

For quantitative data collection in regular households, a structured questionnaire

DLI 1.1: BENEFICIARIES’ SELECTION, ENROLMENT,

Table 4. 1: Beneficiaries' selection, enrolment, orientation, participation & payment

State No of No No Orienta No of Total No. of Round Varianc

Compliance to agreed selection Criteria

 People with special Needs

 People alive and traceable

Sensitization /Orientation /Enrolment