Post-Disaster Livelihood Recovery in Mt. Kelud and Mt. Sinabung

RDI had the valuable opportunity to conduct the final evaluation of the Indonesia Post-Disaster Livelihood Recovery Project in the regions of Mt. Sinabung and Mt. Kelud, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project aimed to assess and evaluate the post-disaster livelihood recovery programs led by FAO, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in the aftermath of the volcanic eruptions in Mt. Sinabung and Mt. Kelud.

The project was carried out in two distinct locations: for Mt. Sinabung, it was situated in Karo, North Sumatra Province, while for Mt. Kelud, it covered three districts: Malang, Blitar, and Kediri in East Java Province. The evaluation process was conducted simultaneously in both locations. The evaluation for Mt. Sinabung was managed by the team led by Dr. Henri Sitorus from North Sumatera University, while the evaluation for Mt. Kelud was overseen by the team led by Mrs. Elisabeth Rianawati from RDI.

The primary objectives of this evaluation, as referenced by RDI, were as follows:

1. Critically assessing the achievement of results outlined in the Joint Programme Documents.
2. Evaluating the post-disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
3. Assessing the effectiveness of capacity development initiatives.
4. Analyzing the short-term economic impact of the recovery programs.
5. Providing recommendations based on the findings.

The UN Joint Programme (UNJP) aimed to enhance the capacity of both national and local authorities in coordinating and implementing disaster risk management efforts. It also focused on livelihood and economic restoration, as well as integrating risk reduction principles into recovery measures.

During the data collection phase, the evaluation teams closely collaborated with local communities, organizations, and government entities in Karo, Kediri, Malang, and Blitar. The evaluation process involved distributing questionnaires to assess beneficiaries' perspectives on the relief program, conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders to evaluate the program's sustainability, and facilitating focused group discussions to comprehensively assess the program's overall achievements.

The findings of the evaluation revealed that communities affected by the Mt. Kelud eruption were more receptive to cultivating new crops like bananas. In both locations, the implementation of best agricultural practices was successful in diversifying livelihoods and ensuring sustainability. Crop diversification, including the promotion of crops resilient to volcanic ash, was recognized as a strategic approach for rebuilding the livelihoods of the affected communities. Additionally, the project fostered non-farm livelihood opportunities, such as food processing and sewing, in the Sinabung areas.