ARP Impact Evaluation Final Report

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Founded in 1957, Amref Health Africa is an international health development organisation whose core mission is to increase sustainable health access to communities in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, innovative health services and solutions and investments in health, all geared towards a Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With a presence in seven African countries and one hub in Western Africa, Amref prides itself as the leading champion of a people-centred UHC that ensures individuals and communities - who are at the centre of our programmatic work – in Africa access the essential and quality health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Amref Health Africa in Kenya commissioned an independent impact study of one of its interventions – the community led alternative rite of passage (CLARP), rolled out for the first time in 2009 in Kajiado county. The objectives of the study were: i) To determine the impact of the CLARP model on the following outcomes; Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), child early and forced marriages (CEFM), teenage pregnancies (TP), and educational outcomes; ii) Explore and document experiences and stories of CLARP and non-CLARP beneficiaries, as they relate to child early and forced marriages, educational attainment and teenage pregnancy; iii) Explore the attitude, perception and practices of community stakeholders towards FGM/C practices. This report comprises of two interlinked sections. The first section uses quantitative analysis which builds on quasi-experimental approaches to quantify the impacts of the CLARP model on FGM/C and other range of health and education metrics in Kajiado county. The second section deploys a qualitative approach to complement the quantitative analysis further. While the evaluation emphasised the CLARP model implemented in Kajiado county, the impact analysis also provides broad insights on three core areas: the lessons of what works and does not work for the CLARP model, accountability of CLARP results and overall value independently and impartially consistent with generally accepted principles and standards for evaluation, and advocacy and fundraising efforts in line with Amref’s mission and vision.