NATIONAL AREA-BASED DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAMME

2014 ANNUAL PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

DONORS

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project ID: 00057359 (NIM)

Duration:  Phase III (July, 2009 – June, 2015)

Strategic Plan Component: Promoting inclusive growth, gender equality and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

CPAP Component: Increased opportunities for income generation through promotion of diversified livelihoods, private sector development, and public private partnerships

ANDS Component: Social and Economic Development

Total Project Budget: USD $294,666,069 Annual Budget 2014: USD $53,384,064 Un-Funded Amount: USD $1,820,886

Implementing Partner: Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD)

Responsible Agency: MRRD and UNDP Project Manager: Shoaib Khaksari – Acting PM Chief Technical Advisor: Vacant

Responsible Assistant Country Director: Shoaib Timory

COVER PAGE: Participants in a Women’s Economic Empowerment Project in the AliceGhan settlement for Internally Displaced Persons learning embroidery| Qarabagh district, Kabul province.

Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

ACRONYMS

ADDPs        Annual District Development Plans

AIRD              Afghanistan Institute for Rural Development

APRP              Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme

ASGP              Afghanistan Sub-National Governance Programme

CDC              Community Development Council

CLDD              Community Lead Development Department

DCC              District Coordination Councils

DDA              District Development Assembly

DDP              District Development Plan

DIC District Information Center

ERDA              Energy for Rural Development of Afghanistan

GEP              Gender Empowerment Project

IALP Integrated Alternative Livelihood Programme

IDLG Independent Directorate of Local Governance

KW Kilo Watt

LIDD              Local Institutional Development Department

MHP              Micro Hydro Power

MoF Ministry of Finance

MoRR          Ministry of Refuge and Repatriation

MRRD              Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

NABDP              National Area Based Development Programme

PEAC              Provincial Establishment and Assessment Committees

PRT              Provincial Reconstruction Teams

RTD              Rural Technology Directory

RTP              Rural Technology Park

PDC              Provincial Development Committees

PDP              Provincial Development Plan

PMT Provincial Monitoring Teams

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

SPVHS Solar Photovoltaic Voltage Home System

SDU Sustainable Development Unit

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY              1
2. RESULTS              2
   1. OUTPUT 1: Institutions Strengthened at the District-Level to Independently Address Priority Local Needs           2

EXPENSES FOR THE QUARTER..... 19

1. OUTPUT 2: Improved Access to Key Services for the Rural Poor               23

EXPENSES FOR THE QUARTER..... 42

1. OUTPUT 3: Stabilization in Less Secure Regions and Districts               45

EXPENSES FOR THE QUARTER..... 46

1. GENDER-SPECIFIC RESULTS              48
2. PARTNERSHIPS              50
3. ISSUES              53
4. RISKS              54
5. LESSONS LEARNED              55
6. FUTURE PLAN              56
7. ANNEXES              57

ANNEX 1: FINANCIAL..... 57

ANNEX 2: EXPENSES BY OUTPUT..... 58

ANNEX 3: EXPENSES BY DONOR..... 59

ANNEX 4: DETAILS OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC HEARINGS IN 2014..... 59

ANNEX 5: DETAILS OF ONGOING PROJECTS AT THE CLOSE OF 2014..... 63

1.15 Ongoing Women’s Economic Empowerment Projects..... 63

2.1    Ongoing Micro Hydro Power Projects               63

2.2    Ongoing Transportation Projects               64

2.3    Ongoing Public Building Projects               65

2.4    Ongoing Disaster Management Projects               66

2.5    Ongoing Agriculture and Irrigation Projects               67

2.6    Ongoing Water Supply and Sanitation Projects               67

3.1    Ongoing Reintegration Projects               68

ANNEX 6: RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND IRRIGATION PROGRAM (RUWatSIP)..... 69

ANNEX 7: PROVINCIAL MACHINERY PARK (PMP) OF BADGHIS..... 73

ANNEX 8: ISSUES LOG..... 75

ANNEX 9: RISK LOG..... 76

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2014, the Nation Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) directly supported the sustainable reduction of poverty and improvement of livelihoods in rural Afghanistan through the execution of three mandated efforts which are i) the support to District Development Assemblies (DDAs) to independently prioritize local development efforts; ii) improve access to public services for the rural poor; and iii) support stabilization efforts in less secure regions and districts.

This year NABDP supported DDA elections in 28 districts utilizing democratic participation to strengthen local involvement in development processes by electing 756 members, of which 23.9% were women. Additionally, 1,019 DDA and Community Lead Development Department members (of which 270, or 26%, were rural women) received training to increase their capacity in governance, conflict resolution, gender equity, participatory planning, project management, and disaster management. An example of the direct results from these ongoing trainings can be seen through local communities utilizing 163 DDAs to resolve 563 conflicts. Furthermore, in an effort to increase transparency and encourage local input into rural development efforts, this year 45 DDAs held public hearings in 18 provinces across Afghanistan with 4,866 Afghans in attendance.

In support of local economies, NABDP utilized rural development as an opportunity to provide a cumulative 1,005,514 days of temporary labour which have the intended side benefit of increasing their vested interest in development results. Of the 279 projects completed, 18 were in less secure areas where the direct employment of ex-combatants supported reintegration and stabilization efforts. In 2014, NABDP provided 764KW of electricity for the first time to 11,829 households residing off-grid. NABDP also supported 74,432 rural households through the completion of 38 transportation infrastructure projects. These projects resulted in 42km of tertiary, concrete and asphalt roads in five provinces; the installation of seven culverts in five flood-prone provinces; and the construction of 22 bridges in 12 provinces connecting rural communities to district and provincial centers. In direct support of natural disaster mitigation efforts in rural communities NABDP completed 49 projects for a total of 17.8km of protection walls, retaining walls, and gabion walls in 15 provinces. NABDP also completed 38 agriculture and irrigation projects across 12 provinces to the benefit of 17,544 households while protecting or enabling the immediate use of 2,232 Jeribs (4.5km2/1,103 acres) of arable land. Notably, NABDPs completion of 27 public building projects in 16 provinces benefitted 207,162 rural households. This year also brought about the completion of 48 water supply projects in 11 provinces which provide access to safe drinking water for 19,316 rural poor households with an immediate reduction in the spread of preventable disease. Lastly, at the completion of 39 economic empowerment projects in embroidery, literacy, tailoring, vocational training, and carpet weaving 1,380 rural women are able to earn additional incomes significantly improving and stabilizing their household incomes.

1. RESULTS

1. OUTPUT 1: Institutions Strengthened at the District-Level to Independently Address Priority Local Needs

Instituted to represent the voices of rural Afghans, including women, and to promote engagement with the central government, District Development Assemblies (DDAs) play a pivotal role in rural development. Since the inception of DDAs, NABDP has set out to support and strengthen the capacity of DDAs.

With the endorsement of the ‘National Policy for Improved Governance and Development at Districts and Villages’ by the Cabinet in December 2013, it was anticipated that the new structure of the District Coordination Councils (DCCs) will merge various Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) District Community Councils, MRRD DDAs and other existing district-level entities which were established for the purpose of governance and development into one district-level entity.

Many of the scheduled activities under this output, including the establishment of DCCs, have been delayed while the new government is in the process of formulating its policy regarding the role of local councils; namely the DDCs as the district level representative body or the formation of constitutional District Councils. With the agreement of the National Unity Government, it remains to be clarified if there will be countrywide elections for the constitutional-based District Councils.

In the interim, NABPD’s Local Institutional Development Department (LIDD) continued to support DDAs enabling them to fulfil their mandate as the developmental gateway at the district-level in rural Afghanistan until the establishment of DCCs, or the formal election of District Councils.

1.1               Number of DCC Established

NABDP aimed to establish 22 DCCs in 2014. Following the finalization of the National Policy for Improved Governance and Development at Districts and Villages, a pilot plan was agreed upon by MRRD and IDLG for the phased establishment of DDCs in Herat and Kapisa provinces.

Though the implementation plan for the establishment of DCCs has been developed, there have been significant delays in the implementation of the plan due to the extended period of the 2014 Presidential elections. At the close of 2014 the uncertainty surrounding the focus and priority of the new national government in relation to district level governance has meant that by the close of the year these issues remained to be clarified between MRRD and IDLG.

1.2               DDAs Re-Elected and Updated

With a target of supporting the re-election of 20 DDAs in 2014, NABDP exceeded its target by supporting free and transparent election processes for DDA members in 28 districts in 12

provinces throughout the country. Serving a 3-year term, the newly elected DDA members are selected from a pool of active community members and supported through the election process. In total, 756 DDA members were locally elected: 575 male (76.1%) and 181 female (23.9%). However, 11 districts in Kandahar and Nuristan elected all-male DDAs, and the remaining 17 districts elected women to 1/3 of the posts.

Alishing DDA re-election | Laghman Province | Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

Gender Mainstreaming: A Planned Progression towards Equal Representation

All Male DDAs

DDAs with Women’s Group: Women are selected by high ranking district officials to participate in the DDA. The Group is regularly consulted on issues and have some input into the selection of development projects for the district.

DDAs with a Women's Advisory Committee: Women are elected, but do not sit together with the men in the DDA. The male DDA members consult with the Committee before any decisions are taken.

Mixed DDAs: Women are elected and are regularly present in DDA meetings. They have input into the projects selected for the DDA and are involved in the decision making processes. The long-term goal for all DDAs is a 50% representation of women. 

LIDD’s ongoing efforts on gender mainstreaming have proven successful in most regions of the country. The long-term goal is a 50% representation of women in DDAs. Most notably, the DDA of Cha Ab district in Takhar transitioned to a Mixed DDA with women consisting of 1/3 of those elected. In Nangarhar province the DDA of Deh Bala district progressed from having a Woman’s Group to having a Women’s Advisory Committee, and the DDA in Pachir Wa Agam, Nangarhar province progressed from an all-male DDA to a DDA with a Women’s Group in consultation. Conversely, due to the weighty presence of the Taliban in Nuristan province, the DDAs in Wama, Do Ab, and Norgram districts regressed to all-male DDAs in 2014.

1.3               Annual District Development Plans (ADDPs)

Local Institutions Development Department (LIDD) initiated the formulation of Annual District Development Plans (ADDPs) in 2012 with the aim to improve coordination between district and provincial planning, and build linkages between Provincial Development Plans (PDPs) and District Development Plans (DDPs). Through this mechanism the DDPs are linked to PDPs to reflect the voices of local communities at the provincial level and ultimately at the national level. The mechanism for ADDPs has been to prioritize the needs of the communities on annual basis as well as provide the Provincial Development Committees (PDCs) with a comprehensive list of locally prioritized projects deemed essential in an array of sectors.

Notably, 90% of the projects identified and prioritized remain unfunded. This is due to limited government resources at the provincial level, the closure of international Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), and decreasing funds available from donor agencies to support provincial development efforts. Furthermore, the National Policy for Local Planning and Budgeting is not in place. Consequently the NABDP budget for this activity has been reallocated to other essential activities required by the programme. It should also be noted that the new administration has committed itself to allocate 30% of the national budget to local governance and development efforts, however it remains to be seen if this will take place in the lifespan of the project.

1.4               Female DDA Participation

NABDP targeted the participation of 13 new women members in the election process of DDA members. In 2014, 10 women were newly added to DDAs in Cha Ab district, Takhar province. NABDP will continue to support the active participation and involvement of women in DDAs. NABDP’s gender mainstreaming policy aims to have 50% representation of women on all DDAs. In 2014, an additional 10 women joined the ranks of DDA membership in Pacher wa Agan district of Nangarhar province which graduated from an all-male DDA to a DDA with a women’s group participating in the DDA meetings.

As previously mentioned and reflected in the above matrix, 28 DDAs completed the re-election process in 2014 and are enroute to the stated goal of a 50% representation of women. In these elections there was a steady increase to 181 women (24%) of the 756 DDA members elected. NABDP will continue its gender mainstreaming efforts to ensure the representation and involvement of women in district level decision making processes and more broadly rural development efforts. To date, successful   strategies   have  included the provision of gender sensitization and gender trainings to the male DDA and      community      members, the establishment of women’s group to all male DDAs, and the implementation of women empowerment projects.

1.5               DDPs Updated and Uploaded onto the Internet

The target for NABDP in 2014 is 20 DDPs updated and uploaded on web. The District Development Plans (DDPs) are useful tools that identify and prioritize the socio-economic and developmental concerns of the community at the district, provincial and national level. The DDPs are revised every three years, in line with the DDA re-elections and are developed in consultation with the DDA members and their local community. In 2014, 28 DDPs have been updated following the above mentioned DDA re-elections across 12 provinces of Balkh, Bamyan, Takhar, Nangahar, Kandahar, Faryab, Kabul, Kunduz, Nooristan, Daikondi, Laghman.and Herat. The updated DDPs are being processed by LIDD and are available on the NABDP website (www.mrrd-nabdp.org).

1.6              DDA Capacity Development Training

In 2014, NABDP aimed to conduct seven capacity development trainings for DDAs undergoing their first round elections, and 33 capacity development trainings for those which have undergone their second round of elections. In total for 2014, NABDP conducted 40 capacity development trainings in 13 provinces; 25 of which have undergone their first round of elections and 15 their second round. The standardized modules covering topics on local governance, conflict resolution, gender equity, participatory planning, project implementation and management, procurement and financial management were delivered to DDA members plus 39 respective Community Lead Development Department (CLDD) members. A total of 1,019 DDA members, of which 749 (72%) were male and 270 (26%) female.

*The lightly shaded districts in Balkh, Bamiyan, Daykundi and Takhar underwent a second round of elections in 2014.

1.7               DDA Meetings and Record Keeping

To gauge success of NABDPs support to DDAs, an annual target was for DDAs to conduct 150 meetings during the year. In 2014, 236 out of 388 DDAs in 27 provinces held either planned or emergency response meetings. In total, 1,048 meetings (963 planned and 85 emergency meetings) were held in 2014. Successful meetings have resulted in the resolution of community conflicts; mobilization of funds for developmental purposes; project selection based on the availability of funds; and to follow-up on the quality assurance of projects through regular monitoring processes.

1.8              Level of Expenditure Against DDPs

To gauge the utilization of DDPs, NABDP estimated a measure of success to be 500 projects implemented from the DDPs. However, the yearly target set for 2014 was not reached due to the considerable delays in the implementation of DDA related activities such as re- elections and capacity development trainings. Two external factors contributed to the delays. Firstly, the political uncertainty surrounding the presidential elections over several months this year; and secondly, the finalization of the DCC policy has yet to be completed by the current administration.

DDAs develop DDPs every three years that reflect community priorities. An important indicator of the success of these plans is the level of expenditure made against the DDP and the number of planned projects that are implemented. In this year 53 DDAs in 15 provinces implemented 166 projects from the DDPs through MRRD and external funding sources.

1.9              DDA Implemented Conflict Resolution Activities

Community conflicts represent a serious problem in rural Afghanistan, and left unresolved can last generations. Family disputes and clashes can be related to perceived family honour issues, or on the distribution of natural resources such as water usage and land rights. Such cases are common causes of conflicts that often result in physical violence and clashes between individuals and communities, sometimes resulting in the loss of life. In more conservative areas conflicts are resolved with the intervention of community elders through arbitration in traditional Jirgas. However, these have not always been successful.

In an effort to address costly and sometimes deadly conflicts, NABDP has integrated Conflict Resolution training for DDAs. As a result, DDAs play a vital role in conflict resolution throughout rural Afghanistan. Following these trainings DDAs are better equipped to resolve community conflicts that adhere to the laws in Afghanistan, as well as taking into consideration cultural and societal factors.

NABDP estimated a rate reflective of success stemming from LIDD training in Conflict Resolution to be 2000 conflicts resolved by DDAs. As a result of the conflict resolution support and training, 2014 witnessed 163 DDAs in 27 provinces resolve 563 local conflicts. Issues include social conflicts (52%); land disputes (22%); family related issues (14%); issues surrounding the selection and implementation of development projects (10%); and conflicts on irrigation and water (2%).

1.10         DDA-Implemented Disaster Mitigation Activities

In 2014, NABDP estimated 600 disaster management activities would be implemented by DDAs. Activities include training workshops, awareness raising, disaster mitigation planning and the implementation of disaster mitigation plans, on-the-ground activities during a disaster, and activities following a disaster. In particular, Disaster Management Trainings for DDAs has proven to be a valuable and much appreciated support to local communities. Due to the security situation associated with the presidential elections, many of the activities that DDAs engage in were put on hold until the fourth quarter of this reporting year.

In 2014, DDAs conducted a total of 367 disaster management activities. The activities are as follows, i) 10 DDAs attended Disaster Risk Reduction Management Trainings, with 254 DDA members in attendance; ii) 140 projects were identified and prioritized by 28 DDAs for mitigation the risk; iii) 33 projects from Disaster Mitigation Plans have been implemented this year; and iv) 179 disaster mitigation activities have been carried out by the DDA in 2014.

As mentioned above, in support of DDA efforts in mitigating disasters at the local level NABDP provided Disaster Management Training to 10 high risk districts in seven provinces. In total, 59 government officials and 11 CLDD members attended the trainings along with 254 DDA members which consisted of 175 men (69%) and 79 women (31%).

Since 2008, 145 DDAs across 27 disaster prone provinces have received Disaster Management Trainings. The cumulative results of these trainings were clearly visible in this year alone: 57 DDAs across 12 provinces conducted 179 disaster prevention activities. These activities included the: 1) distribution of wheat in famine affected areas; 2) construction of protection walls; 3) repair and maintenance of bridges; 4) rental of vehicles that can safely transport people and communities during the advent of a disaster such as flooding; 5) preparation of sand bags to help shore up rivers during the wet season; 6) planting of trees and vegetation to help prevent erosion in landslide affected areas; 7) guiding of people to the safe area; and 8) improved coordination and networking with NGOs and other development partners to secure additional resources and support infrastructure projects that are related to disaster preparedness.

1.11         District Information Centers (DICs)

In 2014 NABDP aimed to establish 20 new DICs; by the end of the year NABDP had established 23 DICs in 13 provinces across Afghanistan. Since their establishment, all the DICs have received training on data collection methodologies. As intended, DICs collect and gather necessary information from the district Governor’s office and other relevant departments to complete their respective district profiles.

An Internal Review of Dolaina DDA of Ghor Province

to Gauge the Impact of the Grant in Aid Scheme on a DDA’s Activities.

NABDP conducted an Internal Review of the Grant in Aid provided to Dolaina DDA in Ghor Province. The purpose of the review was to gauge the outcome and impact the Grant in Aid had on the local community and DDA members by conducting Key Informant Interviews and facilitating Focus Group Discussions with various stakeholders.

The participants in the DDA Focus Group Discussion explained the benefits of the grant as providing basic organizational needs, ranging from the provision of office space and furniture to official stamps and stationary. These supports went far to established the DDA as a functional entity. The DDA was recognized by both the government and NGOs as a community resource which could be relied upon to provide support to local development efforts for which they had been trained. This included official legitimacy to monitor hard to reach projects on a regular basis.

In a Key Informant Interview with Mr. Gholam Dastager, a member of both the DDA and the Provincial Monitoring Team (PMT), he elaborated on the benefits of having a recognized DDA as, “essential to monitoring projects in insecure areas. Previously, the NABDP monitoring team could not go to these locations due to the insecurity and as a result projects were halted and contractors left unpaid for their efforts. With the support of the Dolaina DDA monitoring team, projects located here could be sufficiently monitored once again because DDA members are viewed as non-threatening local residents. Without the Grant in Aid scheme, this would not have been possible and those communities left unaided.”

Internal Review conducted by: Abdul Qader Hairan, Community Mobilizer in Ghor province; and Dr.Basir Ahmad Nikomanish, West Region Intuitional Development Officer.

1.12         Grant in Aid Schemes

This year NABDP provided financial support through the Grant in Aid payments to 18 DDAs in 11 provinces. Upon establishment, these once off establishment grants of $960 to eligible DDAs served to provide financial support for the establishment costs, including the purchase of office furniture, equipment and supplies. In addition, the DDAs will receive monthly stipends of $170 for 24 months to provide ongoing organizational and physical capacity support. At the beginning of 2014, 138 DDAs received the stipend, and at the close of the year, only 50 (18 of which are newly established) were receiving the stipend.

1.13         Provincial Monitoring Teams (PMTs)

The annual target of NABDP in 2014 was the re-establishment of seven PMTs; and new establishment of two PMTs plus training workshops. By the end of 2014, one PMT was established and training workshop was held for nine PMT members. The PMT members are from the DDAs’ of Sar-I-Pul, Sayad and Gosfandi districts of Sar-I-Pul province. PMTs are only established if requested by NABDP or/and PRRD offices at the Provinces; if needed and not a proactive activity of NABDP.

In 2014 a total of 680 field visits were conducted by the Field Monitoring Office (FMO) which resulted in USD $284,025 being deducted from 54 projects. This action by the FMO is viewed as a positive indicator of ensuring transparency and maintaining accountability. The success of the FMO is indicative of its independence and due diligence.

1.14         DDA Exposure Visits at Provincial and Regional-Levels

NABDP supports DDAs through provincial, regional and national exposure visits to learn from the experiences, successes and the lessons learned by surrounding DDAs. In 2014 NABDP aimed to support 71 DDA exposure visits at provincial, regional and national levels. This year NABDP supported 38 provincial exposure visits and 18 regional exposure visits, and three at the national level. The DDA members came from 59 districts in 21 provinces and consisted of 144 (78%) men and 41 (22%) women.

The selection of the host and visiting DDA members is based upon the DDA’s level of competence, project implementation experience, and capacity. The aim is to share experiences and lessons learned as well as strengthen strategies and interventions of visiting DDA members. NABDP made an inquiry with several participants and the lessons learned from the exposure visits i) see examples of successful coordination and cooperation between the DDAs, District Governor and Provincial Governor; ii) how to coordinate with various stakeholders and ensure their participation; iii) see first-hand the outcomes of successful income generating opportunities such as introducing saffron as a viable crop and ; iv) see common challenges and local approaches to overcoming those in order to have a successful DDA.

1.15         DDA Public Hearing Events

NABDP targeted 40 public hearings as a measure of success in 2014. This reporting period, NABDP achieved this target with 45 public hearings in 18 provinces around the country. Public hearings are a new initiative started in the second quarter of 2014 with an aim to improve communication and coordination mechanisms between local communities and their respective district government authorities. The hearings provide an opportunity for information to be shared between district government authorities, DDA members and local communities, thereby promoting community participation in district level development activities. These hearings were attended by DDA members, government officials, community representatives such as Community Development Council (CDC) members, tribal leaders including Mullahs and Malicks, representatives from civil society organizations, and members of marginalized and under-represented groups such as people living with disabilities and nomadic groups (i.e. the Kuchis).

 A total of 4,866 people attended the public hearings this year,    of    which    585    (12%)   were women. Notably, 201 (4%) were representative of marginalized communities, of which 23 (4%) were women; and 276 male tribal elders were on hand. Of the 1,003 DDA members, 245 (24%) were women; of the 463 government staff, 18 female officials (4%) were present; from the community there were 2,669 representatives which included 281 (11%) women; 254 civil society organization representatives were present, of which 18 (7%) were women. In reported follow-up discussions with participants of a few hearings members of the public stated they didn't expected such an event where the Government and DDAs share their programs and activities  to  the  ordinary residence.

They also reported this effort to bring transparency and accountability had a positive impact building trust as well as offering an opportunity for further public input into development projects. For details of those who attended Public Hearings, please see Annex 4.

Public and Local Government Attendance in the DDA Public Hearings

1.16        Gender Projects

NABDP aimed to complete 44 women’s economic empowerment projects impacting 1,320 women in 2014. The implemented women’s economic empowerment projects have been prioritized in their respective DDPs with proposals developed for support from NABDP. In 2014, 1,380 women were provided the opportunity to participate in 39 courses in 24 provinces across the country in embroidery, literacy, tailoring, vocational training, and carpet weaving.

 [...]

These projects will enhance the potential of women in rural Afghanistan to earn additional income, improve their social and professional networks and enhance livelihood opportunities. Specifically, NABDP implemented women’s economic empowerment projects as follows: i) two embroidery project supporting 55 women in Sar-I-Pul and Jowzjan provinces; ii) a literacy course for 30 women in Bamiyan; iii) 21 tailor training projects in 15 provinces benefitting 780 rural women; iv) eight vocational trainings in six provinces to improve the capacity of 303 women; and v) seven carpet weaving courses in five provinces improving the skills of 212 rural women.

The impact of these trainings can be seen in household incomes. Women can make between USD $40 and USD $120 per month from carpet weaving, and USD $50 – USD $100 per month from tailoring. This additional income significantly increases the economic stability and the social standing of the women in these communities and their families.

Cumulatively, this year NABDP empowerment projects assisted 1,380 women in building their capacity to meet the livelihood needs of their families. In addition to learning a new skill, women were able to interact with other women in their communities to form social and economic networks and partnership with a benefit to an estimated 10,150 family members.

Currently,  there  are  a further 360 women participating in 11 vocational skills training in aviculture, tailoring, carpet weaving and literacy in projects currently under implementation in eight districts across four provinces. See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

1.17         Women Impacted by Gender Projects

NABDP aimed to positively impact 1,320 women through empowerment projects. In 2014, 1,380 women enrolled in vocational training classes were provided the opportunity to participate in literacy education. Increasing the literacy rate amongst rural women is an important step towards empowering and educating women in rural Afghanistan. Achievements such as being able to write one’s name and the ability to record data, have profoundly impacted on the lives of rural women and their self-confidence and ability to start small enterprises and businesses.

1.18        Indirect Beneficiaries of Gender Project

For 2014, NABDP set a goal of 9,240 people benefitting from women’s economic empowerment projects. With their newly acquired or strengthened vocational skills, the participants have an enhanced capacity with improved access to income generation for themselves and their families. Upon completion of the abovementioned projects completed this year, 10,150 rural Afghans benefitted.

EXPENSES FOR THE QUARTER

During 2014, a total of USD $1,806,833 was spent under Output One. For more financial details, please refer to Annex 1, Annex 2 and Annex 3.

 Table 1:  Output 1 Snapshot

Below is a snapshot NABDP’s progress in relation to its annual targets at the close of 2014.

1. OUTPUT 2: Improved Access to Key Services for the Rural Poor Reliable and regular access to essential services remains to be a significant hurdle to most Afghans residing in rural areas. To support the rural poor NABDP aims to provide access to basic services such as clean potable water, reliable energy, irrigation for livestock and crops, suitable roads and bridges, as well as protection from natural disasters through the implementation of rural infrastructure projects.

In 2014, NABDP completed 279 rural infrastructure projects which provided access to public services to 377,028 households (2,639,196 direct beneficiaries). Local communities also benefitted through the implementation of these projects which provided 1,005,514 temporary labour days to residents generating local ownership of project activities and results.

2.1.                Access to Sustainable Energy through Micro Hydro Power and Number of Households Impacted

Micro Hydro Power

NABDP focuses on providing basic services to rural people on key infrastructure to improve the livelihood of the rural population. Energy services are among the key demands of rural populations during local level DDA planning process. The Energy for Rural Development in Afghanistan (ERDA) component of NABDP supports rural communities through the implementation of energy projects primarily in isolated, off-grid communities with Micro Hydro Power (MHP) plants to enhance access to much needed electricity.

Current                            reliance              on                            kerosene                            for lighting households’ limits has an adverse impact upon the health, education and sanitation of the rural poor. The introduction of an alternate, renewable and technologically appropriate              energy              source                            in              distant communities                            significantly                            creates                                          new economic opportunities and improves living conditions.                            Specifically,              Micro                            Hydro technology reduces the demand on natural resources for cooking and heating, decreases household costs associated with the purchase of kerosene, and members of the community greatly reduce their exposure to smoke inhalation and the associated adverse health effects from open fires.

In regards to utilizing technologically appropriate approaches to development, MHP plants can be easily operated and maintained by the local community with minimal operational and management support. A key component of local sustainability is      the components of the MHPs are locally manufactured and easily repaired, thereby increasing the self-reliance of a community and stimulating local economies through a reduction of costs to individual households.

In 2014, NABDP aimed to complete 40 ongoing rural energy projects generating 800 KWs of electricity. At the close of the year ERDA completed 40 projects, of which 39 were MHPs located in 26 districts across 16 provinces throughout Afghanistan; plus a power line was installed in Kalakan district in Kabul province. These new MHPs provide a cumulative 764 KW of power to 11,829 off-grid households (82,808 individuals), significantly improving lives and providing economic opportunities that were previously unseen. Increasing a sense of pride and local ownership, the construction of the MHPs simultaneously created 47,798 labour days of temporary employment in their respective communities.

What is the Financial Impact of an MHP in a Rural Afghan Community?

*The project in Kalakan district in Kabul province was installing electricity lines, not an electricity generating project

An Internal Review of a Micro Hydro Power Project in Bamiyan Center, Bamiyan Province to Gauge the Outcome and Impact of the Project (November, 2014)

NABDP conducted an Internal Review of the Micro Hydro Power Project in Bamiyan to gauge the outcome and impact the project has had on various stakeholder groups in the community. Focus Group Discussions were held with CDC members, community elders, farmers, wage earners, women, and youth. The findings were very positive with reported improvements in the standard of living in the community.

From the Focus Groups Discussions, NABDP learned that the MHP has 1) enabled households to access television which connects them to world news; 2) introduced household and kitchen appliances and electronics which previously were unavailable to them; 3) families can recharge their cell phones without having to go to a shop with a generator; 4) households have better lighting which helps with children’s studies and making handicrafts in the home; 5) provides families with heating through the winter which has an immediate impact on their health as they don’t have to breathe in smoke; and 6) there is a new computer academy in the community.

A member of the Community Development Council stated in a Focus Group Discussion, “Before the implementation of this project, we had lots of problems in the past in regards to lighting. Most of the people were using lamps or open fires which would cause many health related problems as it releases Carbon Dioxide. It also is very injurious to eye sight of people.”

In a Focus Group Discussion with the Youth, a student stated, “My brothers and sisters and I help our family in the fields during the day and we also had to do our household chores before dark. Because of our family didn’t make much money we would study in the evening and had to use oil lamps, but that became expensive. Our grades were not so good because study time was so limited. We were allowed to burn oil for only three hours, but the oil lamps we used hurt our eyes and many students had problems with their eye sight in our district.

After the MHP was constructed everything changed! We can join our parents in the field after school and study in the evening with bright lights. The electricity is on all the time too, and this has solved many problems in our district. Having access to electricity has led to a more peaceful life.”

A participant in the Farmers Group Discussion stated, “Before the MHP was built, we would burn 20 litres of oil in a single wedding ceremony which cost 1,800 AFS (USD 36) but now we don’t have to pay even 10 AFS (USD 0.20) for even better lighting. The purchase of lamp oil is much more expensive compared to electricity. Each family in this district used at least 5 litres (1 gallon) of oil each month which cost 300 AFS (USD 6). However, to use electricity for a light bulb for a month just costs 30 AFS (USD 0.60) and 50 AFS (USD 1) for a television. We can actually save money and do more things now which wasn’t possible before.”

Internal Review by: Muhammad Nabi Muzafiri, Muhammad Baqir and Haseebullah Hamidi | Bamiyan Center Bamiyan Province

Notably, there are 15 ongoing projects in eight provinces at various stages of completion. See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

2.2.                Transportation Projects Implemented and Number of Households Impacted

The building of basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges and culverts improve access to markets and public services. The construction and rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure has been another key area where NABDP has supported rural communities. This year NABDP aimed to have 36 transportation sector projects implemented which benefitted 127,056 households with access to improved transport infrastructure.

[...]

At the close of 2014, NABDP finalized 38 transportation infrastructure projects in 20 provinces. The completion of these projects significantly improved access of 74,432 households (521,024 individuals) to public services, nearby markets, health clinics, main roads and district centers. Simultaneously these transport projects created 191,181 labour days, providing employment opportunities to local residents. Project completed in 2014 include: i) the construction of a 3km asphalt road in Kabul province; ii) the construction of 21 bridges in 19 districts across 12 provinces; iii) construction of a 1.1km concrete road in Kabul; iv) the construction of seven culverts in five districts of Badghis, Balkh, Kapisa and Kunduz  provinces;

v) construction of a 1.5km pathway in Kabul; vi) construction of a reinforced concrete cement bridge in Salang district, Parwan province; vii) construction of an 11km tertiary road in Ali Abad district, Kunduz province; viii) gravelling of four tertiary roads (totaling 17km) in the provinces of Bamiyan, Jawzjan and Kunduz; and ix) the rehabilitation of a 10km tertiary road in Bazarak district in Panjsher province

Additionally, there are 24 ongoing transportation projects that are at various stages of implementation in 15 provinces. These projects are anticipated to positively impact 107,844 households (754,906 individuals) and the localized approach strengthens residential ownership of infrastructure projects by generating 184,877 labour days of temporary employment. See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

Before the implementation of the bridge project

Bridge Project | Khwaja Bahawedin District | Takhar Province | Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

 An Internal Review of a Bridge Project in Khwaja Bahawedin District of Takhar Province to Gauge the Outcome and Impact of the Project in the Community (October, 2014).

NABDP conducted an Internal Review of a bridge construction project in Takhar province to gauge the outcome and impact of the new bridge on the local communities by conducting Key Informant Interviews and facilitating Focus Group Discussions with various stakeholders. NABDP facilitated four focus group discussions and two key informant interviews in the village of Mughul Qeshlaq.

Mughul Qeshlaq is located on the far side of a wide and fast flowing river separating it from the district and provincial centers. Despite a robust agricultural base, the local economy was stagnant due to the difficulties of traversing the river with their produce. The area also lacked sufficient healthcare facilities which had a particularly negative effect on mothers and new-borns. All Focus Group Discussions emphasized the positive impact the new bridge had on the community and the economy by connecting Mughul Qeshlaq and 26 surrounding villages to the markets, clinics, schools and public services provided in the district and provincial centers. The impact and positive change was felt immediately.

The various stakeholder groups (community elders, farmers, small business owners, and women) were in agreement that the security situation changed for the better and farmers could now bring their produce and livestock to central markets. Small businesses began to sprout up and new employment opportunities arose as well. The transportation sector developed overnight with private vehicles, buses and taxis busily connecting the distant villages to the district center. One participant noted, “We all appreciate lifesaving the projects now being implemented in our district thanks to NABDP/MRRD constructing the bridge.”

A participant in the Farmers Focus Group Discussion told the Facilitator, “I had joined insurgency because I couldn’t find a proper job to feed my family. I felt it was my only option. Once the construction of the bridge was completed I saw that I had an opportunity to work in my own village. I started buying fruits, vegetables, goats, sheep and cows to bring to sell in the central markets. Throughout the year, regardless of the season, I can transport goods to the market. Now I have a proper life, and am living happily with my family.”

Another participant of the Small Business Owners Stakeholder Group added, “Thanks to the changes I now have a house and some agriculture land across the bridge. During the war I immigrated to Pakistan and was working in a vehicle repair shop changing tires and doing minor repairs. Now that we have easy access to the district center I decided to build a small repair shop; I bought an air pump and some tools. Thanks to Allah, I make enough money to feed my family now.”

Internal Review conducted by: Eng. Sultan Mohammad and Hafizullah Qarlouq | Khwaja Bahawedin district, Takhar Province.

2.3.                Public Buildings Built and Number of Households Impacted

As part of NABDP’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development throughout the country it has supported the construction of public buildings and administrative offices for DDAs. In 2014 NABDP expected to complete 19 public building projects with 19,569 households having access to improved public building facilities.

Community Center | Kushk (Rubat-i- Sangi) | Herat Province | Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

At the close of the year 27 public building projects were completed benefitting 207,162 households in 16 provinces. The main public building projects included i) four administrative building in Kandahar province; ii) three clinics in Bamiyan and Ghor; iii) six community centers in Badakshan, Baghlan, Daykundi, Herat, Laghman, and Urozgan provinces; iv) a Kindergarten in Kabul province; v) an MRRD Office in Wardak province; vi) the construction of six schools in    Badakshan, Balkh, Nangarhar,

Panjsher, and Takhar provinces; vii) a cold storage facility in Qara Bagh, Kabul province; viii) the rehabilitation of a clinic Khost province; and viii) the Rehabilitation of Mosque in Kabul province; and ix) the rehabilitation of three school buildings in Ghor and Kandahar provinces.

As an example of the impact of NABDP infrastructure projects in 2014, the construction and rehabilitation of schools and kindergartens have benefitted 3,800 students and 36,883 households while providing over 3,400 labour days of local employment opportunities. Similarly, constructing and rehabilitating local clinics provided access to medical support to 23,768 rural households and provided 33,031 days of temporary employment. Building a cold storage unit has supported a local market by allowing farmers to maintain produce for longer periods of time in cold storage and stabilizing the local market prices benefitting 3,500 households and providing the community a temporary employment opportunity with 1,500 labour days; and constructing six community centers benefitted 72,895 households while contributing to the local economy with 18,496 labour days of temporary employment. In total, rural communities were offered temporary employment for 209, 227 labour days which significantly impacts rural households and the communities while contributing to local economies.

Currently, there are five ongoing public building projects in four provinces that are anticipated to benefit 5,460 households and create 18,828 labour days for their respective communities during construction. See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

2.4.                Disaster Management Projects Implemented and Number of Households Impacted

For 2014, NABDP’s target was 57 disaster mitigation projects implemented benefitting 66,260 households. At the end of this year 49 disaster management projects were completed in benefitting 66,260 households in 15 provinces. Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters such as flooding and landslides. Given the importance of agriculture in rural communities, coupled with the poor ability of rural communities to recover from natural disasters, support in disaster management makes a significant impact.

Disaster Management projects consist of i) the construction of 2,062 meters of Gabion Walls benefitting 5,041 households in five provinces simultaneously providing 33,666 days of temporary labour; ii) the construction of 15,124 meters of Protection Walls benefitting 39,851 households in 14 provinces while providing 266,611 days of temporary labour; and iii) the construction of 625 meters for two Retaining Walls to the benefit of 444 households in Badghis province while providing 13,106 days of temporary labour in the two communities.

These projects were key factors in protecting 8,903 jeribs (17.8 km2/4,400 acres) of land from natural disasters such as floods and landslides, as well as allow rural communities to utilize new arable lands for the cultivation of crops during the wet seasons. These strategic interventions contribute to an increase in self-reliance and notably improve local markets.

An Internal Review of a Retaining Wall Project in Sorkhroud district Nangarhar Province to Gauge the Outcome and Impact of the project (November, 2014)

NABDP facilitated six Focus Group Discussions with community elders, women, youth, farmers, students and a group of local shopkeepers, teachers and officials. The various stakeholders identified the changes in the community as ensuring secure livelihoods, protection from seasonal flooding, and the fortification of agricultural land.

One participant in the Women’s Focus Group Discussion stated, “After building the retaining wall our village and agriculture lands been protected from floods. Additionally, the road to the village has been reinforced by the wall and has recently been paved because of the improvement. Previously the heavily travelled road was dusty and we were cleaning our houses twice a day. With so much dust in the air our kids were getting sick a lot, but that has changed too. Now the village is clean, the kids are healthier, and there is an improved atmosphere in the village.”

The community elders, youth and farmers groups all noted how the project improved the local economy. “Now the lands are safe from flooding and the soil remains fertile,” one farmer said. “We used to buy our vegetables and monthly produce from city, but now with our lands protected and we can grow produce year-round. We can sell the extra produce in the local market as well as transporting some to Jalalabad where we can get better prices. Even our children are able to go to school regularly.”

A boy from the youth group discussion stated, “Before we didn’t have retaining walls on either side of the river and we used to have several land disputes because the floods washed away the borders between the fields. Now with the fields protected from the river there are no more fights over boundaries, thank Allah.”

In the Focus Group Discussion with local shopkeepers one participant added, “This project completely improved life for my family as well as our village. I used have to travel to the city to purchase fresh produce and other products for my shop which has been flooded twice already. Now that farmers can readily grow vegetables here, they deliver their produce to my shop, and the money I pay to them stays in our community. This is much easier and everyone has seen the changes the protection walls brought.”

Internal Review conducted by: Hedayatullah Janati and Eng Gul Agha | Sorkhroud district, Nangarhar Province.

An additional 36 disaster management projects are currently under way in 11 provinces. These projects are anticipated to further protect 8,897 jeribs (17.8 km2/4,397 acres) of land from natural disasters and will result in the creation of 258,687 labour days, benefiting 82,841 households (579,887 individuals). See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

2.5.                Agriculture and Irrigation Projects Implemented and Number of Households Impacted

With an aim to strengthening and stimulating rural communities, NABDP has focused on irrigation and agricultural projects to improve the potential use of land for agricultural purposes. Adequate access to water is the main limiting factor for agriculture production in Afghanistan. With the provision of adequate irrigation potential crop yields are increased three to fourfold as well as multiplying the variety of crops locally produced. Additionally, the improved yield and productivity of farmers generates additional demand for labour contributing to the stabilization of local economies.

Water Dam | Arghistan District | Kandahar Province Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

In support of Afghanistan’s rural development NABDP set a target of 19 irrigation projects implemented to the benefit of 8,498 households. At the close of this 2014 NABDP completed 37 agriculture and irrigation projects across 12 provinces benefitting 17,544 households (122,809 individuals). These projects provided 82,237 days of temporary employment for the local communities while supporting the use of 2,174 jeribs (4.3 km2/1074 acres) of arable land. A few highlighted project themes consist of i) constructing six canals totalling 2,311 meters in Badghis, Baghlan and Paktya provinces benefitting 2,066 households while providing 31,257 days of temporary labour in rural communities; ii) construction of a 117 meter dam in Kandahar providing 500 labour days and benefitting a community of 2,047 households; iii) the construction of four irrigation intakes in Kandahar, Kunar and Logar provinces benefiting 6,320 households and providing the communities with 8,753 labour days; and iv) the construction of 11 water reservoirs in Jawand, Muqur and Qadis districts in Badghis province benefitting 3,158 households while providing 13,368 days of temporary employment to the respective communities.

An additional 14 projects are ongoing in six provinces at various stages of completion that will further irrigate 872 jeribs (1.7 km2/431acres) of land, will impact 14,428 households (100,994 individuals), and create 63,105 labour days for local residents. See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

2.6.               Water Supply and Sanitation Projects Implemented and Number of Households Impacted

Hand Pump | Ghoryan District | Herat Province |

Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

The lack of access to clean water is an inhibitor to rural development and has a disastrous impact on the rural poor. Traditionally where there are no wells and water reservoirs, rural communities rely on rain water, rivers and karezs to collect drinking water. These are essentially shallow or open water sources. While there is no reliable data compiling the prevalence of communicable disease or comparing the cleanliness of these sources to bored wells in Afghanistan, the reliance and use of untreated rain and river water is well documented. Considering the exposure to local contaminants, to include air and ground pollutants, the adverse health implications are obvious. However, numerous studies show the impact of water supply projects which drastically reduce exposure to water- borne disease and simultaneously reduce time and efforts spent on water collection from distant locations.

By the close of 2014, NABDP aimed to have 48 water supply projects implemented benefitting 20,295 households with access to potable water. In 2014, NABDP completed 48 water supply projects in 11 provinces. Projects consisted of i) the boring / digging of 54 deep and shallow wells in Badghis, Helmand, Kabul, and Kandahar provinces providing 3,098 households (21,682 individuals) with access to clean drinking water and simultaneously offering local communities 5,522 days of temporary labour; ii) , two pipe construction projects installing 4,270 meters of piping in Kunduz and Panjsher provinces to the benefit of 1,669 households and providing 5,297 days of temporary labour in the two communities; iv) the construction of 37 water reservoirs in Badghis, Faryab, Ghor and Wardak provinces providing local communities 145,071days of temporary labour jobs benefitting 12,036 households; v) the construction of two water supply networks in Kabul and Parwan provinces offering 3,164 days of temporary employment to the respective communities of 2,354 households; and the installation of 48 hand pumps for 159 households in Herat province.

At the close of 2014 there are 16 ongoing water supply projects that are anticipated to provide clean drinking water to 16,916 households (118,413 individuals). These ongoing projectswill further provide employment opportunities for local communities by creating 35,180 labour days. See Annex 5 for ongoing project details and progress towards completion.

2.7.                Labour Days

Wherever possible, local community entities such as CDCs and DDAs have been selected as the implementing agents of rural infrastructure projects. The exception to this is a larger, more complex project where more specific technical expertise is required. Out of the 279 projects completed this year, 231 were directly contracted to CDCs (193 contracts) and DDAs, (38 contracts) strengthening local ownership of the project results as well as providing employment opportunities. The remaining 48 were contracted to private companies.

As a means to support local economies, temporary employment is offered through the participation in projects. The secondary effect is the community members generate a vested interest in the project and its successful completion. The annual target of NABDP was to provide local communities with 1,048,773 labour days created labour days. In 2014 a total of 1,005,514 labour days were created in 31 provinces through the completion of rural infrastructure projects. Both skilled and unskilled labourers were hired locally to work on the various construction sites which had an immediate impact on the local economy. A side benefit of the exposure and direct experience gained working on these sites is the opportunity to gain additional skills in areas such as masonry and carpentry.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that an additional 1,225,221 labour days will be created from the ongoing 145 projects. Though the monetary amount that each labourer is paid varies depending on factors such as the type of labour, geographic location and time of year, in general the pay scale of unskilled labourers is between USD $7.00 – USD $12.00 daily, and skilled labour receives between USD $15.00 – USD $20.00 daily. These additional income and employment opportunities for rural communities have a positive impact on local economies. See Annex 5 for ongoing, sector-specific project details and progress towards completion.

2.8  and 2.9 Rural Water Supply and Irrigation Project (RUWatSIP) and Badghis Dam Project

Progress continued on the Rural Water Supply and Irrigation Project with ongoing construction in Phase II, to include the design and construction of the main water transmission line. In 2014 the independent contractor Sayed Bilal Sadaat Construction Company initiated construction. At the close of 2014, the project is 38% complete according to the technical staff reports from the field. In 2014, the activities completed include the survey of the main transmission line from Qadis to Qala-I-Now; the excavation of a main trench; the excavation of pump house locations; and the delivery of pipes. At the close of the year a feasibility study was ongoing at the damn site.

In relation to the Badghis Dam Project in 2014, the Omran Holding Group established their camp in the project site and initiated the Environmental Survey. The completed surveys include the topographical, geological, geophysical, hydrological, environmental and economic impact studies. Monitoring mechanisms include onsite inspections and review of completed studies. Further details are outlined in Annex 6 of this report.

2.10      Provincial Machinery Park (PMT) of Badghis

In 2014 the Provincial Machinery Park has continued to provide services and support to various government entities in Badghis province. These include the ongoing repair and maintenance of heavy machinery housed at the PMP. The park also supports the Qala-e-Now city municipality with the ongoing collection of garbage. The details of the Provincial Machinery Park of Badghis are further outlined in Annex 7 of this report.

EXPENSES FOR THE QUARTER

During 2014, a total of USD $33,996,410 was spent for Output Two. For more details, please refer to Annex 1, Annex 2 and Annex 3.

Table 2: Output 2 Snapshots

Below is a snapshot NABDP’s progress in relation to its annual targets at the close of 2014

OUTPUT 3: Stabilization in Less Secure Regions and Districts

3.1           Number of Reintegration Projects Implemented

The existence of an active insurgency and resulting instability in some districts required additional approaches to counteract the volatility. NABDP assisted through the implementation of infrastructure projects providing income generating opportunities through labour for ex- combatants as a form of reintegration. The projects were prioritized and selected by the communities themselves through local DDAs. As such, the majority of these projects were in the construction of public facilities such as clinics, schools and community centers. Local DDAs also prioritized road construction projects to improve access to markets and increase employment opportunities connecting peripheral villages to district and regional centers.

Cold Storage | Qara bagh District | Kabul Province | Photo credit: NABDP © 2014

In 2014, 18 projects were completed in ten provinces to the benefit of 25,794 households (180,552 individuals) including the ex-combatants. The projects had an added benefit of positively impacting local economies through the provision of 56,921 days of temporary employment. The employment opportunities created by these projects not only support ex- combatants, but help create temporary jobs   for   local   community   members as well. The driving force behind this expansion of opportunities is the understanding that the provision of gainful employment also prevents individuals and their communities from joining the insurgency while increasing local ownership of infrastructure results.

Additionally, there are 18 reintegration projects are under various stages of implementation that will further benefit 56,330 households (394,313 individuals) in conflict affected communities and will generate an additional 170,282 labour days. The implementation of these projects promotes community integration through a change in social behaviour from reliance on weapons to participatory community development and the legal pursuit of economic and social gains. See Annex 5 for ongoing, sector-specific project details and progress towards completion.

3.2           AliceGhan Water Supply Scheme

Progress continued to be made on the AliceGhan water supply scheme. In this reporting year, two wells have been sunk and the water supply pipes have been laid and this component is 100% completed. Secondly, the water reservoir is completed; however the contractor has yet to formally handover the project to the technical team. The government has to finalize this process and will most likely be done in spring of 2015. Meanwhile a water distribution through tanker system will continue because the IDPs claim they don’t have ability to pay for the fuel needed for the generator. As an interim measure the AliceGhan community proposed that NABDP provide the fuel until the solar system is in place and at the close of 2014 discussions were ongoing.

Notably, the installation of the solar panel system for 320 families residing in AliceGhan is 75% completed; and the construction of a super passage and guard room for the water reservoir has been contracted. Additionally, three women economic empowerment projects will be implemented in spring of 2015. These include i) a counterpane sewing and literacy project; ii) a baby bedridden and literacy project and; iii) a coverlet sewing and literacy project.

3.3           Rural Technology Park (RTP)

The Rural Technology Park (RTP) is an initiative that provides support to the Afghanistan Institute for Rural Development (AIRD). The objective of the RTP is to raise awareness of and promote new agricultural technologies to rural communities throughout Afghanistan. Once fully operational, the RTP will act as a resource and training center for local farmers, some of whom are ex-combatants. The range of topics which farmers will have access to resource materials and trainings include renewable and non-renewable energy sources, preservation techniques for local produce and agricultural techniques for the production of vegetables and food grains. The RTP is located on the outskirts of Kabul. Initial work commenced in 2013 which consisted of the construction of a boundary wall and laying the foundations for several buildings. The project was due to be completed the end of the year, but an extended winter delayed activities in the project.

EXPENSES FOR THE QUARTER

The estimated 2014 expenses for Output Three are USD $2,916,534. Please refer to Annex 1, Annex 2 and Annex 3 for further financial details.

Table 3: Output 3 Snapshots

Below is a snapshot NABDP’s progress in relation to its annual targets at the close of 2014.

1. GENDER-SPECIFIC RESULTS

Gender is a cross-cutting issue and key component of development efforts which NABDP has strategically coupled to the DDAs. In order for the DDAs to respond appropriately to community’s needs, DDAs need to reflect all voices of the community, including women. As such, NABDP has incorporated a number of gender specific activities to ensure that woman’s needs are represented and addressed. One such measure is the implementation of NABDP’s gender mainstreaming policy that states that DDAs should have equal representation between men and women. 

This year witnessed the election of 726 DDA members in 28 districts: 575 male (76.1%) and 181 female (23.9%). However, 11 districts in Kandahar and Nuristan elected all-male DDAs, and the remaining 17 districts elected women to 1/3 of the posts. Though not equal representation, it represents the commitment of NABDP in supporting and advocating for the involvement of women in decision making processes. In response to the re-election of DDAs in which no women are elected, LIDD continues to establish a women’s group adjunct to the DDA. It is envisaged that the women’s group will advocate for the role of women in Nish DDA, in addition to ensuring that development initiatives take into account the priorities and needs of women. In addition to the capacity development of DDAs in gender-related issues, six Gender sub-committees have been established in Badghis in which 40% of the members are women trained in gender-related issues.

An Internal Review of a Women Economic Empowerment Project (Tailoring and Literacy) in AliceGhan Township, Qarabagh district of Kabul province (December, 2014)

“After we finished the course we are able to sew clothes for our families, as well as receive orders from outside to make some extra money while our husbands are doing day labour jobs for 100 – 150 Afs per day,” one participant in the woman’s group discussion stated. “Additionally, through the literacy course we learnt basics of how to read, write our names and how to write and calculate numbers. This really helps us in so many ways!”

NABDP conducted an internal review of a Woman’s Economic Empowerment Project in the AliceGhan Township, a NABDP-supported settlement for IDPs. Staff conducted Key Informant Interviews and facilitated Focus Group Discussions with several participants of the project in December, 2014. In a Focus Group Discussion with the young participants a participant added, “Before this course we had nothing to do in our houses, and couldn’t support the men in the community. After completing this course I am confident that I can help my family financially, and I am very happy that I can read and write. I am also very happy that I can help my daughter do her homework after school. Honestly, I am completely a different person. The only thing that worries us is that we have hard time selling the clothes we make.”

One participant told NABDP staff during the group discussion, “Prior to this course, myself and my three daughters were often sitting at the corner of the house doing nothing while my husband was laying bricks the whole day and getting paid just enough for us to survive. But now our life has changed. Everything I learned in the course I thought to my three daughters. Now all four of us are sewing clothes and able to make enough money to live comfortably.”

A grandmother who also benefitted from the project described her life after her son died in the war, leaving her and his widow with four children to care for. “We were having very hard time in our life. Only my 19 year-old grandson was working, but he could only bring home about 100 Afs per day which was never enough for a house of six people. However, after joining this course, I and my daughter-in-law are able to make money sewing clothes. Helping my family gives me tons of joy and happiness in my life.”

Through the Internal Review, NABDP found the project had a very positive impact on the participants and improved the livelihood opportunities of the community. NABDP learned of a side benefit when participants in different Focus Group Discussions reported that there was a noticeable decrease in cases of domestic violence in the community that coincided with project implementation.

Internal Review conducted by: Zuhoor Mehri, Fahima Hashimi and Mirwais Sabiri | AliceGhan Township | Qarabagh District | Kabul Province

To ensure that gender mainstreaming remains a core focus in district level development, as part of the pilot establishment of the new DCCs, a gender mainstreaming strategy will be developed for the newly established DCCs.

Also in support of women NABDP directly implemented women’s economic empowerment projects identified by communities through the DDPs. This year 1,380 women participated in 39 courses in 24 provinces across the country. These courses consisted of i) two projects providing training in embroidery for 55 women in two rural communities; ii) a literacy course in Bamiyan for 30 women; iii) 780 rural women in 15 provinces participated in projects for tailoring; iv) 303 women in six provinces took part in vocational training projects; v) and in five provinces 212 participated in trainings on carpet weaving. Additionally, in order to meet the strategic needs of women along with economic empowerment, a basic literacy education supported the women who were participants of the vocational training, and as a result they learned basic reading and accounting.

These projects support women in building their capacity to meet the livelihood needs of their families. In addition to learning a new skill, women were able to interact with other women in their communities and to form social and economic networks and partnerships that directly benefit an estimated 10,150 Afghans. Women can make between USD $40 and USD $120 per month from carpet weaving, and USD $50 – USD $100 per month from tailoring. This additional income significantly increases the economic stability and the social standing of the women in these communities and their families.

1. PARTNERSHIPS

In 2014, NABDP continued to coordinate closely with various international, national and local institutions. The highlights of this coordination are expanded upon below.

1. UNDP’s Sustainable Development Unit (SDU)

MRRD has identified NABDP’s ERDA programme to be a full-scale national rural energy program that will be included as a sub-component in the Afghan Rural Development (ARD) Cluster, National Priority Programme (NPP) 1: National Water and Natural Resources Development Programme. As such, MRRD is working closely with UNDP’s Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) and has prepared a detailed programme document for this initiative. This document has been presented to a pre-PAC meeting at UNDP and has been shared with other stakeholders and donors to source funding for this new initiative. The new programme will place emphasis on the expansion of appropriate rural energy technologies, capacity development, and examine how renewable energy can better support economic activities and rural livelihoods.

1. UNDP’s Gender Equality Project (GEP)

NABDP continues to work closely with GEP in the development and implementation of women economic empowerment projects throughout the year, particularly in the identification of markets and business opportunities for participants of the gender empowerment projects.

1. UNDP’s Afghanistan’s Subnational Governance Programme (ASGP) and the Independent Directorate for Local Governance (IDLG)

During the DCC transition process and the creation of the National Policy, close coordination and strong partnerships have been forged between government and international programme counterparts such as UNDP, IDLG and ASGP. In particular, NABDP has built an important partnership with IDLG, working closely with them on drafting the new National Policy. The project will continue to work closely with IDLG on the pilot establishment of the DCCs in Herat and Kapisa provinces.

At the regional level there is also close cooperation between ASGP and NABDP regional representatives most notably on the planning and linkages between the District and Provincial level.

1. UNDP’s Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP)

NABDP continues to coordinate closely with UNDP’s APRP, specifically on projects addressing reintegration. MRRD has a unit within the ministry which liaisons with provincial staff from APRP. The MRRD unit provides the provincial representatives with local project information and in-turn they provide the labour for implementation and monitor project progress. UNDP has specific documentation regarding this coordination mechanism.

1. Line Ministries

The AliceGhan Water Supply, and schools and health projects are being implemented in close coordination with relevant line Ministries. These Ministries include, but are not limited to, the Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR) and the Ministry of Education (MoE).

1. ISSUES

• Slow Procurement Process

A continual issue that has been raised throughout the implementation of NABDP has been the slow procurement process within government counterpart institutions. The approval process is meant to take a maximum of 14 days; however, in the majority of cases the approval process has taken significantly longer. These significant delays have caused a great impediment in the implementation of new projects. Despite this issue being raised with MRRD, to date, there is no progress to report on.

• On-Budget Projects

The slow disbursements of on-budget projects cause significant delays in project implementation. Though there have been improvements from previous years, considerable delays are still experienced due to bureaucratic and time consuming procedures. In some cases, the release of instalments to the contractors took several months as it went through various processes that included: i) document check by the control department; ii) approval by the Deputy Minister; iii) process by MRRD’s finance department; iv) process in the MoF; and, v) approval by the MoF. Though this issue has been reported for several quarters, there is no update to provide on if these processes will be streamlined.

• Community Conflicts

There have been numerous community conflicts and land disputes that have caused significant delays in the completion of projects, particularly infrastructure projects. In order to help overcome these issues, NABDP has continued to deliver conflict resolution trainings as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of DDAs. As an example, the construction of a MHP in Sholgara district, Balkh province has been delayed due to the political tensions surrounding the 2014 Presidential elections. The community members of Sholgara district had prevented engineers from accessing the site to complete their survey of ongoing works. In order to resolve this issue, several consultations were held with DDA members to discuss a way forward. Following these consultations, it was agreed upon that the company installing the MHP would purchase all the necessary equipment and that access would be granted to the site.

• Low Capacity  of DDA/CDCs

The low capacity of DDAs/CDCs as project implementers is common in all targeted areas. Despite the challenges, NABDP continued to mitigate for these through coordination with communities through the DDAs/CDCs, field staff and local governors. In addition, NABDP has delivered 37 trainings and conducted 59 in-country exposure visits in 2014 for DDA members to strengthen the operational capacity of DDAs.

• Low Participation of Women in DDAs

Though the project has had success in ensuring the involvement and participation of women in general, the re-election of Sarobi DDA in the first quarter demonstrates the difficulties faced by women in participating in decision making processes. Despite the efforts of the project to encourage the participation of women, it is sometimes difficult to identify women who are willing and able to participate in DDAs, particularly in certain regions where there are significant social barriers preventing their involvement.

• Limited Markets for Beneficiaries of Women Empowerment Projects

Following community consultations with the participants in NABDP’s gender empowerment projects, it was noted that there were insufficient markets or avenues available for women to sell the handicrafts produced, outside of their own communities. As a way forward, NABDP will work closely with UNDP’s GEP project to identify potential markets, in addition to investigating collaboration with NGOs such as the Aga Khan Foundation on developing market enterprises for the goods produced by community members.

1. RISKS

• Deteriorating Security Situation

During the extended presidential election and announcing the resulting Unity Government in 2014, there were increased security incidents and movement restrictions throughout Afghanistan. This resulted in lengthy delays in the implementation of planned work and difficulties in accessing project sites.

Despite the worsening security situation country wide, NABDP initiated an effective mitigation strategy of continuing to work closely with local communities to implement what they see as being high priority projects. The ownership and management of these community- driven rural development projects have ensured high community acceptance and legitimacy amongst the local communities. This has enabled NABDP to continue implementing what can be seen as important district level development projects, though there has been a slowing down in the implementation of projects.

As an added measure, NABDP has supported activities in more secure areas that are located closer to the Provincial and Districts Centers and along main transport routes.

• Lack of Qualified Companies

As reported in previous quarterly and annual reports, there are still a limited number of companies that can provide the specific services required for some of the projects. This is particularly noticeable in the supply and installation of micro hydro equipment. This shortfall of suitable companies inevitably leads to delays in the implementation of these projects, as well tensions between the companies and communities in question due to delays in the completion of planned activities.

The mitigating strategy employed by NABDP has been to work to support and develop what is a nascent sector in Afghanistan. Whilst there is tremendous potential for micro hydro power as an alternative and renewable source of energy in Afghanistan, additional capital investment and support to the private sector is required to grow this fledging industry. The issues have been raised and discussed at the Inter-ministerial Commission on Energy (ICE) and a policy is being drafted to address the challenges faced by private investment for the development of rural energy sector in Afghanistan. At the close of 2014 the policy on private investment was not finalized.

1. LESSONS LEARNED

Community conflicts over the use of land, particularly with MHP projects are a key issue faced during the implementation of community projects. To mitigate this, NABDP recognized the importance of seeking the formal approval through use of participants’ fingerprints in the presence of DDA members, the District Governor and community elders before any projects can be started.

Additionally, NABDP ensures that appropriate government officials including DDA members, District Governors (DGs), and Provincial Governor (PGs) are involved in these disputes from the beginning to help find an amicable resolution.

The challenges faced by women to participate in decision making processes were clearly demonstrated in the re-election of Sarobi DDA in 2014. Despite the efforts of the project in conducting gender awareness and sensitization trainings with community members, no female candidate was identified in the re-election process. In order to continue supporting the participation of women, the project investigates incentives such as the rollout of gender empowerment projects in districts with female DDA members.

1. FUTURE PLAN

Output 2

*Ongoing activities in Annex 4

Output 3

*Ongoing activities described in Annex 4

1. ANNEXES ANNEX 1: FINANCIAL

ANNEX 2: EXPENSES BY OUTPUT

ANNEX 3: EXPENSES BY DONOR

ANNEX 4: DETAILS OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC HEARINGS IN 2014

ANNEX 5: DETAILS OF ONGOING PROJECTS AT THE CLOSE OF 2014

1.15  Ongoing Women’s Economic Empowerment Projects