Community based monitoring

Community based monitoring
Results of the community based monitoring facilitate by IWA in the province of Parwan, Balkh, Nagrahar and Herat of are presented below.

Monitoring process:
IWA conducted a pilot-monitoring program where the communities are leading the monitoring of reconstruction projects touching their area. IWA has worked closely with 10 communities in the district of Jabulsaraj and set-up a small network of local monitors engaged in monitoring the ongoing projects. The methodology used in the pilot project was tested for a period of 10 months. The pioneering pilot project showed that.

-	The social accountability structures existing at the local level can play an important role in bringing a greater integrity in reconstruction program and detect problems.
-	The local communities are able to gather relevant data on projects’ integrity.
-	The state and certain donors are interested by the results of the monitoring.
-	The monitoring results can be managed and used to improve future reconstruction projects.
-	The communities are seeking the opportunity to channel their view on the project touching their area but often lack the means to do so.
-	The communities engaged in such monitoring became more autonomous in solving their problem and do not necessary relay on the local warlord to do so, weakening their local influence
-	The communities learn how to interact positively with state and international institutions

The regular monitoring of on going projects would help NGOs to ensure that their projects are impacting the community positively. The local monitoring groups are monitoring a series of metrics and phenomenon related to the integrity revealing the impact of on going reconstruction projects on their communities. The local monitoring are asked to measure and asses simple parameters which would illustrate the execution quality of the projects, its impact on their community and the coherence and sustainability of the project depending on its environment.

The LMG are able to file complaints to the Provincial Councils, triggering the accountability role of local institutions.

Definitions:
Local monitoring groups: In each community where the project is implemented, a number -1 to 4- of local monitors are chosen by the different shuras of the community to conduct the monitoring of the on going reconstruction projects. Together, they constitute the local monitoring group (LMG). The number of local monitors is determined by the size of the community. Each local monitor is in charge of gathering the information relevant to follow the integrity of the project. The local monitor is signing a code of conduct and is reporting its findings to the shura that elected them.

NSP: The National Solidarity Program, is a program implemented by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), which give and important role to the community in the choice of the project to be implemented by the program. The NSP aims at reaching more then 21 600 rural communities by the end of 2010.

CDC: The Community Development Council (CDC) is a group of 10 to 50 community-representatives setup for the purpose of the National Solidarity Program (NSP). These CDCs are mostly present in rural areas and almost absent from urban areas. The CDCs are present on approximately 90% of the Afghan territory. The capacity of CDC varies a lot from place to place but CDCs already had a role in overseeing the implementation of NSP projects.

Database: the database is and internet base program that keeps all the information related to the monitoring. The database keeps track of the monitoring results (questionnaires) the photos of the on-going projects, the correspondence sent to gather more information on a specific project. The database also provides information to the public on the monitoring progress and outcomes.

Focal points: The focal points are the persons paid by IWA that coordinate the activities of the local monitors in each district (One focal point per district where the monitoring is ongoing). One focal point is in charge of following and assisting the local monitors (elected by the communities) in their work. The focal point is in constant contact with IWA.