2010: Strengthening governance and supporting integrated rural development

In 2010 ACTED continued to work with approximately 8 % of the population of Afghanistan to increase their capacity to govern themselves, provide essential services, boost their economy and direct their own long-term development. We also responded to emergencies caused by conflict (displacement of people) and natural disasters, such as the floods in 2010.

Even though 2010 was more challenging than ever due to the deterioration in security (five ACTED staff were abducted in the course of the year, but released unharmed, and ACTED assets around the country were increasingly exposed to collateral damage. 2010 was also the year we got our clearest indications yet that our programmes were having a demonstrable impact on the lives of people from a micro-level (household, village, cluster) to a macro-level (direct contribution to Afghanistan’s Millennium development goals, National Development Strategy and state-building.)

Our partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan continues to be an important contribution, especially our partnership with the Ministry for Rural Rehabilitation and Development for the facilitation of the National Solidarity Programme (NSP), the flagship programme of Afghanistan. ACTED maintained strong relations with all stakeholders, continued with existing partnerships, entered into new ones and continued to support coordination of the humanitarian and development community.

ACTED consolidated its work in eight of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces in the north of the country and our beneficiaries, while predominantly from rural, agricultural-based areas, typify the diversity which is Afghanistan, inclusive of different ethnic groups, languages, customs and traditions.

We continued to build on 17 years of uninterrupted presence in Afghanistan, with 900 staff of whom 98 % are Afghan nationals, whose tireless and awe-inspiring dedication to the people of Afghanistan and rebuilding their country is admirable, especially given the dangerous operating environments and direct exposure to attacks in the course of their work.

Support to sub national governance

Sub-national governance is our core activity and cornerstone of all programmes comprising two broad approaches: support to civil society (with the set-up of and support to representative community-based organizations to enable them to implement activities and manage local development at community and sub-district levels) and support to government (through training, extension and outreach, delivery of national programmes and infrastructure).

The main indicator of impact is the positive feedback from beneficiaries about the participatory and democratic governance practices, the emphasis on transparency and accountability and making a direct link between the, sometimes arduous, methodology of our programmes and the low levels of corruption associated with them. Given the significance of corruption as an issue, this is a significant impact. 

The increase in participation of women, albeit marginal, is real, as is greater acceptance of the idea of women participating more in local governance, community and economic development.

The technical and financial management capacities of the community-based organizations have also shown progress. They are managing grants of USD 38,000 upwards and have implemented more than 4,500 sub-projects in sectors of water (drinking and irrigation), access (roads), renewable energy (solar and Micro Hydro Power), disaster reduction and education, often meeting basic humanitarian needs.

The impact has reinforced ACTED’s approach that the process (methodology) has an equally significant impact, and is as appreciated as the infrastructure outputs of the programme. 

Integrated rural development

ACTED employs a holistic approach implemented through a set of long-term programs aimed at increasing human, social, political, natural, physical and financial capitals of communities.

Sectors include social water management (mainly governance but also infrastructure small-mid-scale irrigation); agriculture and livestock (with inputs, training, extension, animal husbandry/veterinarian services); business and marketing (including vocational training, apprenticeship schemes, small business development, more advanced business and marketing for women-only Self Help Groups, agro cooperatives (Toolbanks); adult literacy; health and hygiene; youth development (mainly governance through Youth Councils but also vocational/apprenticeship training, promotion of education, sport and culture.)

Emergency responses have included the reintegration of returnees, as well as a response to floods in 2010 and risk reduction (Storage facilities, Disaster Management Committees), urban shelter and settlements (Kabul Area Shelter and Settlements, KASS Project).

Far from creating a culture of dependency which is often a concern echoed by donors, the Afghan people were the third single largest donor to the National Solidarity Programme and other groups have gained sufficient independence and credibility to enter into commercial contracts with other agencies.

Meeting challenges in 2011

We are continuing to support the humanitarian and development community as a whole through our involvement in key coordination bodies and influencing mechanisms and expanding our partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan into new sectors.

The security situation shows no signs of improving this year with early statistics of incidents showing an average increase of over 50 % compared with the same time last year. Staff safety and security remain our paramount concern. Militarisation of aid and blurring of lines will continue to be key problems which affect the aid community.

In terms of programs, livelihoods form the backbone of ACTED’s 2011-2013 country strategy. We will also launch the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership process in 2011 to improve our standards while also reviewing our strategies for partnership and advocacy.