Poverty Reduction Strategy Tracking –Network(PRSTN) Perspective Phase

1: Experience

Presented by: D. Maxim Kumeh-PRSTNGrand Bassa, Buchanan City

November 15, 2012

follow the money

ABOUT PRSTNPRSTN- is a network of credible, industrious,

and committed Civil Society and Community Based Organizations. Together they work to promote citizens participation, transparency, accountability and track the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The network further seeks to maximize and promote the principles of maximum feasible participation of the budget process as well as achieving desired development agenda.

PRS I Project ConceptionI. Conception of the Project: Tracking

Implementation of the Liberian PRS in Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Kru and Lofa Counties using Human Rights Based Approach(HRBA).

a. A concept note was developed by Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and Actions for Genuine Democratic Alternatives(AGENDA).

b. Circulated to members for inputs and suggestions

Conception Cont’dII. Concept note shared with TIRI, UNDP and

UNHRPS(Human Rights Protection Section).III. Proposal Development by AGENDA/SFCGIV. Proposal Circulated: TIRI, UNDP and HRPS-

UNMIL

Methodologya. Desk Reviewb. Questionnaires designc. Training of Monitorsd. Applying the tools: FGDs, CSCs and surveyse. Data collection and collationf. Data entryg. Outsource: to ensure independence in data

analysis; data query runh. Data analysis

Methodology Cont’dh. Draft reportI. Feedback meetingsJ. Stakeholders presentationsK. Finalized reportL. Launch of report

ImplementationThe research was not only focused on product,

rather it assessed the process to see whether the service delivery was done in consonance with mainstreaming human rights principles in the delivery of development. It also considered IMPACT, and delivery of deliverables on population in vicinity in which project on education and health were implemented.

The monitoring exercise conducted in least developed and less accessible counties. The research focus on HRBA principles.

Availability

Accessibility

Acceptability(quality)

Adaptability

Availability

Accessibility

Acceptability(quality)

Adaptability

- available infrastructure, teachers, text books, etc.

- physical access for persons with disabilities

- trained teachers, curricula

- school terms adapted to seasonal work

- available infrastructure, teachers, text books, etc.

- physical access for persons with disabilities

- trained teachers, curricula

- school terms adapted to seasonal work

HOW can we detect the 4AAAA

Lesson Learnt during ConceptionIt is difficult to work in a multi-stakeholder

groupTo build consensus, the convener needs to

take the leadThere would be little or no contribution from

some membersMembers are always concerned about what

benefit would come directly to their organization

Donors and partners want more achieved with little resources and can be adamant for what they want even if the reality speaks otherwise.

Lessons learnt from/during Implementation

Working with internationals(i.e. donor agencies and individuals) is critical and requires one to be firmed and focus on what you intend to achieve; otherwise you would be led in a direction you don’t want to go.

Inadequate resources to implement and report reports periodically.

Getting information from government is bureaucratic even when there is a partnership.

Lessons learnt cont’dMore training needed to prepare monitors for

the field.Strong secretariat needed for effective

implementation/coordination.(Project of such nature needs full time Administration/program staff).

Project needs continuous M& E. More field visits necessary to see what monitors are doing.

Network members’ organization seconding staff to work on project in the field added value to the project and made implementation easier.

Methodology/Approach StrengthsLess time consumptionIncreased dialogue between

right holders and duty bearersAwareness raising with duty

bearers and right holdersStart of shifting in the

paradigm of accountability Community monitor

government’s performance themselves

The use of different tools strengthens conclusion (triangulation)

weaknessesLimited sustainability

due to lack of follow up support

Standards and procedures are not clearly defined, making it difficult to measure actual performance

Drafting of ReportTough decision had to be made on report

formatValidation through email was not effectiveDifficulties in getting feedbacks from national

government

Launch and DisseminationReport was Launched Friday, September 23,

2011 @ Corina HotelAbout 75 participants involving all

stakeholders were attendance:I. Youth groupsII. GovernmentIII. Civil SocietyIV. International CommunityV. Private Sector andVI. Media

Launch and Dissemination Cont’dReport published via the internet on

www.csowatch.org.lrNew website is being develop to ensure

effective and equal accessDistribution of reports are done to network

programs, workshops, symposiums, seminars etc

MembershipThe network comprises of eight member

organization namely: AGENDA CEMESP NARDA FOHRD IPC SFCG LDI CEGCM

CONCLUSIONPilot phase of the field work provided the

network with important data and information for advocacy purposes.

Government’s comment that it did not include HRBA into account but is willing to consider it in phase II which is a progress forward.

Consideration is needed to improve engagement with CSO in all processes at and all levels.

Civic education is low; as such creative ways are needed to improve citizens’ awareness

THANK YOUQUESTIONS