A WOMEN’S MENTORING AND LEADERSHIP CLUB IN MABANGA WITH THEIR HYGIENE DISTRIBUTION KITS (PHOTO COURTESY OF SPR GRANTEE ACUDI) USAID SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT, FY 2020 (OCTOBER 2019 – SEPTEMBER 2020) Contract Number AID-OAA-I-13-00042/Task Order Number AID-660-TO-16-00004
30 OCTOBER 30, 2020 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Management Systems International (MSI), A Tetra Tech Company.
USAID SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT, FY 2020 (October 2019 – September 2020)
Contracted under AID-OAA-I-13-00042/Task Order Number AID-660-TO-16-00004 USAID’s Solutions for Peace and Recovery
DISCLAIMER The authors’ views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
CONTENTS ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... V SECURITY BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ...... 1 PROJECT SUMMARY ...... 2 ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION ...... 3 OBJECTIVE 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY AND ACCEPT SOLUTIONS TO SPECIFIC DRIVERS OF CONFLICT ...... 3 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 3 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 6 LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS ...... 7 OBJECTIVE 2: PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS (INVOLVING WOMEN AND OTHER MARGINALIZED GROUPS) IMPLEMENTED ...... 8 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 8 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 12 LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS ...... 12 OBJECTIVE 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ARE MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED ...... 13 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 13 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 16 LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS ...... 17 CROSSCUTTING THEMES ...... 18 INCLUSION ...... 19 INTEGRATION OF CONFLICT SENSITIVITY INTO SPR OPERATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION ...... 20 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING ...... 21 PERFORMANCE OF OUTPUT AND OUTCOME INDICATORS ...... 21 SYSTEMS AND DATA COLLECTION ...... 23 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS ...... 23 USE OF FLEXIBLE FUNDING ...... 23 TARGET ZONE ACCESSIBILITY...... 24 PARTNER FIELD COORDINATION ...... 24 INTERNATIONAL PARTNER COORDINATION ...... 25 GRANT MANAGEMENT AND PARTNER REPORTING ...... 25 STAFFING AND STAFF MANAGEMENT ...... 26 CAPACITY BUILDING ...... 27 MAIN PRIORITIES NEXT QUARTER ...... 28 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT ...... 29 FY 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT ...... 29 SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL REPORT BASED ON BUDGET CEILING ...... 29 OVERALL MAIN CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, LESSONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES ...... 30 ANNEX 1: PROGRESS ON PERFORMANCE PLAN ...... 33
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | i OBJECTIVE 1...... 33 OBJECTIVE 2...... 33 OBJECTIVE 3...... 34 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT OVER 4 YEARS ...... 35 ANNEX 2: PROGRESS AGAINST YEAR 4 APPROVED WORK PLAN ...... 53 ANNEX 3: SUCCESS STORIES ...... 62 ANNEX 4: PARTNER ACTIVITY REPORTS ...... 67 ANNEX 5: GRANT PROGRAM STATUS ...... 80 ANNEX 6: YEAR 5 QUARTER 1 ACTIVITY CALENDAR...... 81
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | ii ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
A/COR Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Representative AAP Aide et Action Pour la Paix Aid and Action for Peace AIBEF Appui aux Initiatives de Bien-Etre Familial Support for Family Wellness Initiatives CLOC Comités Locaux d'Organisation Communautaire Local Community Organization Committees CODESA Comité de Santé Health Committee COP Chief of Party COPA Comité des Parents Parents’ Committee COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 CPP-NK Cadre Provinciale de Plaidoyer-Nord Kivu North Kivu Provincial Advocacy Framework CPP-SK Cadre Provinciale de Plaidoyer-Sud Kivu South Kivu Provincial Advocacy Framework CSO Civil Society Organization DCOP Deputy Chief of Party DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo EA$E Economic and Social Empowerment FARDC Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo FOSI Forum SIDA AIDS Forum GTG Gender Thematic Group ISPDE Institut Supérieur pour la Promotion de la Paix, du Développement et de l’Environnement Higher Institute for the Promotion of Peace, Development and the Environment ICCN Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature INPP Institut National pour Preparation Professionnelle National Institute for Professional Preparation IWD International Women’s Day KBNP Parc Nationale Kahuzi Biéga Kahuzi Biéga National Park
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | iii LOP Life of Project LPDC Local Peace and Development Committee M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning MONUSCO Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies pour la stabilisation en RDC United Nation Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC MSI Management Systems International NGO Non-Governmental Organization OMG Other Marginalized Group(s) PAR Participatory Action Research PIRS Performance Indicator Reference Sheet PIT Performance Indicator Table PSSC Peace, Security, and Social Cohesion Q Quarter RTCT Radio-Télévision Communautaire de Tayna Tanya Community Radio-Television SGBV Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SPR Solutions for Peace and Recovery STAREC Stabilization and Reconstruction Plan for Eastern DRC SYNIGL Synergie d’Initiatives pour les Grands Lacs Synergy of Initiatives for the Great Lakes TGD Tous pour le Genre dans le Développement All for Gender in Development TT TetraTech UCB Université Catholique Bukavu Catholic University of Bukavu UEA Université Evangélique Afrique African Evangelical University UN United Nations UNSCR 1325 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government VSLA Village Savings and Loan Association Y Year
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Solutions for Peace and Recovery (SPR) project began on August 30, 2016. Initially planned to be implemented through August 29, 2019, the project has been extended for two option years through August 29, 2021. The project aims to increase the participation of women and other marginalized groups (OMGs) in conflict analysis, prevention, resolution, and recovery in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through a local, community-based approach.
During Year 4 (Y4) (October 2019–September 2020), the project transitioned from the base period to startup of option years. Management Systems International (MSI) submitted the Y4 work plan and revised option period monitoring and evaluation (M&E) documents—namely, the performance indicator table (PIT); the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plan; and the performance indicator reference sheet (PIRS). The life-of-project (LOP) targets were extended to five years and project performance was reinitialized based on the five-year revised targets.
In Quarter 1 (Q1) of Y4, SPR disseminated a request for expressions of interest to original SPR grantees from the initial base period to stimulate and assess their interest in performing similar activities. The project received 28 formal expressions of interest. Delays with Y4 obligated funding meant that SPR could not award grants or continue with full implementation of activities during Q1 (December 2019) Working closely with USAID, SPR completed grant evaluations and identified the 10 highest-scoring grantees to develop full proposals and subsequent approvals, agreements, and release of Phase 1 funding in -January and February 2020.
Startup of grant activities and onboarding of local partners were under way when the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in the DRC, nearly halting all implementation. Subsequent DRC government restrictions included border closures, cancellation of domestic and international travel, restriction of group gatherings, and citywide shelter-in-place orders in Goma and Bukavu. Limitation of movement between provinces, main cities, and territories inhibited implementation across USAID programs.
Although COVID-19-related restrictions and delays in Y4 obligations slowed progress toward SPR’s Y4 targets, opportunities for positive engagement with local community constituents remained. In fact, the LOP performance targets rose from 87 percent at the start of Year 4 to 94 percent by the end of the reporting period.
Progress against Y4 Objective 1 targets rose from 93 percent to 99 percent. Achievement under this objective included capacity building in grant and financial management of 10 local partners, the conduct of five participatory conflict assessments, and capacity building of two research organizations to elaborate on their research and dissemination plans.
Objective 2 LOP progress through the end of Y4 rose from 102 percent to 110 percent. Activities performed under this component included establishing 12 new groups or initiatives dedicated to resolving drivers of or dynamics of conflict; facilitating participation of 30 women in local peace and decision-making processes; facilitating five community dialogues between women, OMGs, and local authorities; and training 20 women leaders and 45 local authorities in transformative leadership and radio programming production.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | v Objective 3 LOP progress through the end of Y4 rose from 67 percent to 74 percent. Under this component, SPR facilitated eight linkages to livelihood projects/resources, supported and trained 180 women and OMGs in livelihood activities, built capacity of five user committees and 15 service providers, facilitated 13 social cohesion events and three community dialogues on service delivery improvement, and supported mediation of 20 community conflicts.
Embracing Y4 target constraints, SPR developed a contingency plan and adapted SPR's programming approach to meet communities’ challenges in this new context. SPR completed a project continuity of operations plan and validated its COVID-19 contingency plan. These strategic documents guided staff safety and security, project implementation, and operations in response to the pandemic context. In collaboration with local grantees, SPR developed and received USAID approval of a three-month COVID-19 response plan to adjust Y4 activities to mitigate adverse impacts of COVID-19 in eastern DRC.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | vi SECURITY BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Throughout Y4, SPR operated in a volatile security context across North and South Kivu in eastern DRC. Armed group activity and violence plagues both provinces. Killings in North Kivu and inaction by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) have sparked outrage and citizen protests across the province. In Q1, the anti- MONUSCO protests in North Kivu affected Beni and Goma most gravely. Protesters attacked the MONUSCO base in Beni in early December, and shortly thereafter ripples of the outrage in Beni reached Goma, where protesters attacked several United Nations (UN) cars. Goma experienced several villes mortes (“dead cities” or strikes and closures of local businesses) in early December, requiring most nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and MONUSCO staff to work from home to minimize risk. Community members accuse MONUSCO of failing to stop violence and atrocities in the region. In addition, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) launched several military operations in Beni against the Allied Democratic Forces.
In South Kivu, community tensions, targeted killings, and a massacre were reported, particularly in Moyens and Haut Plateaux of Uvira, Fizi, and Kalehe, which triggered population movement in Minembwe and a humanitarian crisis. National and foreign armed groups’ activism was reported in the same zones. Several FARDC operations against armed groups, including the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda and the National Council for Democratic Renewal in North Kivu and South Kivu, particularly in Masisi, Kalehe, and Mwenga Territories, forced mass population movements and exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis. Kidnappings and ransom cases increased in the region, particularly in Goma City, Bukavu City, Rutshuru, Fizi, and Uvira. Banditry, armed robberies, and targeted killings in Goma and Bukavu also remained a threat.
Compounding this environment of violence and instability was the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease, which continued to threaten the region. Although the disease was finally contained, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused panic and fear across the region. By late March, preventive measures imposed by government and local institutions, such as movement restrictions; suspension of all gatherings of more than 20 people; closures of schools, churches, local businesses, and local borders; and the suspension of international and domestic flights significantly affected the population. The spread of COVID-19 also created new dynamics in the Kivus, including heightened security threats such as criminal activity; deterioration of local economies; and hostile reactions to foreigners, particularly humanitarian workers viewed as responsible for bringing the virus to the DRC. The Kivu Security Tracker project, whose goal is to map violence by state security forces and armed groups, is calling attention to how COVID-19 risks further weakening this region. Most populations in both North and South Kivu, along with the entire country, are experiencing greater economic challenges because of, among other factors, border closures and limitation of movement, which have hampered cross-border trade.
Unprecedented floods in May across the territory of Uvira in South Kivu took more than 50 lives, and hundreds of other individuals were displaced because of demolished property and homes. A heightened sense of insecurity because of such violence and the humanitarian crisis further increased population movement.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 1 PROJECT SUMMARY
USAID SPR began on August 30, 2016. At the end of Y3, USAID announced its intention to extend the project beyond its three-year base period for an additional two years until August 2021. SPR is framed within USAID/DRC’s Transitional Objective 3: Foundation for durable peace strengthened in eastern DRC. SPR aims to improve social cohesion by integrating women and OMGs into peace processes and local governance and decision making in North and South Kivu. The project achieves this through three objectives:
1. Community stakeholders identify and accept solutions to specific drivers of conflict. 2. Participatory solutions (involving women and OMGs) are implemented. 3. Resources for community development are more inclusively allocated.
SPR implements activities in North and South Kivu—10 groupements and four communes in four territories (Kabare, Kalehe, Masisi, and Walungu) and two cities, Bukavu and Goma.
SPR implements a combination of direct and indirect activities. Through its three objectives, the project provides grants to local civil society organizations (CSOs) and two provincial advocacy frameworks in North and South Kivu (CPP-NK and CPP-SK) to support project activities. The three Objective teams also provide direct capacity building and facilitation of citizen engagement.
During Y4, through Objective 1, the project conducted a rapid assessment of the ongoing conflict around Kahuzi Biéga National Park (KBNP) between the park and indigenous people, facilitated the startup of project activities in new zones (Kadutu commune in Bukavu City and communities around KBNP), and facilitated startup processes of two conflict assessments—one around the KBNP conflict by consortium Université Catholique Bukavu-Université Evangélique Afrique (UCB-UEA) and another one focused on armed group activism in South Kivu by Synergie d’Initiatives pour les Grands Lacs (SYNIGL). Local partners received funding and technical guidance to conduct participatory conflict analysis in targeted areas.
Under Objective 2, SPR established new groups dedicated to resolving conflict and providing continued capacity building for women and OMG leaders and local authorities in transformative leadership. These trainings aimed to strengthen women’s and OMGs’ roles in decision making and facilitate their participation in decision-making bodies. The project also facilitated community consultations between women and OMGs and local authorities to discuss issues preventing women’s participation in local peace processes, such as social norms, attitudes, barriers, and lack of inclusive governance.
Under Objective 3, efforts focused on revitalizing and building capacities of user committees and basic service providers, conducting community dialogues to promote social cohesion, providing trainings and facilitating livelihoods activities for women and OMGs, facilitating connections between livelihood groups and the private sector, and supporting local peace and development committees’ (LPDCs) conflict mediation efforts.
SPR also continued support to the CPP-NK and CPP-SK by planning revitalization processes and developed COVID-19 impact assessments and targeted advocacy actions bringing key stakeholders together to discuss solutions based on research findings, results, and recommendations.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 2 ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION
In Y4, SPR completed a significant number of milestones despite unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19-related restrictions that hampered project implementation. To respond to these challenges, SPR supported development and effective implementation of a three-month COVID-19 rapid response plan in collaboration with its grantees. This involved adjusting some of the planned Y4 activities to the COVID-19 context within their approved scopes of work. USAID approved a three-month contingency plan focused primarily on monitoring community tensions, rumors, and conflicts linked to the pandemic’s impact on the SPR target communities. Other activities focused on community monitoring of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) incidents linked to the pandemic context, COVID-19’s impact on the well-being of women and OMGs, the local economy, health, security, and social cohesion. This section outlines key achievements during the reporting period under the project’ s three objectives.
OBJECTIVE 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY AND ACCEPT SOLUTIONS TO SPECIFIC DRIVERS OF CONFLICT
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
New conflict assessment research initiated. SPR received approval to complete research on the topic “Dynamics of Conflicts around the Kahuzi Biéga National Park: Perspectives on Peaceful Coexistence between KBNP, Indigenous People, and Other Surrounding Communities.” SPR produced a preliminary draft report highlighting major issues and contributing factors underlying the dynamics of conflict in KBNP areas. It also shed light on various conflict resolution attempts that have not yielded sustainable peaceful solutions. An analysis of various stakeholders’ interests and needs revealed many complexities of the conflict beyond reported land ownership claims fronted by the indigenous pygmies. In addition to the KBNP conflict, indigenous people face an open conflict with farmers (riparian communities) who accuse them of stealing their crops. A final report on the research findings will be presented and validated with various stakeholders and submitted to the Mission by the end of November.
Conflict assessment research on armed group activism in South Kivu province updated. SPR initiated a process to update research produced in 2018 titled “Armed Group Activism in South Kivu: Relationships and Dynamics between Armed Groups and Communities,” which focused on Walungu, Kalehe, and Fizi Territories. Throughout 2019 and 2020, SPR focused on revolving conflict dynamics in these three areas along with that of Uvira. Conflict dynamics are compounded by COVID- 19 and new armed group dynamics, thus further heightening the importance of this updated research on peace, security, and SGBV concerns. The updated findings will inform advocacy initiatives targeting concerned government institutions and articulate lasting solutions to recurrent conflict cycles impacting displacement of populations, SGBV, and overall fears among populations. A final research report together with a conflict assessment article will be validated and published later in November.
Capacity building of local partners in grant management and LPDCs in conflict analysis and resolution techniques. As part of SPR’s continued capacity-building efforts in Y4, the Objective 1 team provided local partners with an induction training on administrative and financial management to ensure adherence to USAID regulations. The team also covered USAID compliance issues, including
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 3 ethics and grants standards, zero tolerance for corruption, and sexual abuse and harassment policies, to name a few.
Community engagement in resolving conflicts through LPDCs increased. LPDCs established by SPR during the base period facilitated and successfully mediated 28 community-based conflicts in Y4, in addition to preventing emerging or recurrent issues. These results are a byproduct of continued coaching and capacity building in conflict analysis and resolution skills. Table 1 below captures the community-based conflicts mediated and resolved by LPDC structures during Y4
Table 1: Conflicts Resolved by LPDC Members
LPDC Location Types of Conflicts Resolved Economic (small Economic South Kivu Province Social Environmental business) (Land) Ibanda (Bukavu City) 2 Bagira (Bukavu City) 2 Mbinga North (Kalehe Territory) 1 1 Lurhala (Walungu Territory) 2 Nyangezi (Walungu Territory) 2 2 Kamisimbi (Walungu Territory) 1 Economic (small Economic North Kivu Province Social Environmental business) (Land) Kibabi (Masisi Territory) 1 4 1 Mupfunyi Shanga (Masisi Territory) 2 1 Biiri (Masisi Territory) 1 1 Karisimbi (Goma City) 1 1 Goma (Goma City) 1 1 TOTAL 2 15 9 2
The table shows that land-based conflicts are more prominent in both provinces. Resolved conflicts are well documented and LPDC members continue to monitor adherence to peace agreements signed by parties involved.
SPR implementation in two new zones. Kadutu and KBNP constitute new SPR target zones brought on board during Y4. This endeavor is Informed by SPR’s conflict-sensitive approach and Do No Harm principles for effective intervention. SPR leadership was introduced to statutory, traditional authorities and communities in Kadutu commune and to KBNP authorities. SPR’s presence in the KBNP zone started with ongoing research on conflicts between the indigenous people and KBNP management. Because of COVID-19-related restrictions, SPR’s relationship building with local and traditional authorities was paused; however, this task remains of strategic importance to enhance buy-in, acceptability, and (to some extent) ownership of SPR initiatives implemented in these zones.
Established and revitalized new LPDCs. Within the two new zones, eight LPDCs were established. Once established, SPR builds LPDC capacities to play a critical role in community-based research and conflict analysis and resolution and provides training in the necessary skills to carry out community tasks. Seven LPDCs have been set up at district levels and one at the commune level. Further, a new
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 4 LPDC structure has been established in Turunga (North Kivu) following the rapid response grant awarded to SPR’s grantee Aid and Action for Peace (AAP). This local CSO benefited from SPR training in conflict research and analysis as well as peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity. AAP is working in collaboration with the North Kivu provincial government and assembly to address a land-based conflict between two parties in the Nyiragongo area close to Goma City. The team works to increase inclusiveness with these structures through collaboration and complementarity across Objectives 1 and 2, focusing on encouraging women’s leadership mentoring club members to collaborate and organize joint community peace and social cohesion initiatives. Plans for establishing additional new LPDC structures in KBNP were postponed until Y5 Q1 because of the delays and constraints posed by the COVID-19 context.
Completed and updated context and participatory conflict assessments
• Context analysis updated in former zones. In Y4, SPR updated the context in targeted zones—specifically, in Walungu (Lurhala, Kamisimbi, and Karhongo), Kabare (Ishungu and Lugendo), and Kalehe (North Mbinga) in South Kivu as well as in Masisi (Kibabi, Mupfunyi Shanga, and Biiri) and in Goma town (Goma and Karisimbi) in North Kivu. Through context analysis sessions in collaboration with local community structures, the team discussed necessary intervention adjustments and adaptations to emerging dynamics in these zones.
• Identified and prioritized conflicts in Kadutu. Through a community-facilitated conflict mapping process, the team has identified 15 conflicts in Kadutu, of which 6 were prioritized for further participatory analysis and resolution processes. SPR will discuss five of these six conflicts through community processes facilitated by LPDCs and assess one conflict through a participatory action research (PAR) approach. PAR is informed by community members’ perceptions of issues pertaining to that conflict. Findings thus far indicate that most conflicts are driven by a lack of social cohesion and integration in the community and that their resolution may have positive ripple effects. The PAR approach not only helps resolve the identified conflict but is also a learning opportunity for LPDCs. The six prioritized conflicts are as follows:
• Identity-based conflict between indigenous people and new migrants in the Kajangu district in the commune of Kadutu (community members preferred using the PAR approach to resolve this conflict) • Land conflict between part of the population and the state’s political and administrative authorities/public services • Conflict linked to waste management, opposing the population to local authorities and provincial state technical services • Shortages of drinking water among opposing consumers of the REGIDESO (DRC utility company in charge of water management and distribution) • Conflict linked to the shortage of electricity, opposing the population to informal electrification committees and SNEL (DRC utility company in charge of electricity and power management) • The lack of trust between local communities and the police, security agents, and institutional authorities, causing unrest and violent conflict
Participatory action research processes established. In Masisi Territory, Kibabi groupement, partner AAP initiated the PAR process to analyze land and inheritance conflicts. A team of local
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 5 researchers was identified and trained in participatory action research. In Walungu Territory, Lurhala groupement, a PAR process continues to be used to discuss and analyze conflict between herders and farmers because of destruction of crops in the Nalugana valley. PAR is also being used in Kadutu commune to address erosion of social cohesion between those identifying as indigenous communities and new migrants in Kajangu. In addition, coaching of local municipality actors helped resolve complex conflicts.
Supported implementation of a COVID-19 response plan to address community tensions and conflict. To reduce the pandemic’s impact on communities, SPR initiated and implemented a rapid response plan that focused on monitoring community tensions, rumors, and conflicts linked to the pandemic’s impact on SPR target territories. In Q3 and Q4, the team collected data monthly through established LPDC members who underwent a short training on data collection tools. The team also conducted an online survey on the impact of COVID-19 and produced a report on the survey. The team implemented other activities such as awareness campaigns in North and South Kivu target areas through various media (radio talk shows, road shows, strategically posted billboards, brochures containing useful information on COVID-19) on measures to prevent the virus’s spread. Awareness activities were coupled with provision of masks and hygienic kits to vulnerable women and OMGs.
Further, the CPP-SK collected and analyzed data on COVID-19’s impact on various sectors (security, local economy, access to COVID-19 information by women and OMGs health, social cohesion). Research findings are being used to inform advocacy actions as well as policy orientations needed during Q1 of Y5.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
During this reporting period, SPR Objective 1 experienced challenges that affected implementation.
Delays in implementation. Delays in receiving obligated funds forced SPR to halt recruitment and onboarding of local grantees and delayed the finalization and approval of grantee proposal packages. Furthermore, travel and other expenditures were minimized. Then, in March, the COVID-19 pandemic led DRC’s head of state to declare a state of emergency. Again, implementation and movement came to a near halt for more than six months. These delays negatively affected the level of implementation, reducing achievement of Y4 targets.
To address delays in grantee implementation, SPR relied on continued collaboration with grantees through established LPDC structures, providing them with any needed technical support informed by local peace, development, and business plans used to set up village savings and loan associations (VSLAs). In addition, the SPR team diligently addressed grantee concerns about period of performance delays and slight modifications and adjustments to appropriately adjust their scope to the COVID-19 context. SPR carried out process-oriented activities for grantees, such as incorporating crosscutting themes (gender, advocacy, conflict sensitivity) and online induction sessions on administrative and financial system requirements and aspects of project management.
COVID-19-related constraints. SPR suspended field activities following the state of emergency declaration. The project opted to telework to prevent staff from contracting COVID-19. Although the project coped with this necessary setup, operations faced many challenges. Monitoring, ability to provide necessary in-person technical support to partners, lack of consistent power at staff homes , an overburdened internet, and adaptation of staff and partners to remote work were all disruptive factors.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 6 Some of these challenges were addressed by devising an online system of communication and discussions around managing workload with both staff and partners. Senior management team meetings and technical and operations meetings continued to be held weekly, providing an opportunity to interact on programming issues as well as share any new contextual findings. Technical guidance of local implementing partners continued through review and approval of their activity terms of reference. The latter provided information on project implementation progress as well as the opportunity to make adjustments where needed.
Staff turnover. In April 2020, the North Kivu Program Coordinator was terminated for misconduct. Following an intensive recruit, a candidate has been identified and an approval request will be submitted to USAID.SPR tragically lost its Component 1 lead in May 2020 following sudden illness. And although the position remained vacant through September 2020, a candidate has been identified and the position is being filled. A project officer under Component 1 resigned in August 2020. SPR will fill this vacancy in Y5Q1.
As the project enters its final year, SPR anticipates staff turnover and is actively seeking ways to reduce this and retain its staff.
LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
LESSONS LEARNED • Local structures must be strengthened consistently. Continued support of local peace structures, especially in times of heightened conflict (such as that of COVID-19), is essential to sustain earlier achievements. SPR and USAID must show steady investments (physically and financially) in the affected target communities in which it works. Some interruption due to the pandemic was inevitable; however, development and humanitarian support are most needed at this exceptional time to prevent further harm from the new dynamics. • New crises require quick adaptation. This year, SPR learned the importance of rapid adaptation of implementation plans and processes. The ability to think innovatively to address and support ongoing peacebuilding activities is vital to keep local communities engaged and informed. SPR’s three-month COVID-19 response plan accomplished this goal overall, but the project continues to adapt and create new ways to implement programs in line with the local context and shifting government responses to the pandemic in each province. • Community animateurs (field staff recruited by implementing grantees and working closely with target communities) added value by providing needed support to community-based LPDC structures while movement restrictions were imposed on Goma and Bukavu towns.
OPPORTUNITIES SPR’s adaption to the COVID-19 context offered an opportunity to analyze the link between public health issues, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. The COVID-19 response plan included community- based surveys and assessments that illustrated the exacerbation of existing conflicts and the creation of new conflicts due to competition over local resources, physical isolation and increased unemployment.
NEXT STEPS For the next quarter, Objective 1 priorities will be the following:
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 7 1. Complete the PAR in Kadutu, Lurhala, and Kibabi. 2. Carry out participatory conflict analysis in the KBNP area. 3. Continue monitoring community tensions and conflict resolution through LPDCs. 4. Analyze and validate the conflict research on KBNP and armed group activism in South Kivu. 5. Support completion of remaining Y4 targets and onboarding of local partners for Y5.”
OBJECTIVE 2: PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS (INVOLVING WOMEN AND OTHER MARGINALIZED GROUPS) IMPLEMENTED
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Despite implementation challenges, Objective 2 achieved the following:
Participated in International Women's Day. SPR, in collaboration with the Gender, Women, and Family Ministry and other stakeholders in North and South Kivu, participated in all preparatory meetings to mark International Women’s Day (IWD). In North Kivu, the official launch of IWD was followed by ecumenical worship, awareness raising in schools and universities, solidarity actions for the community (women and children) of Beni, and advocacy for the restoration of peace and cessation of killings and other atrocities. In South Kivu, the official launch of IWD was made through national radio broadcasts: Congolaises, Congolais, levons-nous pour defendre les droits des femmes. Unfortunately, the many other activities and celebrations planned throughout March 2020 were canceled because of COVID-19-related quarantine measures.
Contributed to the elaboration of 2019–2023 UNSCR 1325 Action Plan for North Kivu Province. The SPR team participated in and contributed to the development of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) Provincial Action Plan for North Kivu. This process brought together 80 participants, including provincial authorities; women leaders; local NGOs; representatives of community-based organizations and CSOs from Beni, Butembo, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Rutshuru Territories; UN agencies; and international NGOs operating in the region. Through this participation, SPR successfully advocated for the inclusion of community participatory conflict analysis and the establishment of women’s and OMGs’ leadership mentoring clubs in the North Kivu provincial UNSCR 1325 priorities plan under the participation and protection axes.
Showcased the project’s social cohesion approaches and strategy at the annual Amani Festival. The seventh anniversary of the Amani Festival showcased key SPR achievements, including PAR results; the leadership mentoring club approach, which promotes women’s meaningful participation in local peace processes; governance activities; and improved livelihood cases through VSLAs. Approximately 1,000 participants, including project beneficiaries, attended the three-hour, open-door festival held in Goma, North Kivu.
Key actors and leaders who participated in the SPR showcase were satisfied with the project’s achievements during the open question session. They expressed ideas and recommendations to ensure sustainability of project approaches, strategies, and actions in North and South Kivu. These recommendations included the following:
• Continue and scale up the SPR–Amani Kwa Maendeleo project activities and approaches.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 8 • Support small, inclusive projects to strengthen social cohesion and improve the economic empowerment of women and OMGs. • Expand SPR into other territories of North and South Kivu Provinces while integrating the provinces of Ituri and Tanganyika. • Support regional advocacy events on violence prevention and peacebuilding to initiate social cohesion, including neighboring countries. • Support young entrepreneurs to get involved in productive livelihood activities to reduce mobilization and manipulation of youth by politicians.
Established and revitalized women and OMG leadership mentoring clubs. The project reenergized and set up 65 leadership mentoring clubs, including 33 in South Kivu and 32 in North Kivu. Among these clubs, 14 are new (8 in Kibabi groupement, 1 in Kadutu commune, 1 in Miti/KBNP area, 1 in Bugorhe, and 1 in Irambi Katana/KBNP area). Together, these 65 clubs comprise a total of 1,300 women and OMGs with a minimum of 20 members per group. A significant number of these members were among the beneficiaries of the following activities completed in Y4:
• A total of 31 women and OMGs in Biiri, Goma, Kibabi, and Mup’funi Shanga in North Kivu participated in one training on the COVID-19 pandemic prevention and its impact/effects on social cohesion, cultural relations, and peace. • A total of 20 women and OMGs in Kibabi in North Kivu participated in transformational leadership, advocacy, and communication trainings. • A total of 39 women in Kadutu and 26 women from the KBNP zone participated in workshops to map out women's organizations and marginalized people to identify key female leaders. The workshop established four new South Kivu leadership mentoring clubs, of which one is based in Kadutu and three in the KBNP. Each new club member developed individual development plans to inform their continued coaching within the clubs.
Supported weekly leadership coaching sessions. A total of 640 women and OMGs from 32 clubs in North Kivu participated in the weekly leadership coaching sessions within their clubs; 80 women and OMGs from four established clubs in South Kivu participated in the weekly leadership coaching sessions. In total, 141 weekly leadership coaching sessions were organized by the project through local grantees. Weekly leadership coaching sessions covered the following topics:
• Identified and analyzed possible ways to promote inclusion and participation of women and OMGs in local governance and peace processes. • Prepared and delivered community sensitization activities.
Supported development and updated capacity-building plans for women and OMGs in leadership mentoring clubs. SPR local partners facilitated the development of internal rules and regulations for each leadership mentoring club and established activity plans for coaching sessions on the following topics:
• Civil law and the family code • Participatory governance • Gender-based violence prevention and women's rights • Transformative leadership for women and OMGs • Advocacy methods and strategies for women’s empowerment
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 9 • Establishment of radio listening clubs in North Kivu
In addition, the project organized networking meetings with 69 women and OMGs in three networking meetings, bringing together 28 clubs from Mup'funi Shanga, Kibabi, and Biiri. The objectives were to strengthen linkages, build connections among leadership mentoring clubs, and further influence their advocacy for inclusion and participation in decision-making spheres. The 32 clubs from Biiri, Goma, and Kibabi and 33 clubs from Bukavu, Lurhala, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Lugendo, Ishungu, Mbinga North, Irambi Katana, Miti, and Bugorhe were supported with office supplies and equipment (papers, register, pens, flip chart, markers, communication units, and transport costs) for three months of operation from July to September 2020.
Updated and validated women’s leadership mentoring and coaching booklets. The team developed coaching booklets to make concepts easy and accessible to all mentoring club members, including those with low levels of formal education. Equipping club members with such tools enables them to be more assertive and independent in their various community-based interventions and advocacy efforts, as well as in decision-making spaces. Key themes discussed and validated in the booklets include organizational management, conflict management, advocacy and communication, rights/protection of women and OMGs, entrepreneurship and development, leadership, and health and development.
Harmonized COVID-19 data collection tools for grantees. In line with the three-month response plan, the Objective 2 team in collaboration with the MEL team supported Forum SIDA (FOSI) and Caritas to review and validate data collection tools and agree on the approach to monitor, collect, and analyze SGBV and other violent incidents biweekly. Findings include the following:
• A total of 155 women and OMGs from 31 leadership mentoring clubs benefited from four COVID-19 data collection sessions to monitor effects on communities in Goma, Mup'funi Shanga, Biiri, and Kibabi. • The team organized 15 sessions in Bukavu, Lurhala, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Lugendo, Ishungu, and Mbinga North in South Kivu targeting 154 local community organization committees’ steering members and leadership mentoring clubs. Women and OMGs participated in and contributed to the weekly monitoring of SGBV in the context of COVID-19 containment and the analysis of the various perspectives on COVID-19 expressed by their respective communities. • Approximately 500 community-level COVID-19 data collection sheets were entered into the SPR COVID-19 tool folder on drive.google.com over four months.
Evidence from these activities will inform advocacy efforts led by the partners (CPP-NK and CPP-SK) during Y5 Q1.
Supported awareness creation on COVID-19 prevention. The team trained 31 leadership mentoring clubs on COVID-19 prevention and its impact/effects on social cohesion, cultural relations, and peace in Biiri, Goma, Kibabi, and Mup’funi Shanga in North Kivu. Further, the team produced 96 posters and placed them in neighborhoods and localities in major centers of the groupements (Mup'funi Shanga, Kibabi, and Biiri) and the city of Goma to sensitize communities on the fight against stigma and social discrimination related to COVID-19. Messages highlighting COVID-19 symptoms, modes of transmission, and basic protective measures were developed and disseminated through printed leaflets
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 10 (1,450), posters (290), and billboards (15) strategically posted in public areas of Bukavu, Lurhala, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Lugendo, Ishungu, and Mbinga North in South Kivu.
Supported women’s and OMGs’ participation in decision-making bodies through advocacy. Four dialogue meetings brought together 62 women and OMGs and 38 local authorities in Biiri, Goma, Kibabi, and Mup'funi Shanga. Topics included hardships experienced by women and OMGs in ascending to positions of leadership within the various localities and the exclusion of women and OMGs in decision-making bodies whereby they are simply ignored by local authorities.
Promoted local participatory governance. Support originally planned for local authorities and traditional leaders was postponed because of the COVID-19 situation and the prioritization of SPR's pandemic response plan. However, local authorities and traditional leaders participated in meetings organized by women and OMGs to discuss improvement and inclusion in local governance.
Transformed social norms, attitudes, and barriers that constrain the participation of women and OMGs in decision-making processes. Women and OMGs organized radio programs, educational messages broadcast on the radio, billboard posters, and community sensitizations to influence positive attitudes toward the integration of women and OMGs into local governance and toward reduced discrimination. Activities completed include the following:
• Twelve radio programs produced by Radio Télévision Communautaire de Tayna (RTCT radio) were broadcast in Goma and by community radio Amani de Rubaya in Masisi. Ten topics were developed: SPR’s objectives and actions, the link between the COVID-19 pandemic and social cohesion, rumors and false beliefs around COVID-19, and community mobilization to fight the pandemic. • Three meetings to analyze rumors, different perceptions, information, and concerns around COVID-19 data led to proposed subjects for debate on broadcasts and in community awareness campaigns. • Twice each day for one month, RTCT radio in Goma (88.1) and Amani Community Radio in Masisi (95.5) aired three educational messages to sensitize populations on the impact of COVID- 19 on social cohesion and peace. • A total of 31 women and OMGs from Mup'funi Shanga, Kibabi, Biiri, and Goma leadership mentoring clubs established 62 listening clubs and were provided 62 reception stations to follow the broadcasts and provide their own feedback and opinions on community facts in connection with radio talk shows. • Local entities facilitated 152 public awareness sessions for the participation and inclusion of women and OMGs in peace processes with 13 relevant messages to support the content. Some of the key messages included the following: o “Transparent, responsible management and sustainable development in all areas will only be possible if women and OMGs have more power and more autonomy and if they enjoy a better social, economic, and political situation.” o “Equal participation in decision making is not simply a question of justice and democracy but a question of consideration and taking into account the interests of women and OMGs so that peace and social cohesion can be possible and effective.” o “Women and OMGs’ participation is fundamental to establishing democratic governance, because they are more than often very dynamic leaders of change and sustainable development for lasting social cohesion.”
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 11 o “Education on sexuality offers a whole range of benefits beyond health issues: it is also about the link between education and economic development.” o "GBV is a form of abuse of power, whichever form it takes, denounce these abuses to our authorities for overall social well-being."
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
Major challenges encountered by SPR’s Objective 2 during Y4 included the following:
• Lack of the release of obligated funds delayed Objective 2 field activities during Y4 Q1. Teams instead focused on refining intervention strategies and encouraging beneficiaries to continue community meetings within the leadership and mentoring clubs in Goma, Bukavu, and Kabare. • COVID-19 further delayed implementation and affected activities not only at the country level but also at the headquarters level, freezing funds and suspending implementation of partners' field activities when they were ready to start delayed implementation. • Compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures led to lack of communication, feelings of isolation which affected morale, and poor internet connection quality. • Disorganization in some community structures affected data collection for the COVID-19 impact assessment. • Photos were unavailable for the few activities carried out during the beginning of the quarantine. • Once activities were able to resume, the time remaining in the period of performance of the grants was insufficient. • Some beneficiaries demonstrated lack of compliance with the COVID-19 protocol during activity implementation. • SPR’s contracts with grantees do not allow flexibility to adapt to the context. Flexibility of partners to meet implementation contract deadlines is required despite time challenges sometimes presented by pre-financing activities. • Insecurity on the ground due to the presence of armed groups and permanent clashes in Biiri and Kibabi in Masisi disrupted the implementation of certain activities. Security updates should be requested from staff in charge of security before moving into a specific area.
LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
LESSONS LEARNED • The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted SPR’s peacebuilding portfolio. SPR had to quickly adapt by adjusting its Y4 planned activities to take into account and address COVID-19’s potential impact on social cohesion and inclusion. • SPR’s approach to implementation must remain flexible to allow for agility and creativity in the volatile peace and security context of North and South Kivu. • The economic empowerment of women and OMGs is a major factor in ensuring sustainability of the mentoring approach in transformative leadership. This was evidenced by leadership mentoring clubs that were organized during the base period and have now initiated an income- generating activity or a savings and credit system between members. • The regular dialogues/meetings between women, OMGs, and local authorities encourage women and OMGs to take an interest in local governance and encourage the authorities to discover the potential of women and OMGs for endorsement in local leadership.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 12 • When project activities meet beneficiaries’ real needs, these beneficiaries engage and take ownership. This was seen through the COVID-19 perceptions analysis activity and weekly SGBV monitoring in the context of COVID-19 and containment.
OPPORTUNITIES • The weekly monitoring of SGBV in the context of COVID-19 will highlight important data that can be explored to further inform new strategic interventions targeting women and OMGs. • SPR participation in the development and advocacy of the UNSC 1325 North Kivu provincial action plan led to an allocated budget line for implementation of the plan in the provincial assembly annual budget, focused on sustained engagement of women and OMGs in inclusive peace processes in North Kivu. • Linkages between leadership mentoring clubs and VSLAs to work in synergy would create opportunities to strengthen women and OMGs’ leadership, peacebuilding engagements, and resilient livelihood development. • Women and OMGs participated in advocacy led by female CSOs in North Kivu to stop violence against women during confinement; four mentors who are also members of the Sauti Ya Mama Mukongomani joined.
NEXT STEPS During Y5 Q1, Objective 2 will focus on consolidating and sustaining the achievements of the past four years:
• The exercise of transformative leadership for women and OMGs and the search for solutions to conflicts within their communities • The initiation of micro-enterprises so that the funds generated can support leadership mentoring activities and advocacy targeting political authorities for the inclusion and participation of women and OMGs in substantive positions in peace processes • Community mobilization activities for the transformation of social norms in favor of gender considerations and inclusion in the search for sustainable peace in North Kivu.
OBJECTIVE 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ARE MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Objective 3 achieved the following during Y4:
Supported the development and effective implementation of COVID-19 three-month response plan. • Coordinated with established COVID-19 task force. Through collaboration with the established COVID-19 provincial task force, Commission Communication de la Riposte COVID-19 under the Ministry of Health’s National Program for the Promotion of Health, SPR developed a brochure called “Standardized Messages on COVID-19 in DRC,” which informed all communication materials and awareness campaigns developed by local partners on the pandemic. The initiative strengthened the coordination between the Government of DRC and
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 13 local project partners on dissemination of key messages to prevent and control COVID-19’s spread. • Led the COVID-19 awareness campaign, spread the message of peace, and provided hygiene kits to the most vulnerable women and marginalized individuals exposed to the pandemic o In North Kivu: ▪ Promoted awareness on COVID-19 prevention targeting 150 people, members of eight livelihood/VSLA structures established in Mupfunyi Kibabi and three structures including one comité des parents or parent committe (COPA) at a primary school in Bishange, one comité de santé or health committee (CODESA) at a health center Rutobogo, and one LPDC in the Mupfunyi Shanga groupement. ▪ Distribution of 108 hygienic kits (handwashing items, disinfectants, empty cans for the conservation of drinking water and laundry soaps) to the most vulnerable women and OMGs o In South Kivu ▪ Promoted awareness on COVID-19 prevention and the need to keep peace and social cohesion, targeting 270 women and OMGs ▪ Produced 24 talk shows on local radios and six comedy shows on motorized caravans focusing on COVID-19 prevention measures, which drew the attention of many ▪ Distributed 12 handwashing items, 2,040 masks, 270 hydro-alcoholic gels, 20 disinfectants, 16 buckets, and one box of soap to women and OMGs in Karhongo, Kamisimbi, and Lurhala groupements.
Trained implementing partners in the EA$E approach for enhancing equitable access to livelihoods in target communities. The Objective 3 team organized a training on the EA$E (Economic and Social Empowerment) I and II approach (creation and operation of VSLAs and entrepreneurship) for its implementing partners Centre Olame and Tous pour le Genre dans le Développement (TGD) and Support for Family Wellness Initiatives (AIBEF) to work in the new SPR target areas of Kadutu and riparian zones of KBNP. A separate EA$E workshop for 12 field staff was provided: five from Centre Olame, five from TGD, and two from AIBEF. The workshop equipped staff with knowledge and tools to provide technical support to establish VSLAs in the above-mentioned SPR implementation target zones.
Supported capacity building of service providers and user committees for equitable community participation in basic service delivery as indicated below:
• In North Kivu, five service user committees (i.e two in Mupfunyi Shanga/Bweremana and three in Mupfunyi Kibabi) were trained on preventive measures against COVID-19: o in Mupfunyi Shanga/Bweremana (one (1) in education and one (1) in health), benefiting 18 people. Participants included seven education sector representatives (EP Bishange: four (4) women and three (3) men), one (1) group leader, and ten (10) health committee members (CS Rutoboko: four (4) women and six(6) men). o In Mupfunyi Kibabi, on the other hand, 29 people took part. Participants included seven (7) education sector representatives (EP Nyakajanga: three (3) women and four (4) men); one (1) group leader; 10 health sector representatives (CSR Kibabi: three (3)
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 14 women and seven(7) men); and 11 water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector representatives (Mululu village: three (3) women and eight (8) men). • Five (5) user committees were revived, including two (2) in the education sector (EP Nyakajanga/Mupfunyi Kibabi and EP Shanga/Mupfunyi Shanga), two in the health sector (CSR de Kibabi and CS Lutoboko), and one in the WASH sector in M-Kibabi. • One capacity-building session was carried out for 15 service providers: seven education sector representatives (EP Muhondo: one woman and six men) and eight people in health (CS Loashi: three women and five men) on governance, advocacy, and communication to Biiri. • Five user committees with 38 people—14 (11 men and three women) in Goma and 24 (13 men and 11 women) in Biiri—benefited from training on governance, advocacy, and communication involving three committees in the education sector (EP Muhondo/Biiri, EP Lac Vert, and EP Ndosho/Goma), one health service committee (Loashi/Biiri), and one in WASH of Sati in Biiri.
Supported women's capacity building for improved livelihood development:
• In South Kivu: Ninety women were trained on the EA$E I, II, and III approaches (creation, operationalizing of VSLAs, entrepreneurship, and discussion group) to enable newly created VSLAs in Kadutu and KBNP zones to resume normal and efficient operations. • In North Kivu: Likewise, 90 women and OMGs (20 in Mupfunyi/Shanga of Bweremana, 20 in Mupfunyi/Kibabi of Bihambwe, and 50 in Biiri) were trained on the EA$E I and II approaches.
Facilitated social dialogue and other community activities. During this reporting period, SPR organized 10 social cohesion events and three community dialogues with local and/or sectoral authorities to consolidate peace in target implementation zones.
In North Kivu, the three community dialogues resulted in a positive engagement with local and sectoral authorities for the consolidation of peace in a Biiri group. Table 2 below captures sectors affected, parties involved, and the issue resolved during the social dialogue.
Sector Parties Focus of the Social Dialogue COPA, Teacher of Masisi 1 and the Education (1) “Mechanization” of service providers Territory Administrator Management Committee, CODESA, Health (1) Masisi area principal doctor, and the “Mechanization” of service providers Territory Administrator An issue related to lack of conflict sensitivity: Water, Water Committee and the Water supplied to a remote village by an Sanitation, and Territory Administrator NGO crossing nearby villages that did not Hygiene have water either
In South Kivu, 10 participatory plays were performed portraying themes linked to conflicts identified during the participatory rural appraisal evaluation. Key messages transmitted through the participatory plays created awareness of discriminatory and inappropriate practices that are rampant in target communities and perceived as major contributing factors to conflicts and problems affecting women and OMGs and community social cohesion in general. Examples of these discriminatory and inappropriate practices include the exclusion of the Bantus and the pygmies living around KBNP from decision-making bodies, livestock left on their own leading to destruction of crops, the abuse of trust through
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 15 nonrepayment of debts (a source of conflicts in the VSLA and community-based organizations of the area), the lack of respect for land/plot boundaries and crop fields, and the lack of respect for women’s and young girls’ right to inheritance as stipulated in the code of the DRC family. Community members were encouraged to abandon these discriminatory/inappropriate practices and instead promote social cohesion and integration into their communities through peaceful and constructive dialogue.
Engaged the private sectors to be involved in resource mobilization for sustained livelihood support. SPR organized one sustainable connection forum between the livelihood structures and public/private sector investors whereby eight commitments were drawn by stakeholders, as captured in Table 3 below.
Livelihood Group Type of Support Private/Public Sector Investor Supported Pledged/Given Donated one pig for livestock World Vision for Women VSLA Tuungane in Biiri production Dynamique des Femmes Paysannes Donated one pig for livestock VSLA Tuamuke in Biiri pour un Développement Harmonieux production One hectare of land and Tunda Locality Chief VSLA Maendeleo de Tunda 1,200 kg of bean seeds to farm for 12 months A young farmer and member of the ½ hectare to farm for one VSLA Tuamuke de Biiri Mwendabandu youth club year The Mulamba Local Chief VSLA Umoja de Mulamba 1,200 kg bean seeds Mihigo, a livestock keeper VSLA Maendeleo de Tunda Donated four goats Four hectares and 200 kg of Faustin, a landowner VSLA Umoja/Kalinga bean seeds Four hectares and 200 kg of Amuli, a landowner VSLA Umoja/Mulamba in Biiri bean seeds
Carried out participatory rural appraisal in KBNP and Kadutu zones. Two rural participatory evaluations were carried out in the new project areas (KBNP and Kadutu) to map out local structures that are experiencing conflicts to inform social cohesion events and community dialogue to be implemented in those zones.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
• Declaration of a state of emergency because of COVID-19 and subsequent temporary suspension of all field activity implementation and closure of offices • Delay in receiving feedback from partners on work-related tasks and inability to provide in- person technical support to partners • Delays in implementation because of inability to secure special permission from the provincial authorities to undertake field activities once the declaration of a state of emergency was lifted • Illiteracy-related issues affecting compliance procedures (most VSLA participants do not know how to read and write yet they are required to sign their names on attendance lists.
Faced with these challenges, SPR adopted the following solutions:
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 16 • SPR management provided all staff with modems to enable them to work from home, suspending physical presence in the office to minimize COVID-19 infections. • Regular telephone contacts and Skype meetings are held between the teams and the implementing partners to maintain regular coordination and monitor progress in implementation as field activities gradually resume and staff adopt a staggered presence in the office. • SPR provided all implementing partners with a COVID-19 protocol and encouraged them to approach the authorities for individual authorization to proceed to field implementation. • For training of women and OMGs, literate VSLA members/managers were requested to write the names of illiterate colleagues, who would sign using their thumb and attach an explanatory memorandum to the deliverable.
LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
LESSONS LEARNED • The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a new consciousness in programming and has stretched assumptions and appreciation of the various analyses. This awareness informed the team’s working methodology and will greatly contribute to how future scaling-up strategies are designed and implemented. • The more community members are involved in participatory rural appraisals to assess community problems, the more they feel challenged and the better they define possible solutions. • The involvement of all layers of the population during project activities (especially women, local authorities, and OMGs) remains the key in seeking solutions to crucial problems in the communities and in building community social cohesion. More specifically, during problem mapping sessions, representation and inclusion of all the above mentioned is paramount. • Working remotely with implementing partners can produce good results only if stakeholders are aware of what to do, when, and who is responsible and set conditions that all must respect so as not to hinder the expected work. • In response to data findings and heightened discriminatory activity, SPR will take into account the importance of media in raising awareness not only about the fight against COVID-19 but above all about the need for continued respect and human rights.
OPPORTUNITIES • Involve local authorities (heads of groups, villages, localities, etc.) and community leaders in project activities in the groups of Miti and Bugorhe, a major factor for the sustainability of the project’s achievements. • Capacity building of local actors/leaders enables ownership of the project. Awareness raising on COVID-19, community conflict resolutions, spontaneous support for VSLAs, and so forth by local actors will continue even after the project. • Further engagement of the private/public sector in community development through partnership initiatives can contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
NEXT STEPS • Follow up on pledges and commitments made by private sector investors to support VSLA groups in Biiri.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 17 • Accompany local structures facing challenges and provide needed support to revive those structures.
Explore ways of building synergy between VSLAs, leadership mentoring clubs, and LPDCs to strengthen a holistic approach to inclusive peace, social cohesion, improved livelihood, and development
CROSSCUTTING THEMES
ADVOCACY
PROVINCIAL LEVEL On December 18, 2019, SPR met the new North Kivu minister in charge of planning and budgets, Mr. Joseph Sebagisha Rubera, to present the project’s objectives, base period results, and option period priorities in North Kivu. The SPR Chief of Party (COP) thanked the Ministry of Planning for its cooperation and collaboration in leading the provincial consultative committee through the Stabilization and Reconstruction Plan for Eastern DRC (STAREC) and presented the main challenges encountered during implementation, particularly security issues in Masisi Territory. The minister was satisfied and encouraged the project leadership to share its activities, successes and challenges regularly with the provincial government. The minister highlighted that North Kivu wants USAID to include livelihood components for youth and women as a top priority in North Kivu, particularly in conflict-affected areas. The livelihood program will be an alternative to joining armed groups and illegal mining activities for young people. The Ministry of Planning (Ministère du Plan) requested that SPR plan to present its achievements and priorities on a quarterly basis.
The violence perpetrated against women by the police in enforcing COVID-19 response measures prompted some members of the women’s leadership mentoring clubs in Goma to join forces with the Sauti Ya Mama Mucongomani network platform to carry out advocacy actions. The target audience of this collaboration was the mayor of Goma City and the provincial police inspector and resulted in key recommendations presented to the authorities:
• Facilitate cross-border trade between Goma/DRC and Gisenyi/Rwanda, reiterating the need to fast-track implementation of the project to build a cross-border market serving the two neighboring towns. • Involve grassroots women leaders in the campaign against COVID-19 to facilitate women’s and OMGs’ access to information. • Take swift action on reported cases of police abuse against women and OMGs. • Involve a specialized police response for women’s and children’s protection to ensure women’s rights are respected.
Both authorities thanked the Sauti ya Mama Mucongomani network for raising the above issues and promised to take the necessary actions. The authorities also reiterated their commitment to collaborating closely with the network in following up on any other human rights abuses perpetrated against women. In addition, SPR will explore findings from the online rapid assessment on COVID-19’s impact on lives and livelihoods of communities and other community-based data collected to inform evidence-based advocacy targeting concerned government departments and authorities.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 18 NATIONAL LEVEL Creation of a peace, security, and social cohesion unit within DRC civil society. In January 2020, during the advocacy exchange meeting between the SPR COP and Mr. Patient Bashombe, the president of the National Civil Society Consultation Framework, it was agreed to establish a unit within national civil society to address peace, security, and social cohesion (PSSC) issues. Initially this unit will function as an advisory and alert structure at the national level, with an extension to the 26 provinces following gradually. The unit will be in charge of monitoring, collecting, conducting, and informing analysis and research on PSSC at provincial and national levels. The unit will provide opportunities for information sharing and produce a monthly newsletter on PSSC that will be widely disseminated to elected officials, government authorities and institutions, humanitarian actors, UN agencies, the private sector, and technical and financial partners.
Implementing partners continue to carry out advocacy based on the learning outcomes received from the SPR project during the baseline period. For example, in June, with the support of the Higher Institute for the Promotion of Peace, Development and the Environment (ISPDE), the LPDC Ibanda accompanied the population of the Nguba district in collaboration with civil society organizations’ representatives, as well as the CODESA to the municipality of Ibanda to voice their concerns surrounding the occupation of the Health Centre managed by the Red Cross. They met elected provincial deputies of the city of Bukavu and the vice president of the provincial assembly. At the provincial executive level, they presented a memorandum to the governor's chief of staff. The outcome of this advocacy process was a commitment by authorities to seek a lasting solution to the problem with the provincial governor and the Office of the Provincial Assembly.
Advocacy targeting the U.S. ambassador in DRC. SPR advocated for the ambassador’s increased involvement in consolidating peace and social cohesion in eastern DRC. Influencing decisions and policies at national and international level can deter and put an end to armed groups’ activism.
The Objective 2 team was/is involved in technical work to prepare advocacy for the institutionalization of UNSCR 1325 in North Kivu. SPR is part of the synergy of actors in North Kivu within the Gender Thematic Group (GTG) for the promotion of gender issues and the participation of women in peace processes. This synergy aims to bring together the executive authority, the governor, and the legislative authority, the president of the provincial assembly, to sign the decree for the creation of the provincial steering committee on UNSCR 1325 and for the integration of a budget line for the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 provincial action plan in the province's annual budget. SPR’s Objective 2 contributed to the development of the advocacy note and participated in preparatory advocacy meetings with the president of the provincial assembly and the vice governor of the province. The GTG would like to put these two authorities around the same table to solicit their common and immediate approval for the institutionalization. The official meeting with the authorities is scheduled for October 2020.
INCLUSION
During this reporting period, SPR increased gender parity not only by facilitating an increase in women’s participation in SPR activities but also by encouraging grantees to ensure equitable recruitment of women for vacancies in their organizations. This was witnessed within some implementing partner teams, particularly under Objective 2. For instance, one grantee, FOSI, doubled its number of female
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 19 staff from three to six. Caritas also increased its female staff from three to four this year. Thus, gender parity and inclusion is becoming more of a norm among SPR beneficiaries and partners. If constantly and consistently sustained in all SPR processes and interventions, this trend will contribute to lasting change in women’s empowerment and gender relations across SPR beneficiaries.
Project staff and local partners are increasingly adopting inclusion as a principle in all interventions, as illustrated by the following examples:
• One member of the Bukavu leadership mentoring club is very dynamic although visually impaired. The SPR local partner Caritas is developing strategies to enable her to participate actively in the ongoing data collection on the pandemic’s impact on women’s and OMGs’ well-being. • The recruitment carried out by local partners included gender considerations. Two women have been recruited as antenna managers, one in Bukavu and the other in Birava; the project has also recruited a woman as an accountant. • Out of 178 people interviewed during the assessment of women’s and OMGs’ leadership mentoring clubs in Biiri, Goma, Kibabi, and Mupfunyi-Shanga to find out how many clubs were still active and operational, 155 were women and 23 were men Among those interviewed were 21 elderly persons; 11 displaced persons; 20 individuals living with disabilities; 13 widows; 3 women SGBV survivors; 13 single mothers; 5 albinos; and 11 pygmies,
Half of the membership of the structures set up in the commune of Kadutu comprises women and OMGs, and in the respective steering committees, women and OMGs are well represented. The municipal structure is made up of 30 people, including 15 men and 15 women. Its management committee is made up of 10 people.
SPR’s Objective 2 team influenced the recruitment of more women within partners’ teams throughout the project. FOSI has increased in percentage of women on staff by 50%, from three previously to six, and Caritas has increased their women on staff by 25%, from three women to four. The leadership mentoring clubs have brought together and supervised women, men, displaced persons, elderly people, albinos, pygmies, widows, and SGBV survivors.
INTEGRATION OF CONFLICT SENSITIVITY INTO SPR OPERATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION
Through the implementation of Y4 activities in eastern DRC, SPR was faced with the denial of COVID- 19 by most of the population. Most people go about their business as usual, largely ignoring control and prevention measures such as wearing masks in public spaces and maintaining physical and social distance. Communities’ livelihoods, social cohesion, and integration have become much more fragile, as confirmed by the SPR online rapid survey carried out in June 2020 on COVID-19’s impact on various sectors. Those most affected are women and OMGs.
To mitigate this impact, SPR reviewed and modified Y4 Q3 planned activities, incorporating initiatives to respond to COVID-19 threats to social cohesion and integration in SPR target communities. Proposed activities included rapid assessment of COVID-19’s impact on security, the local economy, access to information, and gender relations, among other areas. The rapid assessment findings are set to inform advocacy engagements targeting provincial and national authorities for further decisions and response mechanisms. As women and OMGs are always affected differently by various crises, SPR initiated
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 20 biweekly rapid assessment to monitor and determine the extent to which COVID-19 has negatively impacted women and OMGs in the target areas. Preliminary report findings have been shared for internal review. Final report findings will shed light on challenges experienced by women and recommend policy actions to concerned political and administrative provincial and national authorities for further action. SPR-established local peace committees and leadership mentoring clubs were also engaged through implementing partners in creating awareness about COVID-19 and its threat to peaceful coexistence among community members.
During the baseline, partners learned about conflict sensitivity concepts, and partners built the capacity of community structures to ensure that their activities do not exacerbate conflict but reduce negative effects and do some good. During the orientation of the partners in January 2020, they attended a session on crosscutting themes, including conflict sensitivity and gender. These two themes guarantee the quality of their activities.
In accordance with the Do No Harm principle, local authorities are always involved from the inception of SPR activities in their zones and thoroughly briefed on interventions planned. The selection of participants during implementation is informed by the vulnerability criteria. During the various activities, SPR ensures that all social strata are represented, particularly women and OMGs.
MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING
In Y4, the MEL team worked on revising supporting documents for the monitoring and evaluation system. In particular, the framework for the monitoring and evaluation system was adapted for the COVID-19 context, the approach to data collection, processing, and interpretation was updated and data collection tools for COVID-19 activities were developed. SPR staff and its partners were oriented on approaches and use of the various documents in place. In the same period, the SPR conducted four rapid assessments and two online surveys to collect information on COVID-19’s impact on SPR community peace structures and institutions and in different sectors of life. The results proved that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact on the local economy, social cohesion, security, tensions and conflicts, access to services, information, and living conditions of women and OMGs. Partners’ documents, such as technical proposals, monitoring and evaluation plans, activity implementation plans, and milestone tables, were also reviewed and adapted to the approved COVID- 19 plan and SPR activities. All MEL documents were reviewed and adapted appropriately.
PERFORMANCE OF OUTPUT AND OUTCOME INDICATORS
SPR continued to monitor activities and collect data to document performance results. By the end of the reporting period, most indicators had not reached planned targets against the annual targets. Figures 1 and 2 show the overall performance (94 percent) and performance by objective.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 21 FIGURE 1. PERFORMANCE AGAINST LOP TARGETS AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD, BY OBJECTIVE
PERFORMANCE AGAINST LOP TARGETS
SPR Overall 94%
Objective 3 74%
Objective 2 110%
Objective 1 99%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
FIGURE 2. PERFORMANCE AGAINST YEAR 4 TARGETS AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD, BY OBJECTIVE
PERFORMANCE AGAINST ANNUAL TARGETS
SPR Overall 46%
Objective 3 39%
Objective 2 59%
Objective 1 39%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
In Y4, the project recorded few significant performance indicators; this rose to 46 percent on an annual basis and 94 percent on an LOP target basis in the reporting period. A downward trend compared with expected performance is due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government-imposed preventive measures applied in North and South Kivu, which led to the suspension of SPR activities on the ground since the beginning of March. Implementation focused on startup of some activities and review, analysis, and adaptation of documents related to the implementation of the approved COVID-19 plan activities and planned SPR activities. Induction sessions and technical meetings were held for local partners in North and South Kivu. Twenty conflicts were resolved by LPDCs under Indicator 3.3c., and one community participatory conflict research project was presented to communities
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 22 SYSTEMS AND DATA COLLECTION
The project has an operational monitoring and evaluation system with data collection tools adapted to classic SPR and COVID-19 activities. An M&E framework is accompanied by an annex document of data collection, analysis, and interpretation mechanisms with schematic presentation easily interpretable by SPR and partner staff. The induction is organized continuously by the MEL department to facilitate a better understanding of the project’s various tools among all stakeholders. SoGo software and Google Drive have been integrated into data collection and analysis to adapt SPR’s system to the current situation characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, to secure data, the MEL team will make sure that physical deliverables continue to be kept in accordance with USAID guidelines. Excel data tables will continue serving as the database for the project.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
SELECTION OF GRANTEES
In the first quarter of Y4, SPR disseminated a request for expression of interest to grantees from the base period (Years 1–3), which was meant to stimulate and assess former SPR grantees’ interest in performing activities that were the same as or similar to those in their previous grant agreements with SPR. In total, the project received 28 formal expressions of interest, which were evaluated by a grant evaluation committee. The nine highest-scoring grantees were then asked to develop follow-on proposals. Shortly thereafter, SPR received news that put the Y4 budget into question, requiring the project to put proposal development temporarily on hold.
Following internal discussions through mid- to late Q1, SPR was able to determine its annual grants budget and establish targets to which it asked grantees to finalize their proposals. Shortly thereafter, SPR held another small workshop to support grantees with updating their proposals in accordance with slightly readjusted project targets and budget. SPR received formal confirmation of its Y4 budget late in Q1 but was required to finalize and submit an updated work plan before proceeding with grants.
With the approval of the Y4 work plan at the start of Q2, SPR worked to complete the 9 follow-on packages for submission to USAID. By the end of Q2, all grant partners had received and signed active grant agreements, but implementation was almost immediately halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Q3, one rapid response grant was awarded to CPP-SK (see section below) and one research grant was awarded to UCB-UEA. UCB-UEA was deemed eligible for a sole-source award because of its exclusive and predominant capability as a research institution in the region. In Q4, SPR awarded one rapid response grant to AAP to address emerging conflicts in Turunga, North Kivu, and awarded a research grant under restricted eligibility because of programmatic purposes to previous SPR grantee SYNIGL.
USE OF FLEXIBLE FUNDING
As a result of budgetary constraints faced early in the reporting period and the COVID-19 pandemic, SPR did not pursue any rapid response opportunities until Q3. In Q3, SPR submitted and received approval for a rapid response to the CPP-SK to reduce and mitigate the virus’s impacts on communities
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 23 in the Kivus through direct advocacy at the local, provincial, and national levels. Implementation for the grant began at the start of Q4.
At the end of Q3, SPR also worked with CPP-SK and Association pour le Développement Communautaire Intégré (ADCI) on another potential rapid response opportunity in Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga. However, given the tenuous relationship between the two organizations, SPR decided the partnership was too risky and opted not to pursue the opportunity.
In Q4, SPR submitted for approval a rapid response opportunity introduced by the North Kivu local government and Turunga local community to the Mission and received approval early in the quarter. At the end of Q4, the SPR team also identified a partnership opportunity with UCB and Innovations pour les Droits de l'Homme et l'Environnement (IDHE) to address conflicts within universities in Bukavu. This opportunity was submitted to the Mission early in Y5 Q1.
TARGET ZONE ACCESSIBILITY
The most significant challenge related to target zone accessibility was the project’s inability to reach the field during the COVID-19 epidemic from Q2 to Q4 of the reporting period. The government restrictions limiting movements were in place from the end of Q2 through early Q4. Even when restrictions were lifted, grant partners faced difficulty obtaining the proper authorization to carry out activities in the field. Finally, in mid-Q4, with the support of negotiations by SPR leadership, the North and South Kivu local governments permitted SPR partners to relaunch activities.
Because of some funding uncertainties early in Y4, partner implementation had just begun when the pandemic halted all activities. Therefore, outside the COVID-19-related restrictions, the project faced no accessibility issues.
PARTNER FIELD COORDINATION
Since partner implementation began right before the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been limited partner field coordination for implementation before Q3. Throughout Q3 and much of Q4, SPR and partners coordinated remotely by email, phone, and teleconferencing to respect public health measures to curb the virus’s spread. Despite physical distance, at the end of Q2 and start of Q3, the SPR team worked closely with partners to revise their activities to incorporate COVID-19 response work. At the end of Q3, SPR developed updated protocols for activity implementation for partners and staff to reference as they implement activities in the pandemic context.
Partners began implementing their COVID-19 response activities, along with previously planned work, at the start of Q4. Outside the authorization issues mentioned in the section above on accessibility, SPR encountered some challenges in coordinating remotely with partners throughout the remaining reporting period given the unpredictability of internet connections and the simple inability to sit side by side to discuss and develop work and problem solve as needed. SPR and partners managed to coordinate despite the difficulties posed by telework.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 24 INTERNATIONAL PARTNER COORDINATION
In the first quarter of Y4, SPR began working with the UK-based Forest People’s Program to develop work around Ebola community engagement and KBNP. As part of this effort, SPR coordinated meetings and a dialogue around the heightening conflict between the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and pygmy populations in and around the park. Early in the year, SPR also collaborated with Women of Africa International to develop a strategy to build capacity and engage communities in dialogues around the Ebola response in the Grand Nord of North Kivu and Ituri province. Ultimately, neither of these opportunities for work panned out because of shifting Mission priorities.
During the end of Q2 and into Q3, SPR collaborated closely with its consortium members International Alert and the International Rescue Committee as well as the TetraTech/ARD Strengthening Value Chains Activity to share precautions and contingency planning around COVID-19. Coordination with these partners continued throughout the year to ensure that SPR was taking all necessary precautions and to ensure harmony across organizations as far as possible.
During Q3, SPR organized meetings with the Strengthening Value Chains project and Integrated Governance Activity, implemented by DAI, to exchange information on communication and messaging around COVID-19, reopening of offices, and resumption of field activities. Also in Q3, Women of Africa International submitted to SPR an unsolicited concept on COVID-19 strategic communication on preventing the virus’s spread in the Kivus, which the project could not pursue because of funding constraints. SPR also participated in a USAID implementing partner meeting on COVID-19 communication and messaging facilitated by the USAID DRC Mission COVID-19 Communication Task Force.
In the final quarter of the reporting period, SPR worked again with the TetraTech/ARD Strengthening Value Chains project and attended their work planning sessions to ensure that SPR priorities were considered in their programming.
GRANT MANAGEMENT AND PARTNER REPORTING
After the selection process of follow-on grantees early in Y4, SPR worked closely with partners to help them develop grant proposals based on the project’s Y4 targets. As some previous grantees struggled to produce quality reports and deliverables during the base period, SPR formalized a package of implementation tools to mitigate risk and ensure compliance throughout implementation of the Y4 grants. Additionally, the SPR grants team meticulously developed milestone breakdowns and disbursement schedules for each grantee through coordination with the grants and programs teams and drawing on lessons learned during the base period to avoid implementation delays and contract modifications to the extent possible.
In Q2, the SPR grants team performed initial onboarding activities, including partner induction sessions in Bukavu and Goma. SPR’s technical, MEL, and grants teams provided clear orientation and technical sessions on gender, conflict sensitivity, and indicator development for targets, planning tools, grants processes, budget monitoring, and compliance and ethics. SPR leadership also provided an abridged session on Protect and Respect to all grantees.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 25 Once grants were approved and ready for signature in Q2, the grants team, along with relevant members of the technical team, met with the grantees to discuss the agreements’ terms and conditions, relevant regulations, and SPR grant procedures and implementation expectations. Tailored to grantee capacities and mandates, this process outlined key compliance factors, ensuring grantee acceptance of SPR practices and procedures aligned with SPR objectives.
A few short weeks after all partners had signed their agreements, COVID-19 hit the region and implementation was put on hold. In early April, the COP requested all partners to develop and submit proposals for COVID-19 response activities achievable within their project’s scope and within their current funding. All partners submitted proposed activities, which were validated technically and administratively and submitted to the Mission for approval to redirect project funding to COVID-19- related activities in late April.
The Mission approved SPR’s request to redirect funding to COVID-19 response activities in early May, and the SPR grants and technical teams coordinated closely with each partner to incorporate the approved activities into their existing grants, including through updates to the technical proposals, budgets, work plans, and monitoring and evaluation plans. At the end of the quarter, SPR worked to finalize grant amendments to incorporate the COVID-19 work and receive local authority approval to implement these activities. In Q3, SPR also remotely kicked off its rapid response grant to CPP-SK, as well as its research grant to UCB-UEA.
Early in Q4, SPR remotely kicked off its research grant to SYNIGL and its rapid response grant to AAP Turunga. After resolving the authorization issue with local authorities plaguing implementation early in the last quarter, SPR’s grant partners began implementing their COVID-19 response activities, as well as the rest of the remaining activities within their scope. However, because of COVID-19-related restrictions, most partners fell behind their modified implementation schedules. At the end of the reporting period, SPR worked with all grantees to gather information on the period of performance extension required for them to complete the activities under their grants, as well as any associated operational costs. The requested modifications will be submitted to the Mission for approval in early Y5 Q1.
STAFFING AND STAFF MANAGEMENT
SPR saw less turnover in Y4 than in previous years. The project lost the finance and administrative officer and Objective 1 lead in Q1, as well as its North Kivu program coordinator and Objective 1 interim lead in Q3. The loss of the project’s Objective 1 interim lead, Alexis Bashushana, to sudden illness and passing shocked the project team. SPR honored his death by observing a week-long period of mourning, while SPR leadership worked closely with the International Alert crisis management team to ensure sensitive management of communications.
SPR filled the finance and administrative officer position in Q3, and recruitment processes for the Objective 1 lead and North Kivu program coordinator were under way at the end of Q4, with expectation for these candidates to onboard in Y5 Q1. In the interim, the program officers for Objectives 1 and 3 covered the vacancies of their respective team leaders.
During the reporting period, SPR also recruited and hired for the MEL coordinator and communications officer positions and onboarded these candidates in Q3. SPR also received approval for its deputy chief
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 26 of party (DCOP) technical candidate, who began with the project on the first day of Q3. All onboarding of new staff was done remotely because of COVID-19-related restrictions.
The entire SPR team worked remotely during nearly all of Q3 and Q4 and some members of SPR returned to their homes of record, including the finance and compliance manager, who returned to Kinshasa; the senior grants administrator, who returned to Lubumbashi; and the DCOP/Operations, who returned to the United States. After travel restrictions were lifted and risk of contracting the virus declined, at the end of Q4, the DCOP/Operations returned to Goma. At the end of Y4, SPR staff returned to the offices in Goma and Bukavu in a staggered approach to ensure social distancing. This approach allows only half of the SPR team at the offices on any given day and will continue into Q1 of Y5.
During the reporting period, MSI received results of the salary survey it solicited from Birches Group, LLC, finalized its analysis and proposal for salary adjustments, and received approval from USAID to apply the proposed rates. Once approved, MSI worked to immediately adjust all eligible staff members’ salaries, which took effect in late August. This year, as was requested by SPR staff to ensure better work-life balance, SPR adjusted its working hours to allow longer hours Monday through Thursday and a truncated day on Friday. This adjustment falls in line with local and international organizational practices and was a morale booster for the team.
CAPACITY BUILDING
During Y4, SPR prioritized ethics and compliance training. In Q1, staff received refresher sessions on these subjects in both offices, introducing real-life case studies to encourage critical analysis and conversation to reinforce ethical best practices. In Q2, SPR leadership conducted a capacity-building session called Protect and Respect for all staff on preventing sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation and maintaining a respectful workplace. The training aimed to build the team’s knowledge of USAID policies on preventing sexual abuse and exploitation and MSI/TetraTech’s (TT) prevention and reporting mechanisms and elicited several thoughtful and interesting discussions from the team. During partner onboarding in February, sessions on ethics and compliance and an abridged version of Protect and Respect were also provided to all local partners. At the end of Y4, SPR participated in the MSI/TT Ethics and Compliance week by filming video public service announcements to reinforce their commitment to compliance.
Early in Y4, SPR also began coordinating with the National Institute for Professional Preparation (INPP or Institut National pour Preparation Professionnelle) in both Goma and Bukavu to leverage the services this agency offers to provide free training to SPR staff. Staff selected their preferred training from the INPP’s offerings in Q2, but because of COVID-19-related restrictions, these trainings were put on hold. With staff back in the offices at the end of Y4, SPR will relaunch the process with the INPP to begin these as soon as possible in Y5.
As the project began teleworking in the final half of the year, the MSI home office introduced Microsoft Teams software for enhanced collaboration both within and outside the organization. All MSI team members were required to participate in a Teams training to maximize its functionality during internal collaboration efforts and external meetings.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MAIN PRIORITIES NEXT QUARTER
As a priority for Y5 Q1, SPR will continue to focus on staff health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The SPR consortium and MSI home office will continue to collaborate to ensure all safety measures are in place to guarantee the team’s health and safety. SPR leadership will meet with MSI’s crisis management team biweekly to discuss measures in place, make revisions, or lift precautions as appropriate. At the start of Q1, all SPR staff will stagger their presence in the offices to ensure no more than half the team is on the premises at once to allow social distancing and will work from home the other half of the time.
Grant management and coordination will also be a paramount priority next quarter. At the end of Y4, SPR worked with partners to identify pain points causing delays in the implementation of their Y4 work. At the start of Y5, SPR will finalize the period of performance and financial modifications required for partners to complete their work and fulfill SPR’s Y4 targets. Once these are complete, SPR will focus on supporting partners to finalize their Y4 work as efficiently as possible, while also developing a strategy for Y5 partner work.
At the end of Y4, SPR worked to analyze its strategic documents, including the work plan, performance indicator reference sheet, and performance indicator table, to assess progress against performance and COVID-19’s impacts on project achievements. This has engendered internal discussions on the best strategy for SPR to maximize its target achievement during the remaining months of the project or through a potential extended period of performance of the contract. In Y5 Q1, SPR will submit a proposal to the Mission to offer the best way forward, and once the proposal is approved, the project will prioritize the finalization of its MEL documents and Y5 strategy.
At the end of Y4, SPR received approval to restrict eligibility to existing grant partners in Y5. Early in Q1, SPR will conduct an evaluation of Y4 partners to identify the highest performers poised for continued work in Y5. Once the approach to Y5 work is confirmed early in Q1, SPR will distribute targets to the selected partners for them to develop Y5 activities either through modifications to their grants or through new awards.
Finally, of great importance at the start of Y5 will be prioritization of staff retention in the final year of the project. As part of this, SPR will aim to develop a staff retreat, virtual if necessary, to foster team- spirit, re-establish the positive working relationships, especially after six months of working apart from one another due to the pandemic. SPR leadership will also reflect on strategies and messaging for retention and begin applying these early in Y5 to ensure the project remains fully staffed as required for the remainder of its period of performance.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 28 USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 29 OVERALL MAIN CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, LESSONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
During this reporting period, SPR faced challenges but also learned valuable lessons and took advantage of opportunities. The project team, in collaboration with local implementing partners, addressed challenges and developed strategic approaches to maximize opportunities to reach SPR’s objectives.
CHALLENGES
DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND ONBOARDING OF NEW STAFF
Uncertainty of funding at the start of Y4 (beginning September 1, 2020) caused activity and staffing delays. Obligated funding was provided in December 2019, causing any activity work through grantees to be delayed to Q2. The Y4 work plan and MEL option year plans were submitted immediately following receipt of funding although the team quickly ramped up grant efforts in Q2.
ACTIONS TAKEN • Continued communication with the Mission, project team, and partners to provide information on the budget • Reviewed and validated selected partner applications • Delayed recruitment for some positions, including the DCOP/Technical, MEL Coordinator, and MEL Assistant. • Suspended field activities. • Delayed resubmission of the Y4 work plan, revised MEL strategic documents and partner application packages, and organized an all-staff detailed planning workshop for the remainder of Y4 to ensure the acceleration of activities and achievement of Y4 targets • Continued a recruitment process to fill vacancies for the DCOP/Technical, MEL coordinator, communications officer, and finance and administration officer • Accelerated the finalization and submission for approval of local grantee application packages
MANAGING DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NORTH KIVU PROVINCIAL ADVOCACY FRAMEWORK
Early in the beginning of this quarter, the project leadership received a letter from North Kivu Civil Society leadership denouncing the partnership with CPP-NK. The letter highlighted the inappropriate treatment of CPP-NK by the project leadership after changing its fixed amount award contract into an in-kind grant contract because of compliance cases registered in Y3. Initial analysis showed that the letter revealed negative intentions toward the project and project leadership, including security risks.
ACTIONS TAKEN • SPR leadership informed MSI home office, USAID, the project senior team, and consortium leadership about the letter and its content.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 30 • SPR leadership responded to the letter and requested a meeting with North Kivu Civil Society leadership and CPP-NK. • SPR leadership, with the SPR agreement/contracting officer’s representative (A/COR), organized a meeting with North Kivu Civil Society leadership and CPP-NK to understand the letter’s motivation and discuss a way forward. • SPR leadership, with the SPR A/COR, requested proof of the accusations in the letter but never received them. • The SPR A/COR decided to take the issue to the Mission level and will give feedback to SPR and CPP-NK.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
During this reporting period, SPR faced various challenges but also drew valuable lessons learned and leveraged opportunities. The project team and local implementing partners worked on solutions to address challenges and developed strategic approaches to maximize opportunities in favor of SPR’s objectives.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted SPR’s implementation and operations. The subsequent restrictions established in mid-March by the DRC government at national and provincial levels limited movements and implementation activities at the community level. This context significantly impacted the project’s performance and ability to meet its Y4 targets and indicators. This pushed the SPR project to temporarily change its implementation strategy for direct and indirect activities. The SPR team also began a review of its achievements and goals to determine what adjustments needed to be made entering its final year of implementation.
ACTIONS TAKEN • Prepared and submitted the SPR COVID-19 continuity of operations plan • Authorized all-staff remote working to ensure staff health and safety • Continued communication with project staff through weekly calls, messages to all staff from the COP, and WhatsApp group messages • Maintained regular communications with local partners to ensure they were following COVID-19 preventive measures and did not conduct activities or disburse funds outside of essential operations • Developed and submitted a three-month COVID-19 response plan • Organized weekly project senior management team coordination meetings and senior team calls to discuss updates and priorities • Continued effective implementation of COVID-19 three-month plan: modification of grants packages and agreements • Conducted a COVID-19 impact assessment survey to understand community challenges • Began a review of the Y4 work plan and target achievement analysis • Started reflection on development of a Y4 remaining period activity acceleration plan
LESSONS LEARNED
Work with civil society advocacy coalitions still needs a specific support approach that would include considerable capacity building in many areas, such as ethics, compliance, and leadership. The functioning
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 31 and accountability of a coalition of organizations are much more complex than those of a single organization, which makes support to such organizations equally complex. SPR will elaborate and explore additional innovative approaches to work with advocacy coalitions and plan capacity building where additional support is necessary.
OPPORTUNITIES
The existence of a dynamic provincial consultative committee facilitates communication and collaboration with the provincial government in North and South Kivu. Feedback from consultative committee members in North Kivu to the provincial ministry in charge of planning and budget reinforced the government’s consideration and appreciation. During the option period, the project will continue to support the operationalization of consultative committees in North and South Kivu.
The collaboration between the project and the National Civil Society Consultation Framework leadership initiated at national level will facilitate the revitalization or creation of a PSSC unit at national and provincial levels. National Civil Society Consultation Framework leadership, represented by Mr. Patient Bashombe, started this initiative at the national level and will extend it to the 26 provinces gradually in 2020. The PSSC unit will function as an expertise and alert structure by monitoring, collecting, conducting, and informing on analysis and research on all issues related to peace and cohesion at provincial and national levels.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 32 ANNEX 1: PROGRESS ON PERFORMANCE PLAN
OBJECTIVE 1 For the reported year, the COVID 19 pandemic had a direct impact on the annual planning of Component 1. Certain activities were carried out in order to establish approaches and strategies to feed the achievements on Y4 performance indicators. The average performance of Objective 1 is 39% percent based on Y4 targets, and 99 percent based on LOP targets. As activities in the field resume, particularly in Y5 Q1, the completion of participatory conflict analyses and research activities will contribute to the achievement of the indicators and others various achievements. The graph below shows the overall average performance of each Objective I indicator.
The overall average performance of the first IR is at 110 percent. The chart below gives the performance trends for each indicator of Objective 1.
OBJECTIVE 1 PERFORMANCE BY INDICATOR
OBJECTIVE 1 PERFORMANCE AGAINST LOP TARGET
Objective I overall 99% 1.3.c 69% 1.3.b 80% 1.3.a 60% 1.2.b 95% 1.2.a 68% 1.1.d 152% 1.1.c 175% 1.1.b 90% 1.1.a 98% 1b 83% 1a 114%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140% 160% 180% 200%
OBJECTIVE 2 In Y4, Objective 2 recorded a low achievement rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the application of preventative measures against it. The average performance of the objective is 59% percent based on Y4 targets and 110 percent based on LOP targets. However, certain activities have been carried out, such as work on terms of reference, support to local women in a substantive role or position in the peacebuilding process, radio programs about peace and social inclusion in the context of COVID-19, harmonization of approaches and strategies adapted to COVID-19 preventative measures, orientation of partners, and others activities outlined in SPR’s COVID-19 response plan. The graph below reflects the achievement hitherto obtained by Objective 2 for each indicator compared to Y4 and LOP targets.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 33 OBJECTIVE 2 PERFORMANCE BY INDICATOR
OBJECTIVE 2 PERFORMANCE AGAINST LOP TARGET
Objective II overall 110%
2.3c 126%
2.3b 124%
2.3a 82%
2.2a 59%
2.1a 131%
2b
2a 139%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140% 160%
OBJECTIVE 3 In Y4, the average performance of Objective 3 is 39% percent based on Y4 targets and 74 percent based on LOP targets. Activities conducted during the period included dialogues between community members and authorities, confidence building and peace promotion events, capacity building to service providers, work on terms of reference, harmonization of approaches and strategies adapted to COVID- 19 preventative measures, and subsequent orientation of partners. The graph below details the overall performance of Objective 3 indicators compared to Y4 and LOP targets:
OBJECTIVE 3 PERFORMANCE AGAINST LOP TARGET 140% 121% 120%
100% 85% 78% 74% 80% 72% 71% 74% 57% 62% 60% 50% 40% 20% 0%
The table below gives performance details for each indicator, showing Y4 results, cumulative achievement to date, and the percentage of achievement against the revised LOP target, and explanatory narrative on deviation.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 34 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT OVER 4 YEARS
CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED SPR achieved excellent results for this indicator during the base period; 94 events took place in the project targeted zones to present participatory conflict analysis results. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the reported period, the Y4 total targets were not. Only 1 event was conducted, and the 1a. Cumulative community participatory number of conflict analyses were events where completed in 2019 but not community validated. The validation 30 40 94 48 1 18 6% 125 110 114% participatory and presentation of the conflict analysis conflict analyses to is presented community members and TO 3 R1 other key stakeholders happened in Q4 of Y4 and 17 are planned in Y5 Q1 and Q2. This was achieved by partner ACUDI.
The achievements against the targets represent 6%.The difference between base period achievements and reported period LOP progress update is due to the outbreak of COVID-19 that pulled down the LOP
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 35 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED progress rate to 114% from 141%. In Y3 the performance of this indicator was at 100% against 90% set as target. All 16 peacebuilding processes held resulted in agreements. This consists of 12 PAR processes, 1b. Percent of excluding that of Walikale, USG-assisted and 4 advocacy forums consensus- conducted by the two building CPPs. This was in addition 100% 90% 100% 90% 0% 90% 0% 75% 90% 83% processes held to 6 consensus building that result in events held in Y1 and 14 an agreement* held in Y2. Due to the TO3 IR 3.2 impact of COVID-19 on SPR activities, the target will be evaluated in March of Y5.No targets were achieved for this indicator in Y4, so the LOP progress is 83%, down from 111 % during the base period. During the period under review, SPR conducted an endline survey to assess 1.1a. Percent of the capacity index of selected CSOs selected CSOs assessed to assessed for conduct participatory conducting conflict analysis at the 0% 80% 78% 80% N/A N/A N/A 78% 80% 98% participatory baseline. The overall result conflict analysis indicates that seven CSOs whose score did an overall average improved. progress score of 20% compared to the baseline score. This indicator is not concerned by the reported
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 36 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED period; it is archived since the end of base period. 13 CSO were added to the Y3 target due to the high demand from local 1.1b. Number organizations to receive of CSOs training in participatory trained in community analysis. Due to participatory 145 148 45 32 0 30 0% 190 210 90% the impact of COVID-19, community the target was not achieved conflict analysis in the period, The total TO3 IR 3.1 target of Y4 was moved to Y5 Q1. 30 CSOs were added in the option period. Three partners received grants in Y3: CPP – SK, RVI and CPP – NK. SPR worked with 37 grantees, managing 40 grants during the base period, This represents 21% of the 180 CSOs trained during the base period (Numerator 1.1c. 37, denominator 180). The Percentage of project went beyond the CSOs trained 22% 12% 2% 0% N/A N/A N/A 21% 12% 175% 12% targeted for the LOP receiving grants due to the wide geographic TO3 IR 3.1 coverage and the volume of activities to deliver in all the selected zones. This indicator is archived for the option period; the project continues with the monitoring to the base period partners in order to appreciate their performance.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 37 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED In Y3, only one grantee has been trained. 37 grantees received training in the base period out of the 21 planned. The project exceeded the planned targeted partners due to the wide geographic coverage and the volume of activities to deliver in all the selected zones. In the option period, 10 CSOs were planned for the 1.1d. Number training ,the total targeted of CSOs in were achieved in Y4 Q2 of grants and in North and South Kivu financial 36 21 1 0 10 10 100% 47 31 152% provinces, The management performance of this training TO3 IR indicator still higher as the 3.1 number of grantees recruited during the base period was significantly higher than the target and others were added during the option period, The achievements against the target represent 100% and the LOP progress at end of the reported period is 152% against 176% at the end of Y3, due to the option period inclusion. 1.2a. Number This indicator collected of participatory data around the PAR conflict process. All PAR processes 0 4 13 10 0 4 0% 13 19 68% analyses have been completed in Y3 validated with as all the selected conflicts participation of subject to PAR have been
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 38 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED target groups identified and validated by TO3 IR 3.1 targets groups and the processes started in Y2 Q4 in most of the SPR targeted zones. One PAR for Walikale was taken out of the LOP target. For the option year, SPR is planning to conduct 5 more processes that will total 19 LOP target for the 5 years. Due to the impact of COVID-19 the total target of Y4 was not achieved in the period and were moved to Y5 Q1 and Q2. LOP progress is 68% against 98% at end of Y3. In Y3, due to insecurity and political context during the electoral period, the project decided to conduct 5 additional conflict analysis in some target areas (South Kivu) to inform the advocacy efforts at 1.2b. Number provincial level. The target of participatory of the option period is 11 conflict analysis 67 70 5 0 5 11 45% 77 81 95% conflict analyses, that conducted* brings the LOP target to TO3 IR 3.1 81, In Y4, 11 were planned. 5 conflict analyses were conducted in Q4 by ISPDE in South Kivu, Kadutu commune was added as a new project area and 6 were moved in Y5, This adjustment is due to the
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 39 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED delay caused by the impact of COVID-19 during SPR implementation. With the option period, LOP progress is 95% against 103% at end of Y3. All publications and conference presentations on community participatory conflict analyses findings including high level research have 1.3a. Number been completed in this of publications reporting year. During the or conference option period, 6 more presentations publications or conferences produced by are planned for Congolese Congolese researchers; 3 for Y4 and 3 researchers as 0 5 9 4 0 3 0% 9 15 60% for Y5. One will be a result of USG achieved by UCB-UEA and assistance on two by SYNIGL, all in the subject of South Kivu. Due to the conflict impact of COVID-19, the resolution* target was not achieved in TO3 IR 3.1 the period, The total target is planned for Y5 Q1 and Q2. With the option period, LOP progress is 60%, against 100 % at the end of Y3. Two research plans not 1.3b. Number completed in Y2 were of approved postponed and achieved in research plans Y3. With the optional with 4 6 5 3 3 3 100% 12 15 80% period the target was dissemination increased. In the reported plan TO3 IR period three research plans 3.1 were approved and
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 40 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED disseminated as the total of Y4 targets. These research plans are in process by UCB-UEA, focusing on the KBNP Indigenous People conflict (1) and two by SYNIGL on armed group’s activism in South Kivu. With the option period, LOP progress is 80% against 100 % at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 100%. In addition to SYNIGL and GEC ISP receiving STTA in Y2, RVI and 5 individual researchers doing conflict 1.3c. analyses meta-research on Percentage of the 72 conflict analyses, individual received STTA from two researchers university professors and and institutions the SPR project team. In Y4 receiving partners UCB-UEA and short-term 22% 100% 78% 100% 100% 100% 100% 69% 100% 69% SYNIGL received STTA technical support to finalize KBNP assistance research packages and (STTA) to activism of armed groups in develop South Kivu. With the research plans option period, LOP TO3 IR 3.1 progress is 69% against 100% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 100%. 2a. Number of No new groups or new groups or initiatives planned in Y3 as initiatives 105 70 0 0 12 9 75% 114 82 139% the project exceeded the created number of initial targets at through USG the end of Y2. With the
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 41 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED funding, option period, 12 more dedicated to groups are planned to be resolving created, the total of the conflict or the target in Y4. Nine groups drivers of were created in Y4 Q4, 8 conflict* TO3 by ISPDE in Kadutu/South IR 3.2 Kivu and one by AAP in Turunga/North Kivu, Three will be created in Y5 Q1. This adjustment is due to the delay caused by the impact of COVID-19 on SPR activities. With the option period, LOP progress is 139% against 150% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 75%. The target will be more than what is planned because of the rapid response grant in Turunga was not planned initially. This is one of the baseline 2b Percent of indicators. The baseline women and report was completed and members of submitted to USAID for marginalized approval at the end of the groups who Y2. Y3 achievement will be feel their views 0 10% TBD 20% N/A N/A N/A TBD 88% TBD completed after the Endline are reflected in Survey to be conducted in implementing option period. Due to the participatory COVID-19 pandemic, the solutions and midline was postponed to peacebuilding early in Y5 and the endline processes at the end of Y5 Q4. SR 2.1a. No activities contributing Number of 229 138 0 23 30 36 83% 259 197 131% to this indicator were local women planned in Y3 as it
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 42 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED participating in exceeded the targets by a substantive end of Y2. With the option role or period the indicator was position in a increased by 36 more peacebuilding targets. The suspension of process activities due to the impact supported with of COVID-19 is why USG groups were not created in assistance* the new areas (Kadutu and TO3 IR 3.2 KBNP) during the planned period. This had a negative impact on the activities that feed the indicator SR 2.1a., In Y4 Q4, the project facilitated 30 women, two from Turunga and 28 from Kadutu; 6 will be supported in the Y5 Q1, The target will be more than what is planned because the Turunga rapid response grant was not planned initially. With the option period, LOP progress is 131% against 142% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 83%. The number of dialogues planned in Y3 was 2.2a Number exceeded due to many of times opportunities that women women’s and and OMGs received to OMGs 19 43 52 13 5 45 11% 76 128 59% present their security consulting with situation, women and traditional OMGs’ involvement in leaders on local local and national issues governance, and participation issues to
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 43 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED national and international leaders. With the option period, the additional target is 72, which brings the LOP target to 128. In Y4, 45 were planned. 5 consultancies were achieved by FOSI in North Kivu and 40 moved to Y5. The difference of this reported year brings the target to 67 events which will be achieved in Y5 Q1 and Q2. With the option period, LOP progress is 59% against 125% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 11%. The project didn’t implement new radio programs in Y3 as the target was achieved in Y2. Two that were remaining were pulled out due to reduced intervention in 2.3a. Number Walikale. In the option of radio period, 4 more radio programs programs were planned (2 about peace 22 16 0 8 1 2 50% 23 28 82% NK and 2 SK), 2 in Y4. 1 and social radio program was inclusion TO3 developed and diffused on IR 3.2 peace and social inclusion in COVID 19 context through Goma and Masisi local media by ACUDI. The one for South Kivu was moved to Y5 that brings the target to 3 radio
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 44 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED programs in Y5, This is due to the presence of COVID- 19. With the option period, LOP progress is 82% against 92% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 50 %. In Y3, the project decided not to increase the number of women to be trained as the LOP target was exceeded at the end of Y2. In Y4 56 were planned but only 20 were trained in 2.3b. Number transformative leadership of women in Masisi by FOSI, The trained in difference will be achieved 674 360 68 200 20 56 36% 762 616 124% transformative in Y5 Q1. This is due to leadership TO3 the delay to SPR IR 3.2 implementation caused by COVID-19. With the option period, LOP progress is 124% against 133% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of this Y4 is 36%.The option period total target is 56. In Y3, the project decided 2.3c. Number not to increase the number of formal and of formal and traditional traditional leaders to be trained as the leaders LOP target was exceeded completing 339 198 62 110 45 45 100% 446 353 126% at the end of Y2. The transformative project added 45 as a leadership target in the option period training TO3 IR and achieved them in Y4 3.2 Q4 in South Kivu by CARITAS. With the option
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 45 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED period, the LOP progress is 126 % against 130% at end of Y3. The achievement rate of Y4 is 100%. Pending Endline Survey. Due to the impact of 3a: Percent of Covid-19, the midline will community be conducted early in Y5 users reporting and an endline in Y5Q4. 0% 15% TBD 15% NA NA NA TBD 56% TBD improvement The project estimated an in service increase of 5% in service delivery. satisfaction for the option period but the LOP target is 56%. The Walikale Community Development Plan was not elaborated because implementation was reduced in this zone due to accessibility issues. Due to 3b. Number of the impact of Covid-19 the community target was not achieved in development Y4. It will be done in Y5 plans Q1 and Q2, two per integrating quarter. With the option equitable and 8 10 5 4 0 4 0% 13 18 72% period, the added targets locally are 4 community produced development plans, the solutions to LOP target is 18 and the resolve performance for this year is conflict* TO3 0%, The LOP progress is IR 3.2 72% against 93% at the end of Y3. The difference is due to the option period target added but not achieved, which pulled down the final achievements.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 46 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED Most linkages activities happened in Y3 Q2 and Q3. Linkages of VSLA groups with private sector actors were delayed due to establishment of livelihood structures in Y1 and Y2.In Y4 the project facilitated 8 linkages between VSLA and private sectors; these 3.1.a. Number linkages were achieved by of linkages to ACUDI in Masisi, against 32 direct planned in the reported livelihood 1 45 63 25 8 32 25% 72 126 57% year. This poor result is projects and due to the impact of resources TO3 COVID-19. The LOP IR 3.2 target is 126 and the performance for this year is 25%; the LOP progress is 57% against 91% at the end of Y3. The difference is due to the option period target added but not fully achieved, which pulled down the final achievements rate. In Y3, only a few trainings 3.1b. Number were organized due to the of women and LOP targets being members of exceeded in Y2. The marginalized number of women & groups in OMGs in training that 1241 540 60 300 180 450 40% 1481 1740 85% foundational facilitate livelihood training that increased due to high facilitates demand from the field and livelihood TO3 the large geographic IR 3.2 coverage of Walungu and Masisi territories. Due to
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 47 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED the consequences of COVID-19, the project achieved little training: only 180 women & OMGs in Y4 were trained in livelihoods topics on 450 planned, by CAU and ACUDI in Masisi, and the difference was moved to Y5. The LOP target is 1,740 and the performance for this year is 40%. The LOP progress is 85% against 155% at the end of the base period. The difference is due to the optional period target added but not fully achieved, which pulled down the final achievements rate. This indicator was achieved in the base period. In the option period 37 users committees were added on the target, which increased 3.2a. Number the LOP target to 79. Due of user to the impact of COVID-19 committees the total target was not established and achieved in the reported 21 27 23 15 5 24 21% 49 79 62% receiving period. Only 5 were capacity achieved in Q4 by ACUDI building TO3 in Goma and Masisi. The IR 3.2 trainings were focused on governance, communication and advocacy, and 32 were moved to Y5 Q1 and Q2. The performance for this
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 48 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED year is 21%, the LOP progress is 79% against 105% at the end of the base period, The difference is due to the option period target added but not totally achieved, which reduced the final achievements rate. 3.2b. Number Archived indicator due to of user the feedback received from committee MECC that each IR cannot grants TO3 IR exceed 3 indicators. 3.2 The number of service providers was underestimated at the beginning of the activities. The large geographic size of Walungu and Masisi territories increased the number of the participants. With the optional period 3.2c. Number the LOP target was of service increased to 304. Due to providers the impact of COVID-19, receiving 166 108 186 60 15 80 19% 367 304 121% the target was not totally capacity achieved in the reported building TO3 period; only 15 were IR 3.2 achieved by ACUDI in Masisi and Goma for Y4 on the topics of governance, communication and advocacy. 65 were moved to Y5 Q1 and Q2. The performance for this year is 19% and the LOP progress is 121% against 210% at the end of the base period.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 49 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED This is due to the option period target added but not fully achieved, which reduced the final achievements rate. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the total annual target was not achieved in the reported period, 3.2d. ACUDI and CAU evaluated Percentage of this in the 10 user user committees established, committee revitalized and trained (38 members that participants, 40% women 41% 40% 32% 40% 40% 40% 40% 28% 40% 71% are women and for ACUDI and 41 members of participants, 46% women, marginalized for CAU) and the other groups TO3 IR partners will assess it in Y5 3.2 Q1 and Q2. The performance for Y4 is 40%, while the LOP progress is 71% against 93% at the end of the base period. The project was obliged to conduct more dialogue processes than planned due to the results of community needs and local 3.3a. Number context to organize more of community discussion on service local 13 27 49 23 3 18 17% 65 83 78% quality improvement government between local authorities dialogues TO3 and communities, in order IT 3.2 to prevent increased emerging conflicts. The LOP target was increased by the option period target. The actual LOP
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 50 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED target is 83 community local dialogues. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the reported period target was not fully achieved; only 3 dialogues were conducted by ACUDI in Masisi and 15 were moved to Y5. The performance for this year is 17%, and the LOP progress is 78% against 124 % at the end of the base period. The number of social cohesion activities increased due the urgent need to conduct more events which bring together communities and local authorities during the electoral period to prevent conflicts and escalation of 3.3b. Number tensions and violence in of grants targeted areas. With the supporting option period, 6O events (confidence on peace were added that 26 46 60 28 13 40 33% 99 134 99% building and brought the LOP target to peace 134. In the reported year promotion 40 were planned but due TO3 IR 3.2 to the impact of COVID-19 the total target was not achieved, Only 13 peace events were organized in Y4, one as an SPR direct activity (Amani Festival in North Kivu), one event by CAU, and 11 by Centre Olame. 27 were moved t Y5 Q1 and Q2. All the
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 51 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 4 YEARS Y4 Y1 + Y2 Y1 + Y2 Y3 Y3 Y4 Y4 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PROGRESS ACTUAL TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED events have targeted the COVID-19 crisis. The performance for Y4 is 33%, and the LOP progress is 74% against 115 % at the end of the base period. With the option period, the project proposed this new indicator to monitor and measure results and 3.3.c Number impact on the ground. The of SPR's contributions to this Stakeholders indicator come on a indirect social quarterly and annually basis cohesion and from existing peace 20 20 100% 20 40 50% peace building structures and partners. 20 community events were planned in Y4; events held as these were achieved in Q3 a result of SPR and Q4, 11 conflicts by impact North Kivu partners and 9 conflicts by South Kivu partners. The performance for this year is 100% and the LOP progress is 50%.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 52 ANNEX 2: PROGRESS AGAINST YEAR 4 APPROVED WORK PLAN
PROGRESS AGAINST YEAR 4 WORK PLAN TARGET IR ACTIVITY STATUS COMMENTS QUARTER OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE: COORDINATION AND CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES In South Kivu, the commune of Kadutu was added based on the principle of conflict sensitivity. Indeed, two out of three communes were affected during the base period and Kadutu has Targeted zones for the quarterly year identified: repeatedly expressed the need to Two zones are added to the space covered during FULLY OP. 1.1 Q1 benefit from project activities. The the base period: Kadutu and 4 groupings ACHIEVED surroundings of the KBNP is an area surrounding the KBNP that is of high interest to the project's theme with the traditional conflict between the park and the pygmies and a multitude of actors and factors that fuel the conflict. 9 community-based implementing partners and a research partner on conflict dynamics in KBNP were selected and proposed their projects, which have been approved and are being implemented to date. In addition to these 9 partners, CPP-SK was approved for a project to advocate for the FULLY OP.1.2 Partner Selection Q1 eradication of COVID-19 in South Kivu ACHIEVED Province and SYNIGL was approved to update the research on conflict dynamics in Walungu and Kalehe. The latter two are also being implemented. It should be noted that the first batch of 9 partners approved since March did not begin field implementation until July because of the COVID-19 context. Induction of implementing partners of activities in FULLY Organized two separate sessions in the OP. 1.2 Q2 North and South Kivu on administrative, financial ACHIEVED two provinces, the induction of partners
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 53 aspects and on cross-cutting themes: conflict brought together the management and sensitivity and gender technical teams of the 6 partners from South Kivu and the 4 from North Kivu for a 4-day session in each province to strengthen their capacities on contract management, project management, and technical implementation and contribution of their activities to the indicators of the project to the overall Results Framework. There were also sessions on sensitivity and gender, cross- cutting themes meant to guide the implementation of the activities. An operational plan with the partners' activities was produced to facilitate the implementation of activities and close monitoring of the partners' activities with an emphasis on their contributions to the various indicators of the Project's MELP. The quarterly planning meeting Operational planning and team building was an opportunity to evaluate what 1. Development of terms of reference worked and what did not work by FULLY reviewing communication, the dynamics OP. 1.3 2. Share terms of reference with all staff, request Q2 feedback ACHIEVED and the overall culture of the team. It was an opportunity for the team to 3. Identify themes and facilitators define new strategies based on the lessons of the past 3 years to make the team more functional, collaborative and committed to meet the challenge of the two-year option period. These are organized on a rotating basis across the two provinces, and the activity took place in South Kivu. Introduce USAID's SPR project to statutory and Workshops to introduce the project to traditional authorities and communities in targeted the new zones were planned, but the new groupements COVID-19 context did not allow the FULLY OP.1.4 1. Contact authorities before going to target zone Q4 project to be carried out in this format. ACHIEVED 2. Preliminary meetings with authorities Objective 1 presented the project in Workshop introducing the project in which Kadutu with the partner ISPDE and plans USAID’s SPR video is shown to do the same in the four clusters
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 54 surrounding KBNP with the partner CDJP in Y5 Q1. Participation in the celebration of International Peace Day and other advocacy events 1. Identify all possible relevant international days 2. Develop a calendar of planned activities FULLY OP.1.8 3. Identify which organizations or committees Q2, Q4 wish to organize these days ACHIEVED 4. Analyze which partners have already put this in their proposal 5. Follow all activities Quarterly Steering Committee meetings 1. Develop agenda for the meeting FULLY OP.1.13 2. Coordinate a meeting date Q1-Q4 ACHIEVED 3. Share agenda with all attendees Produce minutes with key action points OBJECTIVE 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY AND ACCEPT SOLUTIONS TO SPECIFIC DRIVERS OF CONFLICT SR 1.1: Strengthened capacity of local organizations to conduct conflict analysis and research Structures have been set up at the neighborhood level (7 peace nuclei) and Establish or revitalize the representative at the commune level (1 LPDC). In committees that facilitate community social Kadutu the structures already existed. cohesion and conflicts resolution The partner has proceeded with 1. Determine pre-existence of peace and revitalization to introduce the notion of development committees MOSTLY peace and conflict resolution to 0.1.1 2. Work with pre-existing committees to ensure Q4 introduce women & OMGs into the strong female and OMG representation ACHIEVED structures. At the commune level the 3. Solicit interest in new committees where structure changed its name from Comité needed with attention to gender/OMG Communal de Développement (CCD) representation to Comité Communal de Paix et de Hold elections and validate choices Développement (CCPD). In the KBNP zone, the structures will be put in place during Y5 Q1. Conduct community participatory conflicts analysis In the commune of Kadutu, 15 conflicts 1. Facilitate identification and prioritization of PARTIALLY were identified and out of these 15 1.1.3 conflicts Q4 conflicts 6 were chosen as priorities 2. Facilitate conflict analyses around using ACHIEVED that, once resolved, can mitigate or participatory processes eliminate other small conflicts. Of these
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 55 Report-back and community validation of different 6 conflicts, 5 have been analyzed by the analyses community and one will be resolved through the PAR approach. The same exercise will be done in the 4 groups surrounding the KBNP. SR 1.2: Inclusive stakeholder participation in conflict analysis and identification of solutions is improved Conduct PAR 1. Facilitate the validation of prioritized conflict subjects to PAR process. PARs were planned (1 in Kibabi, 1 in PARTIALLY A.1.2.1 2. Facilitate community PAR processes. Q1 – Q4 Lurhala and 1 in Kadutu). All three have ACHIEVED 3. Disseminate the community PAR findings. started and will end in Y5 Q1. 4. Collaborate with Objective 3 to integrate PAR findings into the community development plan. TARGET IR ACTIVITY STATUS COMMENTS QUARTER The process started during the last quarter of Y4 and is the result of the Support the reaching of agreements on conflict- presentation and validation of the related matters through dialogue facilitation. products of the conflict analyses that are 1. Based on PAR findings and consensual plans, being carried out in Kadutu with the identify solutions that need dialogue process. support of partner ISPDE. The PAR PARTIALLY A.1.2.2 2. Identify community dialogue facilitators among Q3 – Q4 process started during Q3 in most of ACHIEVED partners or external consultants. the areas targeted by SPR. This activity 3. Identify key actors in dialogue process. comes from the presentation and 4. Support dialogue process and agreements. validation of the Community PAR 5. Produce a report. analysis that will take place during Y5 Q2-Q3 in most of the target groups. The activity will be achieved in Y5. An activity of the COVID-19 response plan. Partner CDJP supported 50 Supporting women and OMGs in livelihood PARTIALLY WOMG trained in sewing during the Q4 activities to produce protective masks ACHIEVED base period in the production of 15,000 masks that will be distributed to WOMGs in all project areas. The structures identified community Monitoring community tensions associated with the FULLY tensions and conflicts due to the impact of COVID-19 and identifying response Q4 ACHIEVED COVID-19 context and analyzed them mechanisms through participatory analysis to guide the search for solutions. This
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 56 activity was carried out on a monthly basis during the three months of Y4 Q4. SR 1.3 Congolese researchers conduct context-specific conflict research Technical guidance to local researchers included the finalization of six meta- research reports carried out through STTA consultants. Two research partners (SYNIGL and UCB-UEA) began Support the validation, publication and PARTIALLY activities in Year 4 Q1 and their work A.1.3.2 Q1 – Q4 dissemination of high-level research products ACHIEVED will continue into Year 5 Q1. The project team with the support of research STTA will continue to support the review and validation of articles and the first publications (articles) are expected in Year 5 Q2. TARGET IR ACTIVITY STATUS COMMENTS QUARTER Nine conflict assessments were completed (six by Congolese researchers, one by Study Group on Support the validation, publication, and dissemination FULLY Conflict and Human Security (GEC-SH) A.1.3.2 Q2 – Q4 of high-level research products. ACHIEVED ISP, and two by RVI). In addition to the six studies mentioned, RVI published 10 small blogs on security in Goma and Bukavu. OBJECTIVE 2: PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS ARE IMPLEMENTED SR 2.1: Women and OMGs empowered Strengthening women/OMG leaders’ capacity in The partner FOSI coached women & transformative leadership to play a role in decision OMGs to practice transformational making to implement solutions for mitigating leadership through regular coaching on conflict. Train selected groups on specific themes various topics such as civil marriage and regarding inclusion, participation, and others. its importance in marital life, early and 1. Organize experiential learning activities to MOSTLY forced marriage, participatory A.2.1.1. Q1 – Q4 provide opportunities to apply learning. ACHIEVED governance, SGBV, leadership, women's 2. Organize coaching sessions between more rights, inheritance and women's established leaders and emerging ones. inclusion, how to conduct advocacy and 3. Organize periodic leadership forums among prevention of COVID-19 through the women, including from the previous USAID respect of barrier measures. It also project. trained 20 new women & OMGs in
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 57 Link DRC women and OMG network to national, Kibabi and set up 8 new leadership and regional, and international resources. mentoring clubs in Kibabi. It supported 32 leadership and mentoring clubs for 3 months with office supplies and materials for their effective functioning. FOSI also trained 31 women & OMGs on the COVID-19 pandemic and organized 4 briefing sessions for members of the steering committees of 31 leadership and mentoring clubs on the COVID-19 activities integrated in the project so that they understand how to collect data on the negative impact of COVID-19. 3 networking meetings of leadership and mentoring clubs were organized in NK. Support women and OMG participation in decision- making bodies through advocacy and capacity building. FOSI accompanied WOMG in 5 1. Link women leaders and OMG meetings with local authorities to representatives to decision-making exchange on the challenges of structures through regular meetings and MOSTLY participation and inclusion of the A.2.1.2 dialogues. Q1 – Q4 ACHIEVED WOMG and the search for peace in 2. Organize advocacy initiatives their communities, in order to targeting government encourage authorities to put into institutions on women’s and practice the recommendations made. OMGs' meaningful participation in decision- making bodies. SR 2.2 Inclusion increased in traditional and formal governance structures and processes Promoting local participatory governance 1. Train local and traditional authorities on Caritas trained 45 authorities on participatory governance and transformative participatory governance and leadership FULLY A.2.2.1 Q1 – Q4 transformative leadership in Kabare, 2. Build into the work of peace and development ACHIEVED KBNP, and Kadutu Q4, all new zones of committees’ sustainable mechanisms that link the project. women/OMGs to local authorities and higher- level structures and other influential actors SR 2.3 Inclusive community norms and attitudes promoted
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 58 Transforming social norms, attitudes and barriers that constraint the participation of women/OMGs in decision-making processes/Rapid assessment of prevailing norms and attitudes regarding the participation of women/OMGs in decision-making FOSI produced 12 broadcasts in Goma processes and Masisi, posted 96 billboards with 1. Support community mobilization that promotes awareness messages, and broadcast 3 positive promotion and transformation of social educational messages, 2 per day for 1 norms and attitudes month on 1 radio station in Goma and 1 2. Support community mobilization that in Masisi. FOSI conducted 152 promotes positive promotion and community public awareness sessions in transformation of social norms and attitudes neighborhoods and localities, organized through approaches like SASA! and Men MOSTLY 3 meetings to analyze rumors and A.2.2.2 Engage to build upon/expand sustainable Q1 – Q4 ACHIEVED different perceptions about COVID-19 methods. to propose topics to be discussed in the 3. Facilitate programs and serve as the object of dialogue/negotiations community awareness in the between women and OMGs neighborhoods and localities. and members of the Approximately 500 data collection government/parliament on sheets on COVID-19 at the community gender equality. level were entered into the COVID-19 4. Support community collective and individual M&E tracker for a period of 4 months. actions against social inequalities. 5. Disseminate broadcasts of radio platforms through which women/OMGs can air programming in which the public is engaged and sensitized to inclusion. OBJECTIVE 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT ARE MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED SR 3.1: Linkages to livelihood activities and resources increased The SPR team and its partners provided technical support to VSLA groups Improve women and OMGs' capacity on livelihood through trainings in North and South development Kivu. AIBEF and Centre OLAME-TGD 1. Partners train women and OMGs on PARTIALLY benefited from capacity building on A.3.1.1 livelihood methodologies. Q1 – Q4 ACHIEVED EA$E I and II. 2. Identify women and OMGs supported with
technical assistance and kits to develop Partners AIBEF, ACUDI and CAU livelihoods. trained 180 women and other marginalized groups on the EA$E I, II &
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 59 III approach in North Kivu in Mup'funyi / Shanga de Bweremana, Biiri and Kadutu / South Kivu. Private sector engaged in support of resource mobilization. 1 forum for sustainable connection 1. Finalize mapping private sector activity in carried out in North Kivu by ACUDI target zones. between livelihood structures and 2. Orient communities around corporate investors from the private or public social responsibility and accountability. sector facilitated the signing of 8 3. Support communities to develop "win-win" engagement acts. strategies to attract private sector support. PARTIALLY A.3.1.2 Q1 – Q4 4. Engage private sector by organizing regular ACHIEVED These meeting minutes were signed forums between communities and private between private investors, farmers' sector. organizations, livelihood groups, local 5. Collaborate with private sector to make authorities and the livelihood structures small grants, as appropriate, for set up in order to mobilize more community livelihood projects and resources for sustainability. support the implementation of CDPs' participatory solutions. SR 3.2: Equitable community participation in basic services provision is increased Improve community development planning on service provision and integrating equitable and locally produced solutions to resolve conflict. 1. Support communities/local authorities and CSOs to map and prioritize services NOT A.3.2.1 based upon communities’ expressed need Q1 – Q4 ACHIEVED as source of conflicts. 2. Facilitate the elaboration of CDPs on conflict mitigation and take into consideration service provision needs as source of conflicts. 3. Support CDP dissemination. Partners CAU and ACUDI have Improve efficacy of service provision on the demand reinvigorated 5 user committees in their side. respective areas of intervention in North 1. Provide refresher trainings to user PARTIALLY Kivu in the Biiri, M/Shanga and M/Kibabi A.3.2.2 committees on legal framework on Q1 – Q4 ACHIEVED groupements. CAU and ACUDI have service provision and quality issues. strengthened the capacities of these 2. Support user committees to advocate for members on preventive measures and improvement of services. barrier actions on COVID-19. ACUDI
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 60 3. Support user committee members to also trained in Biiri and Goma on engage in dialogue platforms with service communication & advocacy and on the providers. principles of good governance.
3 community dialogues were carried out in North Kivu by ACUDI with local and/or sectoral authorities that resulted in a positive commitment to peacebuilding in the Biiri groupement, including 1 in education, 1 in the health sector and 1 in the WASH sector. Improve efficacy of service provision on the supply side. 1. Provide refresher trainings to service providers on legal framework on 15 service providers including 7 in service provision and quality education (Muhondo: 1 woman and 6 standards. men) and 8 persons in health ( Loashi: 3 PARTIALLY A.3.2.3 2. Support service providers to Q1 – Q4 women and 5 men) trained on ACHIEVED implement service improvement governance, advocacy and provision plans and quality communication in Biiri by partner monitoring systems. ACUDI. 3. Support service providers to establish participatory dialogue mechanisms with users. SR 3.3: Participation in confidence building and peace promotion increased Support local peace and social cohesion initiatives that promote confidence building between Partner Centre Olame & TGD carried communities and government service providers. out 10 participatory theater social 1. Cohesion drivers in planning and design cohesion events and 1 peace caravan on committees supported to set an event calendar specific themes related to the conflicts and plan cohesion events. identified during the PAR activity in the PARTIALLY A.3.3.1 2. Support cohesion drivers to mobilize resource Q3 – Q4 KBNP riparian zone and are at the root ACHIEVED support for cohesion events from SPR, the of the conflicts/problems against women private sector, and other sources. and OMGs due to lack of social 3. Collaborate with private sector in target zones cohesion. 2 other events were held in to support grant making for social cohesion North Kivu by CAU and a SPR direct events. activity. 4. Cohesion events are organized.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 61 ANNEX 3: SUCCESS STORIES
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USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 62 Mr.Tumusifu watering his fenced field with sweet potatoes. (photo courtesy of SPR grantee AAP)
THE SPR PROJECT ALONGSIDE COMMUNITIES IN CONFLICT The story of Tumusifu Zimarimbeho shows how pastoralists and farmers can coexist in peace in North Kivu.
Tumusifu Zimarimbeho is a 43-year-old man living in the Mushwa locality of Bahunde, North Kivu. He maintains a two-hectare field that he inherited from his parents and uses for potato cultivation. For nearly six years, Tumusifu’s neighbor, a large cattle farmer, had left his herd to ramble and routinely destroyed Tumusifu’s crop, stirring conflict between Tumusifu and his neighbor. He says, "The first time my crops were destroyed by my neighbor's cows I went to talk to him three times in a row, but we had no compromise. I went to the nearby agronomists and police to plead my case but I never won, and I was a victim of attacks that I believe were as a result of this conflict.”
In 2020, a member of the LPDC set up by AAP and the SPR project informed him of the project’s work, and, with the LPDC’s support, Tumusifu convened a meeting between the village herders and farmers. As a result of this meeting, all the herders in the area committed to securing their livestock, a commitment which was also honored by Tumusifu’s neighbor, who placed barbed wire and also dug gullies around the border of his land.
Tumusifu now testifies to spending quiet nights knowing that his neighbor's cows will no longer destroy any crops or sections of his field.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 63 Florence after the mediation session (Photo courtesy of SPR grantee AAP).
PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT GROUPS ADVOCATE FOR WIDOW’S RIGHTS A widow and mother of four children regains her inheritance with the support of LPDCs.
Florence Nvunabandi was living a difficult life before she came into contact with her local peace and development committee (LPDC) in the Lutingita village within Mupfuni Kibabi groupement of North Kivu.
The 35-year-old woman who suddenly lost her husband in March 2017 was left alone with three children. She soon became pregnant by another man and as a result of this, her late husband’s family chose to seize all the property she had inherited from her husband, leaving her struggling to provide for her children.
After getting in touch with her local LPDC, which is supported by the local NGO AAP and funded by the SPR project, her in-laws were invited for a mediation session. The groupement’s civil society officer explained the legal procedures for inheritances after the death of a spouse. Once this was clarified, Florence and her late husband's family reached a compromise to support Florence and her children’s welfare.
Many of Florence’s possessions have been returned to her, and her in-laws are helping with the care of her children. She says she is comfortable at heart and promises to live peacefully with her in-laws, while thanking the SPR project and USAID.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 64 Kabonsho Maheshe posing in his field. (Photo courtesy of SPR grantee AAP).
ETHNIC CONFLICT TENSIONS ARE REDUCED THANKS TO SPR Kabonsho Maheshe, 54, living in the Kaloba village within the Masisi territory of North Kivu, is a family man whose livelihood is agriculture.
Since 1993, tribal wars have rattled Masisi, forcing Kabonsho to flee his village and abandon his field and other properties. 17 years after his exile, Kabonsho returned to his village and found that his field had been seized and used by another individual belonging to his rival tribe.
He testifies: "I unsuccessfully tried to take back ownership of my field by calling my neighbors and respected community members, who were all aware that the field belonged to me. I even appealed to other authorities including the groupement’s agronomist and the public prosecutor's office in Goma. They are still deliberating and I am faced with many challenges, as I have limited means to take legal action and due to the distance, I cannot go to Goma frequently.
It is in this state of despair that I was recently informed of the LPDC supported by the SPR project. I told them about my predicament, and after two field visits, they also met with the individual who had seized my land. At the end of a mediation session, the individual acknowledged that the field belonged to me, and we jointly signed a compromise so that I can now reap the benefits of my field. I am deeply grateful to USAID, who funded this project; not forgetting the members of the LPDC who managed to resolve this conflict for us after the vain attempts initiated at the judicial authorities’ level.”
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 65 Antoinette Fikiri (Photo courtesy of SPR grantee Caritas).
MEMBERSHIP IN MENTORING GROUPS LETS WOMEN RECLAIM CONFIDENCE After her husband abandoned her, Antoinette Fikiri, 42, didn’t feel accepted by her community and lacked self-confidence.
Antoinette is a 42-year-old small businesswoman who worked to support her husband and care for their family in Bwimika, Bugorhe groupement, Kabare territory. For undisclosed reasons, her husband abandoned her and their two children. This made her feel isolated in her community and unable to continue her business activities. Her situation became worse when she was kidnapped and held for three days by the dangerous armed group Interhamwe. Antoinette recounts how this incident caused her to be seen as worthless and undignified in the eyes of her community.
It is in this context that Caritas, through the USAID SPR project, encouraged her to join mentoring and leadership groups meant to promote women and OMG’ self-reliance through various trainings. Antoinette benefitted from these trainings, which helped her realize that she is important in her community regardless of her situation. Antoinette’s growing self-confidence allowed her to resume some of the commercial activities that she had done before misfortune had befallen her. “They’ve observed that I’ve changed so much that sometimes, women come to me to ask for advice. I have faith that by the end of the program, I will have perfected my leadership skills and other opportunities in life will open themselves to me,” she exclaims confidently.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 66 ANNEX 4: PARTNER ACTIVITY REPORTS
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USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 67 PARTNER NAME: Caritas Developpement Bukavu Project to support the empowerment of PHOTOS: women and OMGs for inclusion and GRANT TITLE: social cohesion in the communities of Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, Bukavu, and KBNP in South Kivu. CONTRIBUTES Objective: 2 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 2.2a; 2.3b; 2.3.c; 2.a. & INDICATORS: Territory: Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, Bukavu and around KBNP Groupements : Ishungu, Lugendo, TARGET AREA: Lurhala, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Bagira, Kadutu, Miti, Bugorhe, Cirunga, Irambi-Katana TOTAL Amount: $98,478.73 AMOUNT AND Panels placed in the Bugorhe Disbursed: 50% % DISBURSED: groupement to spread awareness PERIOD OF and information about COVID-19 March 14 - October 25 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project focuses on women’s and GRANT other marginalized groups’ SUMMARY: empowerment in the pursuit of peace in the target areas. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 29 commissions set up within CMLs and CLOCs to collect information on COVID-19’s impact. • 15 orientation sessions held for commission members on COVID-19 data collection and tools; • 6 CSO and CBO mapping workshops organized (3 in Kadutu and 3 around KBNP). • 4 CMLs set up, including 1 LMCs in Kadutu and 3 LMCs in the zones around KBNP. • 4 ROI developed for 4 new LMCs. • 80 individual development plans for the GMEFs of the new CMLs elaborated • 12 mentoring sessions organized in 4 new CMLs to increase women & OMGs’ technical skills. IMPACT: Awareness of the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic in communities, commitment to strict compliance with preventive measures, commitment of women leaders in the KBNP zones to accompany other women and OMGs in their empowerment, their participation in the peace process and social cohesion and raising their awareness in building community peace. PROUDEST MOMENT: The most inspiring moment was when the participants understood that this project is about women and OMGs, long ignored by other organizations and projects implementing in their communities. LESSONS LEARNED: Sensitization on COVID-19 with members of LMCs and CLOCs has changed the perception of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is interpreted differently within LMCs depending on whether one is in the city of Bukavu or in the territories, and CML members have made a commitment to raise awareness in their communities. The mentoring approach, which highlights the commitment, availability and specific needs of CMLs, makes it possible to involve women and LMCs in the peace process and social cohesion.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 68 PARTNER NAME: : Forum SIDA (FOSI) PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: Sote kwa Amani (“All for the Peace”)
CONTRIBUTES Objective: 2 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 2.2a, 2.3a; 2.3c & INDICATORS: Territory: Masisi TARGET AREA: Groupements: Kibabi, Biiri, Mupfunyi- Shanga. Goma, Karisimbi TOTAL Amount: $60,867.00 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 60% % DISBURSED:
PERIOD OF March 10- October 25, 2020 Capacity building of women & PERFORMANCE: OMGs in Goma on the COVID-19 This project builds the capacity of pandemic and its impact/effects on women & OMGs and local authorities GRANT social cohesion, cultural relations to ensure participation and inclusion in SUMMARY: research and peacebuilding and reduces and peace. COVID-19’s effects on social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 1 training on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact/effects on social cohesion, cultural relations and peace for 31 women & OMGs in Biiri, Goma, Kibabi and Mup'funi Shanga in North Kivu. • 1 transformational leadership, advocacy and communication training for 20 women & OMGs. • 4 briefing sessions on COVID-19 effects organized in target areas for 155 women & OMGs. • 141 coaching sessions in transformational leadership for 420 women & OMGs in 32 LMCs. • 3 networking meetings of 28 CMLs in Mup'funi Shanga, Kibabi and Biiri to push them to work together to have more results and impact in the exercise of their leadership. • 4 meetings with authorities to discuss challenges to women & OMGs’ participation and inclusion. • 12 radio programs produced by Radio RTCT and broadcast in Goma and Masisi. The CMLs have formed 62 listening clubs that have been equipped with 62 receivers to follow the programs. • 3 meetings to analyze rumors, perceptions, information, concerns and data on COVID-19. • 3 educational messages produced to sensitize the population about the impact of COVID-19 on social cohesion and peace, broadcasted twice daily for 1 month in Goma and Masisi. IMPACT: Women & OMGs are aware of COVID-19’s existence and are active against it despite the rumors surrounding it. CML networking has revitalized CMLs, who are now developing self-financing strategies for sustainability. Meetings with authorities are an aspiration even beyond the project. The emissions produced reinforce knowledge of COVID-19 and commitments to raise awareness. PROUDEST MOMENT: Mup'funi Shanga’s CML network is more dynamic and active thanks to activities organized for them. Illiterate women & OMGs regularly send data on rumors and concerns about COVID-19. LESSONS LEARNED: Adapting to the prevailing context of the moment is important and allows for implementation in the field in order to achieve the objectives of the activities. Teleworking saved the situation. Regular individual orientation sessions, even if by telephone, are just as effective as face-to-face sessions because each person has his or her own capacity to adapt differently from the others.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 69 PARTNER NAME: : Collectif Alpha Ujuvi (CAU) Support to community participation for PHOTOS: social cohesion and inclusion of women GRANT TITLE: and OMGs in developing livelihoods through the ASP/AKM program in the groupement M/Kibabi CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3b; 3.1a; 3.1b; 3.2c; 3.2d; 3.3a; & INDICATORS: 3.3b Territory: Masisi TARGET AREA: Groupement: M/Kibabi and M/Shanga
TOTAL Amount: $54,453.63 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 55% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 6th, 2020 – October 20th, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to strengthen and improve social cohesion and lasting GRANT peace through equitable access to SUMMARY: resources and livelihood within the Kibabi and Muvunyi Shanga groupements Training of women on EA$E in of Masisi Territory in North Kivu. Bweremana RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 5 user committees trained on COVID-19 preventive measures: 18 people in Mup'funyi Shanga/Bweremana – 7 in education (EP Bishange); 1 group leader & 10 health committee members (CS Rutoboko); 29 people in Mup'funyi Kibabi – 7 in education (EP Nyakajanga); 1 group leader; 10 in health (CSR Kibabi), and 11 in WASH (Mululu village). • 40 women & OMGs trained in livelihoods using the EA$E I & II approach, including 20 people in Mup'funyi Shanga/Bweremana and 20 people in Mup'funyi Kibabi/Bihambwe. • 150 people (8 VSLA structures) in Mup'funyi Kibabi (120 women and 30 men) and 3 community structures including 1 COPA of EP Bishange, CODESA of CS Rutobogo and LPDC from Mupfunyi Shanga were sensitized on COVID-19 preventative measures with 50 hygiene kits distributed. • 5 user committees revitalized: 2 in the education sector (EP Nyakajanga, EP Shanga), 2 in the health sector (CSR Kibabi and CS Lutoboko) & 1 in WASH (M-Kibabi). IMPACT: Livelihood activities (VSLAs) established social cohesion for Hutu, Hunde, Tutsi, Twah & Tembo communities and behavioral change is observed through women's participation in decision-making on the direction of household spending. There is also an increase in assets within households through the acquisition of credits for the development of income-generating activities in M-Kibabi and M-Shanga. PROUDEST MOMENT: Communities testify to the major interest observed during the EA$E training as women become a hub in WASH member households. LESSONS LEARNED: Rapid behavior change of members of the target communities based on informed women who improve the situation of their households through the development of livelihood activities.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 70 PARTNER NAME: Actions des Chrétiens Unis pour le Développement Intégral (ACUDI) Acting together for peace and community PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: recovery in the North Kivu province
CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3.1a; 3.1b; 3.2c; 3.2a; 3.3a; 3.3c Supervision of community mediation & INDICATORS: activities held by community peace Territory: Masisi TARGET AREA: structures. Groupement: Biiri, Goma, Karisimbi TOTAL Amount: $44.494.75 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 55% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 6, 2020 – October 15, 2020 PERFORMANCE: This project contributes to supervising and monitoring community peace structures/activities in the community GRANT mediation process and in prevention of SUMMARY: COVID-19, as well as the evaluation of its impact on the socioeconomic living conditions of communities in Biiri. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 58 hygiene kits distributed to community structures (youth clubs, women's clubs, mentoring clubs, peace hubs, VSLAs, CPDGs, etc.) exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic. • 15 service providers: 8 in Education from Ep Muhondo (3 women, 5 men) and 7 in Health from CS Loashi (1 woman, 6 men) trained on governance, advocacy and communication in Biiri. • 5 user committees’ capacities built on governance, advocacy and communication: 3 in education, 1 in health, and 1 in WASH. • 3 dialogues organized between the management committees and the local and sectoral authorities to consolidate peace in Biiri on the mechanization of service providers in education and health, as well as access to drinking water in WASH/TUNDA. • 8 acts of engagement established between livelihood structures and the public and private sectors. • 50 women & OMGs empowered on the EA$E approach in Biiri. • 7 community peace structures (5 peace nodes, 1 LPDC and 1 peace commitment monitoring committee in BIIRI) supported in community mediation processes and COVID-19 prevention. • Conflict analysis conducted and led by the local communities of Biiri, IMPACT: Increased COVID-19 awareness and compliance with preventative measures by the target population. Land and power conflicts are conducted and resolved peacefully within community peace structures alongside the active participation of women in the local peace process and substance improvement. PROUDEST MOMENT: Evidence of men's interest in supporting women as partners in decision-making on livelihood development issues within households through training on the EA$E approach. LESSONS LEARNED: Ownership of the connection activity by private sector investors in Biiri made a direct impact on the groupement leaders as a result of the understanding of the importance of peace, inclusion of women, and social cohesion in the community brought together by the livelihood structure.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 71 PARTNER NAME: : Centre Olame & Tous pour le Genre et le Développement (TGD) Promotion and consolidation of peace in PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: the riparian zone of KBNP in Kalehe and Kabare Territory in South Kivu CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3b, 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2c, 3.2d, 3.3a, & INDICATORS: 3.3b Territory : Kalehe and Kabare territory TARGET AREA: in South Kivu / DR Congo. Groupements : Miti and Bugorhe TOTAL Amount : $63,365.50 Theater rehearsal session at Miti AMOUNT AND Disbursed : 60% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 14, 2020 – October 25, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to strengthen and improve social cohesion and lasting GRANT peace through equitable access to SUMMARY: resources and livelihood in the riparian zone of Kahuzi Biéga National Park and Focus group on the PAR evaluation in in Kalehe and Kabare in South Kivu. Nyamakana RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 1 PRA carried out in the new peripheral zone of KBNP and a mapping of the area’s problems. • 10 participatory theaters to sensitize community members on the abandonment of discriminatory practices that are at the root of lacking social cohesion and conflicts against women & OMGs. • sensitization carried out for 270 women & OMGs on peace and COVID-19 preventative measures through local media broadcasting of 24 advertising spots & 6 theaters/comedies and a motorized caravan to distribute hygiene kits. • 2 contacts and awareness meetings held with the leaders of Miti and Bugorhe to discuss activities to be done in their area and raise awareness of the project's implementation. IMPACT: Sensitized VSLA members have adhered to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by scrupulously respecting preventative measures during weekly meetings. PROUDEST MOMENT: Some community members testified that the participatory theaters helped to sensitize them on the abandonment of inappropriate practices that cause conflict in society and hinder social cohesion. LESSONS LEARNED: The more local authorities and leaders are involved in the implementation activities, the more they take ownership of the project.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 72 PARTNER NAME: Appui aux Initiatives de Bien-Etre Familial (AIBEF) Peace for Development in Walungu PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: Territory and Bukavu City in South Kivu, DR Congo CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3b, 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2c, 3.2d, 3.3a,
& INDICATORS: 3.3b; Territory: Walungu, Bukavu TARGET AREA: Groupements: Kamisimbi, Lurhala, Karhongo, Kadutu. TOTAL Amount: $55,428.40 AMOUNT AND Training women on EA$E Disbursed: 60% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 14, 2020 – October 20, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to strengthen and improve social cohesion and lasting peace through equitable access to GRANT resources and livelihood within the SUMMARY: communities of Bukavu City and Walungu Territory; Kamisimbi, Lurhala, and Karhongo groupements; and Kadutu commune in South Kivu. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 90 women & OMGs’ strengthened capacity on the EA$E I, II & III approach (creation of VSLAs, entrepreneurship, and focus groups) in Kadutu and Bukavu. • 1,500 nasal masks, 16 buckets, 20 disinfectants and 1 box of soap distributed to women & OMGs by AIBEF in Karhongo, Kamisimbi and Lurhala. • 1 PRA carried out in Kadutu, which allowed to set up a mapping of the groupement’s problems. IMPACT: Implementation of the mapping of the major social problems for the commune of Kadutu, their causes, the way to solve them through local mechanisms, as well as the category of people affected. PROUDEST MOMENT: Women & OMGs exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic are conducting awareness raising on preventative measures. At livelihood meetings, no member shows up without wearing a mask. LESSONS LEARNED: The partners of the VSLA members are also interested in livelihood activities.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 73 PARTNER NAME: : Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix (CDJP) Consolidation of peace and social PHOTOS: cohesion in the Karhongo, Lurhala, and Kamisimbi groupements in Ngweshe GRANT TITLE: Chiefdom, Walungu Territory, and the Lugendo and Ishungu groupements surrounding KBNP CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.2b.; 1.2a; 2a; 2.1a; 1.a; 3.3c; & INDICATORS: Territory: Kabare, Walungu, and around KBNP TARGET AREA: Groupements: Ishungu, Lugendo, Lurhala, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Miti, Bugorhe, Cirhunga, Irambi-Katana TOTAL Amount: $89,229.30 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 30% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 10, 2020 – October 25, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to enhance social cohesion within target communities Successful conflict mediations conducted through conflict prevention and GRANT resolution using community in the target areas SUMMARY: participatory conflict analysis and research, identifying conflict drivers, and joint solutions for peace and recovery. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Monitoring of Walungu and Kabare community tensions. • Conflict prioritization and choice of PRA theme in Lurhala. • Support provided to women & OMGs in livelihood activities to produce protective masks. • Training on peaceful conflict management techniques for members of 5 peace community structures from groups in former zones (Lurhala, Karhongo, Ishungu, Lugendo and Kamisimbi). • Monitoring the activities of the community peace structures of Walungu and Kabare. IMPACT: Communities are increasingly relying on community peace structures for the resolution of their conflict. Trust has been built on community conflict resolution, particularly through PRAs. PROUDEST MOMENT: The involvement of women & OMGs in the making of the masks despite the fact that no payment was initially promised. In 2 weeks, they made 15,000 masks. LESSONS LEARNED: Local authorities are often parties to the various conflicts, which makes their analysis and resolution difficult and complicated.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 74 PARTNER NAME: : Aide et Action Pour la Paix (AAP) Consolidation of the achievements of the PHOTOS: community peace process in the GRANT TITLE: groupements of Kibabi, Mupfunyi-Shanga, and Goma City CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.2b.; 1.2a; 2a; 2.1a; 3.3c & INDICATORS: Training on management and Territory: Masisi and Goma City transformation of conflicts in Goma TARGET AREA: Groupements: Kibabi, Mupfunyi-Shanga, Goma, and Karisimbi TOTAL Amount: $70,233.50 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 30% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 6, 2020 – October 15, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project supports the implementation of community peace solutions in Kibabi, Mupfunyi-Shanga, GRANT Goma, and Karisimbi through the SUMMARY: identification of conflict drivers and community-proposed solutions, as well as community peace structure interventions leading to social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 7 AAP staff members updated on the project objectives, expected results and outcome indicators. • CPDG-KIBABI and MUPFUNYI SHANGA SWOT analysis workshop conducted. • Workshop on conflict management and transformation held for target areas’ peace structures. • Monitoring and analysis of community tensions related to the impact of COVID-19 (data collection on community tensions related to COVID-19 by LPDC members) • Advocacy action based on the analysis of the context submitted to local and provincial authorities. • Workshop on the context, analysis, prioritization, and identification of PRA theme in M. Kibabi. IMPACT: Strengthening social cohesion in Mupfunyi Shanga and Kibabi through the use of social contracts by community members were concluded as part of the implementation of the SPR project to resolve their conflicts. Better knowledge of COVID 19 in the area covered by AAP. PROUDEST MOMENT: The advocacy of community structures’ members for the involvement of local authorities in the fight against COVID-19 was a high point. Authorities expressed their surprise when they were contacted but they understood the necessity and urgency of their intervention during the advocacy session. LESSONS LEARNED: There is a need to develop activities that will help community structures to consolidate further gains made thanks to efforts invested in mediating various community-based conflicts and securing peaceful coexistence among target communities.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 75 PARTNER NAME: : Aide et Action Pour la Paix (AAP) PHOTOS: Social Dialogue on the Turunga GRANT TITLE: Land Dispute CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.a; 1.b & INDICATORS: Territory: Nyiragongo Establishment/revival of a LPDC in Turunga TARGET AREA: Groupements: Munigi (Turunga village, Munigi groupement, Nyiragongo Village) Territory TOTAL Amount: $10,512.86 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 90% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF August 14, 2020 – October 31, PERFORMANCE: 2020 The grant aims to support a dialogue, between the parties in the Turunga land conflict and the customary authorities of the Munigi groupement, the village of GRANT Turunga and the chiefdom of SUMMARY: Bukumu. The grant will establish a community peace structure accepted by all and organize mini- dialogues to achieve a peaceful resolution. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • One (10 community peace and development structure is established in Turunga. • One field visit to Turunga is done by the facilitation committee composed of the 6 provincial deputies. • One training on conflict analysis and resolution conducted targeting members of the Turunga peace structure • Material support (conflict resolution template) provided to the Turunga peace structure with office supplies (writing pads, printing papers, pens, etc..) IMPACT: The conflicting parties agreed to meet for a fully attended dialogue. Prior to the mini-dialogues conducted, the parties had already begun to make concessions to move the proceedings forward. PROUDEST MOMENT: The field trip to Turunga by the provincial deputies’ delegation to learn about the current state of the community conflict that is undermining social cohesion, and to present AAP’s project to resolve it. LESSONS LEARNED: Any facilitated dialogue aiming to bring conflicting parties to terms and principles which will help them achieve win-win solutions requires time. It is therefore wiser to plan carefully, allowing some flexibility to manage back and forth processes that are inherent to any mediation process.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 76 PARTNER NAME: Institut Supérieur pour la Promotion de la Paix, du Développement et de l’ Environnement (ISPDE) Social cohesion in the community PHOTOS: process of conflict research and analysis GRANT TITLE: in the city of Bukavu and in the Mbinga Nord groupement in Kalehe CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.2b.; 1.2a; 2a; 2.1a; 1.a ; 3.3c & INDICATORS: Territory: Kalehe and Bukavu City TARGET AREA: Groupements: Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Kadutu. and Bagira communes TOTAL Amount: $61,592.90 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 30% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 16, 2020 – October 27, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project contributes to social cohesion through conflict analysis and transformation in Kadutu and Mbinga GRANT Nord, as well as by consolidating the SUMMARY: previous grant’s achievements. This Conflict identification workshop in involves participatory conflict analyses Kadutu to understand the context and identify needs to promote social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Community entry activity and contact with leaders in Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Bagira and Kadutu; • Sensitization against COVID-19 and distribution of hygiene kits, conflict monitoring materials and reports to the LPDCs in Bagira, Ibanda, and Mbinga Nord. • The collection of data on community tensions and impacts of COVID-19 by LPDC members. • Elective General Assembly meeting of LPDCs in Kadutu and development of terms of reference. • Conflict identification and prioritization workshop held in Kadutu. • Training of 30 LPDC members in Kadutu. • Participatory conflict analysis workshop held. • Community forum to present and validate the results of participatory conflict analysis in Kadutu. IMPACT: Members of the community are concerned about compliance with the rules of COVID-19 prevention. PROUDEST MOMENT: The session with the governor and the session with the members of the provincial assembly bureau: obtaining the commitment of the governor and the president of the assembly to get involved in the resolution of the conflict between the provincial president of the Red Cross and the inhabitants of Nguba who accuse him of selling their health center to a private individual. LESSONS LEARNED: Community entry activities should already be carried out in the new areas so that they can provide information at the same pace as the previous ones.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 77 PARTNER NAME: Cadre Provincial de Plaidoyer Sud-Kivu (CPP-SK)/ Héritiers De La Justice (HDLJ) Advocacy initiative to eradicate and PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: reduce the impact of COVID-19 in South Kivu Province CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3.3c & INDICATORS: Security Council members at an Territory: Kabare, Kalehe, Uvira, advocacy meeting in Bukavu. Walungu TARGET AREA: Groupements: Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Kadutu. and Bagira communes TOTAL Amount: $59,456.16 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 60% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF July 20, 2020 – October 10, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project contributes to social cohesion through implementation of GRANT activities and research on the social SUMMARY: impact of COVID-19 in South Kivu, as well as advocacy sessions at various levels to prevent its spread. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 2 bi-monthly rapid assessment surveys to monitor and analyze the impact of COVID-19. • An advocacy meeting with the Provincial Security Council held to strategize on COVID-19. • An advocacy note is prepared at the end of the meeting. IMPACT: The political authorities and the heads of specialized security services in South Kivu received useful information on the deteriorating security caused partly by the impact of COVID-19, which disrupted several sectors including security, the local economy, and access to basic services, among others. As a result of their meeting, the heads of the specialized security services committed to take measures to fight insecurity and all forms of violence in the province's towns and villages. PROUDEST MOMENT: The interest shown by provincial government authorities in the Covid 19 assessment results shared by CPP-SK and follow-up/advocacy sessions (Naval Force, Ministry of Justice, delegates from the military region, Migration Service, National Police, National Intelligence Agency and Ministry of the Interior) created the opportunity for more lobbying and advocacy engagements in the near future. LESSONS LEARNED: The COVID-19 pandemic has many other impacts which are yet to be analyzed and understood to inform adequate response interventions
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 78 PARTNER NAME: Consortium Université Catholique Bukavu (UCB) - Université Evangélique Afrique (UEA) Dynamics of conflicts around Kahuzi PHOTOS: Biega National Park (KBNP): Prospects GRANT TITLE: for peaceful cohabitation between KBNP and indigenous/pygmies and other riparian populations CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.3a; 1.3b; 1.3c T03 IR 3.1 & INDICATORS: Territory: Kahuzi Biega National Park and surrounding areas; TARGET AREA: Groupements: Cirunga, Miti, Bughorhe and Irhambi/Katana TOTAL Amount: $40,595.32 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 60% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF June 22, 2020 – October 30, 2020 PERFORMANCE: This study will document the dynamics of the conflicts around KBNP and Elaboration, discussion and validation of formulate effective proposals for a protocols for an interview guide for sustainable resolution. It will focus on individuals. GRANT the types of conflicts and their root SUMMARY: causes, the key actors, their positions and their systemic links, the consequences of them, and ultimately provide recommendations for intervention and public policy. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Initial working sessions and existing literature review of the conflicts. • Review session and adoption of tools and methodology. • Individual interviews in each axis of the study area. • Qualitative data collection conducted in Kalehe and Kabare. • Quantitative surveys held with the participation of 15 interviewers and 3 supervisors. • Production of the first draft of the research report. IMPACT: Since the consolidation of the research findings is ongoing, it is not possible to assess the impact of the grant activity at this time. Impacts will be available in the next two quarters. PROUDEST MOMENT: Since the consolidation of the research findings is ongoing, it is not possible to determine the proudest moment of the grant activity at this time. This will be available in the next two quarters. LESSONS LEARNED: The report drafting is lengthy and time-consuming, and so sufficient time should be allotted for the first draft. Future research should consider online surveys to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that did not allow for travel between provinces or outside the country.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 79 ANNEX 5: GRANT PROGRAM STATUS
USAID’S SPR GRANT PIPELINE AND STATUS
DISBURSED TO- IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION NAME BUDGET (USD) DURATION PROVINCE DATE STATUS
Aide et Action pour la Paix (AAP) $70,233.50 7 months North Kivu $49,163.46 Active
Actions des Chrétiens Unis pour le $80,899.54 7 months North Kivu $64,719.63 Active Développement Intégral (ACUDI)
Appui aux Initiatives de Bien-Etre $55,428.40 7 months South Kivu $33,293.19 Active Familial (AIBEF)
Caritas Développement Bukavu $98,478.73 7 months South Kivu $61,056.82 Active
Commission Diocésaine Justice Et Paix / Archidiocèse de Bukavu $89,229.30 7 months South Kivu $57,999.05 Active (CDJP)
Collectif Alpha-Ujuvi (CAU) $54,453.63 7 months North Kivu $39,751.15 Active
Consortium Centre Olame & TGD $63,365.50 7 months South Kivu $61,056.82 Active (Tous Pour Le Genre)
Forum SIDA (FOSI) $60,867.00 7 months North Kivu $57,999.05 Active
Institut Supérieur pour la Promotion de la Paix du Développement et de $61,592.00 7 months South Kivu $38,019.12 Active l’environnement (ISPDE)
Comité Provincial de Plaidoyer-Sud $61,202.75 3 months South Kivu $17,836.84 Active Kivu (CPP-SK)
Synergie d’Initiatives pour les Grands $37,953.87 3 months South Kivu $9,461.58 Active Lacs (SYNIGL)
Université Catholique de Bukavu- Université Evangélique en Afrique $67,658.88 4 months South Kivu $40,595.32 Active (UCB-UEA)
Aide et Action pour la Paix (AAP) $10,512.86 2 months North Kivu $9,461.58 Active Rapid Response
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 80 ANNEX 6: YEAR 5 QUARTER 1 ACTIVITY CALENDAR
20-Oct 20-Nov 20-Dec COMPONENT/ CODE GOAL PARTNERS COVERAGE INDICATOR ACTIVITY W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4
OP.1 COORDINATION AND CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES Reinforce early SK – Kabare, warning and USAID SPR Approved rapid Kalehe, Bukavu, emerging conflict staff and response Walungu OP.1.1 monitoring and grantees and 3.3b proposals receive reporting to other USAID support NK – Masisi, prevent escalation IPs Goma of tensions Participate in SK – Kabare, USAID, UN, Kalehe, Bukavu, SPR is well government Walungu represented in coordination and contributes OP.1.2 platform meetings USAID's SPR 2b, 3a to all relevant or clusters, NK – Masisi, coordination including for Goma meetings COVID-19 response Support celebration of Peace Days and SK – Kabare, other advocacy USAID SPR Kalehe, Bukavu, events visibility Walungu (International Peace increased, OP.1.3 Day, Sixteen Days advocacy agenda USAID SPR 1.1d against SGBV, and mission in NK – Masisi, Human Eastern DRC Goma International Day, known Amani Festival, NK – Masisi, IWD) Goma Organize and Four meetings conduct USAID and field missions USAID SPR SK SPR quarterly organized with OP.1.5 and UU SPR consultative GoRDC officials and partners committee meeting from technical NK and field visits ministries Consolidate Senior USAID SPR programmatic and management quarterly steering operational OP.1.6 of each SPR Goma, Bukavu committee approaches consortium meetings across the USAID partner SPR consortium
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 81 SK – Kabare, Kalehe, Bukavu, Organize internal Contribute to Walungu all-staff planning staff transitioning OP.1.7 USAID SPR meetings and and moving on at NK – Masisi, teambuilding the end of SPR Goma
NK COMPONENT 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY CONFLICT DRIVERS AND AGREE ON SOLUTIONS General Activities Revitalize provincial advocacy Two advocacy framework (CPP- networks and 105 SK and CPP-NK) A.0.1.1 LPDCs are USAID SPR SK, NK 1.3a & 1.3b and local peace and reinforced and development operational committees (LPDCs) Community monitoring and reporting of Two advocacy COVID-19's impact networks and 105 A.0.1.2 on peace, social LPDCs are USAID SPR SK, NK 1.3a & 1.3b cohesion, and reinforced and women's and other operational marginalized groups' conditions
SR-1.1 Strengthened local organizations conduct conflict analysis Improve overall CSO (including Thirty CSOs local partner) trained in conflict capacity on conflict sensitivity, USAID SPR USAID SPR and A.1.1.1 sensitivity, 1a, 1.1a & 1.1b participatory and partners partners participatory community conflict analysis, conflict analysis research, and facilitation Support community LPDC members presentation and are able to engage SK – Bukavu, USAID SPR A.1.1.2 validation of in validation of Kabare, 1.2b, 1a and partners participatory participatory Walungu conflict analysis conflict analysis
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 82 findings from research conducted during option period to various NK – Masisi, stakeholders, Goma including government authorities
SR 1.2 Inclusive stakeholder participatory conflict analysis and identification of solutions improved Finalize 3 SK – Walungu, participatory Bukavu, Kabare, Conduct conflict analyses USAID SPR Kalehe A.1.2.1 participatory action 1.2a validated with and partners researches participation of NK – Masisi target groups
Support advocacy Partners improve actions taking their capacity to SK grassroots lead advocacy USAID SPR A.1.2.2 1a, 1b & 3c evidence/voices to efforts at and partners provincial and provincial and national levels national levels NK
SR 1.3 Congolese researchers conduct context-specific conflict research Selected Strengthen the researchers capacity of receiving STTA in USAID SPR South Kivu and A.1.3.1 Congolese research design, 1.a & 1.b and partners North Kivu researchers planning, or through STTA methodology skills Conduct Six conflict participatory assessments and conflict research reports assessments and USAID SPR South Kivu and A.1.3.2 and articles to be 1.a & 1.b researches, support and partners North Kivu produced and publication and disseminated or dissemination of published findings COMPONENT 2 : PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED SR 2.1 Women and members of marginalized groups participate in and lead community decision-making processes
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 83 Seventy-five leadership mentoring club SK – Walungu, Scaling up and members Bukavu, Kabare, strengthening the reinforce their Kalehe capacity of leadership skills USAID SPR A.2.1.1. women's and other 2b, 2.1.a, 2.3b and talents to and partners marginalized participate in groups' leadership peacebuilding mentoring clubs NK – Masisi, processes and Goma support creation of new clubs SR 2.2 Inclusion increased in traditional and formal governance structures and processes Strengthening local Local and authorities and traditional traditional leaders’ authorities and capacity in SK – Walungu, targeted participatory Bukavu, Kabare, communities governance, gender USAID SPR Kalehe A.2.2.1 increase 2.1a & 2.3.a and Inclusion and partners awareness and sensitivity, are engaged to community fight against development negative social NK – Masisi, planning, and norms Goma conflict resolution SR 2.3 Inclusive community norms and attitudes promoted Transforming social Community norms, attitudes, members in SPR and barriers that targeted areas constrain the SK – Walungu, increase participation of USAID SPR Bukavu, Kabare, A.2.3.1 awareness and 2b & 2.3a women and other and partners Kalehe NK – are engaged to marginalized groups Masisi, Goma fight against in decision-making negative social and peace norms processes COMPONENT 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED SR3.1 Linkages to livelihood activities and resources increased VSLA groups that SK – Kabare, Continuing facilitate Kalehe, accompaniment and livelihood Walungu, refresher training in USAID SPR A.3.1.1 receiving Bukavu 3.1a favor of livelihood and partners refresher training groups established NK – Masisi, and ongoing in base period Goma coaching
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 84 Women and SK – Kabare, Improve women's other Kalehe, and other marginalized Walungu, marginalized USAID SPR A.3.1.2 group members Bukavu 3.1b groups' capacity in and partners engage in training livelihood NK – Masisi, that facilitates development Goma livelihood Build community Livelihood SK – Kabare, planning capacity in solutions Kalehe, livelihoods, community driven Walungu, particularly for USAID SPR A.3.1.3 with action plan Bukavu 2.3b & 3.1b women and other and partners objectives marginalized groups developed and in communities NK – Masisi, implemented adjoining KBNP Goma Private sector SK – Kabare, engaged in Private sector Kalehe, supporting engaged in support USAID SPR Walungu, A.3.1.4 community 3.1a of resource and partners Bukavu recovery and mobilization social cohesion NK – Masisi, initiatives Goma SR3.2 Equitable community participation in basic service provision increased Support the Community process of development SK – Kabare, integration of plans integrating Kalehe, groupements equitable local Walungu, USAID SPR A.3.2.1 community solutions to Bukavu 3b and partners development plans resolve conflict developed during are integrated NK – Masisi, the base period into chefferies Goma into chefferies plans plans Improve efficacy of SK – Kabare, service provision Kalehe, through capacity Walungu, USAID SPR, building of Regular dialogue Bukavu A.3.2.2 partners, and 3.2a & 3.2c committees, on service quality committees permanent NK – Masisi , dialogue, and Goma quality monitoring
SR 3.3 Participation in confidence building and peace promotion increased
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY YEAR 4 ANNUAL REPORT | 85 Support local peace and social cohesion SK – Kabare, initiatives that Kalehe, promote Forty peace and USAID SPR Walungu, confidence building social cohesion and partners, Bukavu, KBNP A.3.3.1 between 3.1a, 3.3a& 3.3b initiatives CPP-NK, communities and supported CPP-SK government service providers, including NK – Masisi, advocacy and social Goma cohesion activities The majority of Y4 activities which were not implemented during Y4 have been prioritized for implementation in Y5 Q1 and combined with most of Y5 Q1 activities. However, the activities outlined below will be pushed to Y5 Q2.
• OP.1.1 Reinforce early warning and emerging conflict monitoring and reporting to prevent escalation of tensions: Preparation processes will be initiated during Y5 Q1 (review and submission of the rapid responses proposals received from potential grantees) while implementation (if approved) will start in Q2. • A.1.2.2 Support advocacy actions taking grassroots evidence/voices to provincial and national levels: advocacy modules preparation and other logistics related to implementing this activity will be initiated in Q1, actual training will be done in Q2. • A.1.3.1 Strengthen the capacity of Congolese researchers through STTA: the process of identifying Congolese researchers to benefit from capacity building through STTA will be initiated during the next quarter. • A.3.1.4 Private sector engaged in support of resource mobilization: Defining the engagement strategy will be initiated in Q1 while the implementation of the strategy will be pursued in Q2.
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