Download Poverty Reduction Strategy Tracking Network (PRSTN) Perspective

Presented by: D. Maxim Kumeh-PRSTN
Grand Bassa, Buchanan City
November 15, 2012
follow the money
ABOUT PRSTN
 PRSTN-
is a network of credible, industrious, and
committed Civil Society and Community Based
Organizations. Together they work to promote citizens
participation, transparency, accountability and track
the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
The network further seeks to maximize and promote
the principles of maximum feasible participation of
the budget process as well as achieving desired
development agenda.
PRS I Project Conception
Conception of the Project: Tracking Implementation
of the Liberian PRS in Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Kru
and Lofa Counties using Human Rights Based
Approach(HRBA).
a. A concept note was developed by Search for Common
Ground (SFCG) and Actions for Genuine Democratic
Alternatives(AGENDA).
b. Circulated to members for inputs and suggestions
I.
Conception Cont’d
II. Concept note shared with TIRI, UNDP and
UNHRPS(Human Rights Protection Section).
III. Proposal Development by AGENDA/SFCG
IV. Proposal Circulated: TIRI, UNDP and HRPS-UNMIL
Methodology
a. Desk Review
b. Questionnaires design
c. Training of Monitors
d. Applying the tools: FGDs, CSCs and surveys
e. Data collection and collation
Data entry
g. Outsource: to ensure independence in data analysis;
data query run
h. Data analysis
f.
Methodology Cont’d
h. Draft report
I. Feedback meetings
J. Stakeholders presentations
K. Finalized report
L. Launch of report
Implementation
The research was not only focused on product, rather it
assessed the process to see whether the service delivery
was done in consonance with mainstreaming human
rights principles in the delivery of development. It also
considered IMPACT, and delivery of deliverables on
population in vicinity in which project on education
and health were implemented.
The monitoring exercise conducted in least developed
and less accessible counties. The research focus on
HRBA principles.
HOW can we detect the 4AAAA
Availability
- available infrastructure,
teachers, text books, etc.
Accessibility
- physical access for persons
with disabilities
Acceptability
- trained teachers, curricula
(quality)
Adaptability
- school terms adapted to
seasonal work
Lesson Learnt during Conception
 It is difficult to work in a multi-stakeholder group
 To build consensus, the convener needs to take the
lead
 There would be little or no contribution from some
members
 Members are always concerned about what benefit
would come directly to their organization
 Donors and partners want more achieved with little
resources and can be adamant for what they want even
if the reality speaks otherwise.
Lessons learnt from/during
Implementation
 Working with internationals(i.e. donor agencies and
individuals) is critical and requires one to be firmed
and focus on what you intend to achieve; otherwise
you would be led in a direction you don’t want to go.
 Inadequate resources to implement and report reports
periodically.
 Getting information from government is bureaucratic
even when there is a partnership.
Lessons learnt cont’d
 More training needed to prepare monitors for the
field.
 Strong secretariat needed for effective
implementation/coordination.(Project of such nature
needs full time Administration/program staff).
 Project needs continuous M& E. More field visits
necessary to see what monitors are doing.
 Network members’ organization seconding staff to
work on project in the field added value to the project
and made implementation easier.
Methodology/Approach
Strengths
weaknesses
 Less time consumption
 Increased dialogue between
 Limited sustainability due to
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
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right holders and duty bearers
Awareness raising with duty
bearers and right holders
Start of shifting in the paradigm
of accountability
Community monitor
government’s performance
themselves
The use of different tools
strengthens conclusion
(triangulation)
lack of follow up support
 Standards and procedures are
not clearly defined, making it
difficult to measure actual
performance
Drafting of Report
 Tough decision had to be made on report format
 Validation through email was not effective
 Difficulties in getting feedbacks from national
government
Launch and Dissemination
 Report was Launched Friday, September 23, 2011 @
Corina Hotel
 About 75 participants involving all stakeholders were
attendance:
I. Youth groups
II. Government
III. Civil Society
IV. International Community
V. Private Sector and
VI. Media
Launch and Dissemination Cont’d
 Report published via the internet on
www.csowatch.org.lr
 New website is being develop to ensure effective and
equal access
 Distribution of reports are done to network programs,
workshops, symposiums, seminars etc
Membership
The network comprises of eight member organization
namely:
 AGENDA
 CEMESP
 NARDA
 FOHRD
 IPC
 SFCG
 LDI
 CEGCM
CONCLUSION
 Pilot phase of the field work provided the network
with important data and information for advocacy
purposes.
 Government’s comment that it did not include HRBA
into account but is willing to consider it in phase II
which is a progress forward.
 Consideration is needed to improve engagement with
CSO in all processes at and all levels.
 Civic education is low; as such creative ways are
needed to improve citizens’ awareness
QUESTIONS