Poverty Reduction Strategy Tracking –Network(PRSTN) Perspective Phase 1 : Experience

1. Poverty Reduction Strategy Tracking –Network(PRSTN) Perspective Phase 1: Experience Presented by: D. Maxim Kumeh-PRSTN Grand Bassa, Buchanan City November 15, 2012 follow the money

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Methodology • Desk Review • Questionnaires design • Training of Monitors • Applying the tools: FGDs, CSCs and surveys • Data collection and collation • Data entry • Outsource: to ensure independence in data analysis; data query run • Data analysis

7. Methodology Cont’d h. Draft report I. Feedback meetings J. Stakeholders presentations K. Finalized report L. Launch of report

8. 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.

9. HOW can we detect the 4AAAA - available infrastructure, teachers, text books, etc. - physical access for persons with disabilities - trained teachers, curricula - school terms adapted to seasonal work Availability Accessibility Acceptability (quality) Adaptability

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. weaknesses Methodology/Approach Strengths Less time consumption Increased dialogue between 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) • Limited sustainability due to lack of follow up support • Standards and procedures are not clearly defined, making it difficult to measure actual performance

14. 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

15. Launch and Dissemination • Report was Launched Friday, September 23, 2011 @ Corina Hotel • About 75 participants involving all stakeholders were attendance: • Youth groups • Government • Civil Society • International Community • Private Sector and • Media

16. 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

17. Membership The network comprises of eight member organization namely: • AGENDA • CEMESP • NARDA • FOHRD • IPC • SFCG • LDI • CEGCM

18. 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

19. THANK YOU QUESTIONS