Feasibility Study “Civil Society Support Programme through Local Development Initiatives”

Detailed description of project Back

The participation of non-state actors has been retained as one of the fundamental principles of cooperation within the Cotonou Agreement. Within this context, the 9^th EDF foresees “institutional support to non-state actors/civil society, principally focusing on local development initiatives”. A total budget of 15 million EUR is foreseen.

Within this context, a pre-feasibility study was undertaken in April 2003. The present Feasibility Study now aims at assessing the feasibility of an intervention focusing on 3 selected areas:

• Capacity building of CSO;
• Creation of a Local Development Fund, aimed at supporting well targeted (“micro-projects” type) local development initiatives;
• Support to institutional reforms and national dialogue.

Type of services provided

Detailed feasibility study including:

• Conceptual analysis;
• Institutional, technical and financial set-up;
• Elaboration of a Financing Proposal.

The mission was built on a strong participatory approach and included the organisation of a workshop with over 70 representatives of the sector.

PROMAN provided the services of four experts: one international team leader, one international expert in communication sciences, one local expert in good governance/CSO and one local expert in local/economic development.

PROMAN HQ further ensured the backstopping: logistics, quality control of reports and services.