Month: December 2023

• Client: UNDP
• Location: Mauritania
• Period: May-August 2023

The feasibility study examined the viability of the Accelerated Community Development Program (PADC) in Mauritania and will assess whether it is likely to become a vehicle for promoting accelerated community development in line with governments’ pro-poor objectives. Specifically, the feasibility study will:

For Mauritania, its alignment with the SCAPP, the ProPEP, the priority initiative for opening up, and accelerating the digital desert, and its climate change mitigation objectives as indicated in the country’s nationally determined contribution (NDC);
Consult with key stakeholders, especially at the community level, including beneficiaries, local and central government officials, and community groups, but also technical and financial partners, to gather the necessary information and data that will maintain the relevance of PADC interventions to ensure ownership and sustainability
Develop detailed costing of PADC interventions disaggregated at regional and local levels, including detailed budgeting for all interventions such as rural roads, on-grid energy solutions, water supply, and agricultural (production and processing) equipment, livestock products and land development where needed, markets, and education and health facilities. The cost should include all direct and indirect costs of infrastructure upkeep and maintenance, including strengthening local capacity for operation and maintenance.
Review current institutional settings and propose optimal institutional oversight with defined roles and responsibilities and capacity needs of key national and subnational stakeholders that will ensure sustainability of PADC interventions.
Develop a cost-benefit analysis highlighting the likely benefits and outcomes for countries and communities, particularly the economic and social returns of the PADC
Identify potential partners and implementation modalities, including targeting and exit strategy.
Formulate a detailed and targeted resource mobilization strategy through assessment of government budgets as well as identification of international financial institutions and donors interested in financing development projects in Mauritania.

ALG implemented the PADC study in Niger, the final report of which was validated in May 2024 by stakeholders in Niamey.

Client: UNDP
Country: Niger
Period: May-August 2023
The feasibility study examined the viability of the Accelerated Community Development Program (PADC) in Niger and will assess whether it is likely to become a vehicle for promoting accelerated community development in line with governments’ pro-poor objectives. More specifically, the feasibility study will:

• Establish the rationale and relevance of a PUDC-type model in country contexts, including its alignment with the current national development plan of the Government of Niger (PDES-2022/2026) and its long-term vision (SDCCI), as well as the areas (cities and villages) of intervention.
• Consult with key stakeholders, especially at the community level, including beneficiaries, local and central government officials, and community groups, but also technical and financial partners, to gather the necessary information and data that will maintain the relevance of PADC interventions to ensure ownership and sustainability
• Develop detailed costing of PADC interventions disaggregated at regional and local levels, including detailed budgeting for all interventions such as rural roads, on-grid energy solutions, water supply, and agricultural (production and processing) equipment, livestock products and land development where needed, markets, and education and health facilities. The cost should include all direct and indirect costs of infrastructure upkeep and maintenance, including strengthening local capacity for operation and maintenance.
• Review current institutional settings and propose optimal institutional oversight with defined roles and responsibilities and capacity needs of key national and subnational stakeholders that will ensure sustainability of PADC interventions.
• Develop a cost-benefit analysis highlighting the likely benefits and outcomes for countries and communities, particularly the economic and social returns of the PADC
• Identify potential partners and implementation modalities, including targeting and exit strategy.

**Final Evaluation of PROTEJEM Program**

**Client:** Save the Children International / Terre des Hommes
**Location:** Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Senegal
**Period of Implementation:** August – December 2023

**Introduction**
The PROTEJEM program, aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children and promoting their rights in West Africa, underwent a comprehensive final evaluation conducted by ALG. This evaluation was designed to assess the program’s effectiveness, measure its impact, and identify lessons learned to inform future initiatives.

**Evaluation Objectives**
The primary objectives of the final evaluation were to:
1. Evaluate the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the program in achieving its intended outcomes.
2. Assess the relevance and sustainability of the interventions implemented.
3. Gather feedback from stakeholders, including beneficiaries, to gauge satisfaction levels and areas for improvement.

**Methodology**
The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative insights through interviews and focus group discussions. Stakeholders from the target countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal—were engaged to provide a comprehensive view of the program’s impact.

**Key Findings**
1. **Effectiveness:** The PROTEJEM program demonstrated significant success in enhancing child protection mechanisms across the targeted regions. Most beneficiaries reported increased awareness of their rights and access to protective services.

2. **Stakeholder Satisfaction:** Feedback from local partners and beneficiaries indicated a high level of satisfaction with the program’s implementation. Many stakeholders highlighted the program’s responsiveness to local needs and its adaptability to the socio-cultural context.

3. **Sustainability:** The evaluation found that the program has laid a strong foundation for sustainability through capacity-building initiatives with local organizations, ensuring continued support for child protection efforts beyond the program’s duration.

4. **Challenges:** Despite the successes, some challenges were identified, including logistical constraints and varying levels of engagement among local communities, which could be addressed in future programming.

The final evaluation of the PROTEJEM program has concluded with positive outcomes, reflecting the commitment and effectiveness of Save the Children International and Terre des Hommes in promoting child rights and protection in West Africa. The findings underscore the importance of community engagement and capacity building for sustainable impact.

**Recommendations**
1. Continue strengthening partnerships with local organizations to enhance community ownership of child protection initiatives.
2. Address logistical challenges to improve program delivery and accessibility in remote areas.
3. Expand monitoring and evaluation frameworks to capture long-term impacts and inform future programming.

The successful implementation of the PROTEJEM program serves as a model for future child protection initiatives in the region, and ALG is pleased to have contributed to this important work.

The Assignment

The overall objective of the mission is to define a community vision and develop a regional housing strategy, with a view to enabling the UEMOA Commission to position itself in the housing sector and to create a network of partners with national, regional or international stakeholders.

ALG is responsible for providing technical support to the UEMOA Commission, through the departments involved in the implementation of the Promotion of Affordable Housing Financing (PFLA) and the development and elaboration of regulatory tools (directive & harmonization of texts) and in the definition of a regional housing strategy. The firm is associated in this mission with two architectural firms: Orule Architecture and Urba Tropiques.

More specifically, it involves: “Co-constructing with stakeholders the tools promoting the implementation of a strengthened regional policy in the field of affordable housing production, in line with the objectives and recommendations of the Millennium Development Declaration”.

Assist the UEMOA commission in the development of a regulatory framework document for the production of affordable housing.

Challenges and Strategic Approach

The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which includes member states such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo, faces significant housing challenges. The community vision for housing in the UEMOA area emphasizes the need for accessible, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions that cater to the growing urban population while promoting social equity and economic development.

Challenges

1. Urbanization Pressure: Rapid urbanization has led to a surge in housing demand, often outpacing supply. This has resulted in the proliferation of informal settlements and inadequate housing conditions.

2. Financial Constraints: Limited access to affordable financing options hampers both individual homebuyers and housing developers. High-interest rates, lack of mortgage products, and insufficient investment in housing infrastructure pose significant barriers.

3. Policy and Regulatory Framework: Inconsistent policies and regulatory environments across member states complicate the implementation of housing initiatives. There is often a lack of coordination among governmental bodies, leading to fragmented approaches to housing development.

4. Social Inequality: Marginalized groups, including women, youth, and low-income households, frequently face discrimination in accessing housing. This exacerbates social inequalities and hinders community cohesion.

5. Environmental Sustainability: With increasing climate change impacts, there is a pressing need for sustainable housing solutions that minimize environmental degradation and enhance resilience to natural disasters.

Strategic Approach

1. Integrated Housing Policies: UEMOA member states should develop comprehensive housing policies that align with regional goals. These policies must promote inclusivity, ensure equitable access to housing, and facilitate the development of affordable housing projects.

2. Financial Innovations: Encouraging the development of innovative financing mechanisms, such as microfinance, public-private partnerships, and housing cooperatives, can enhance access to housing finance. Additionally, establishing a regional housing fund could support low-income housing initiatives.

3. Capacity Building and Training: Enhancing the skills of local authorities, architects, and builders through training programs can improve the quality of housing. Knowledge-sharing initiatives among member states can also foster best practices in housing development.

4. Community Engagement: Involving communities in the planning and implementation of housing projects ensures that developments meet local needs. Participatory approaches can empower residents, leading to more sustainable and accepted housing solutions.

5. Sustainable Development Practice: Integrating sustainable construction methods and materials into housing projects can mitigate environmental impacts. Promoting energy-efficient designs and green spaces within urban areas will contribute to healthier living conditions.

The community vision for housing in the UEMOA area must address the multifaceted challenges of urbanization, finance, policy, social inequality, and sustainability. By adopting a strategic approach that encompasses integrated policies, innovative financing, capacity building, community engagement, and sustainable practices, UEMOA can pave the way for a more equitable and resilient housing landscape. This vision not only seeks to improve living conditions but also strengthens the socio-economic fabric of the region, fostering inclusive growth for all its inhabitants.

The initiative for developing an anti-corruption strategy comes from the High Authority for State Control and the Fight against Corruption (ASCE-LC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Both entities are supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

ALG has been mandated to provide its expertise in the process of developing the strategy. The firm’s mission is to conduct an in-depth study on electoral corruption in Burkina Faso, with an emphasis on understanding the root causes, manifestations and consequences of this phenomenon. The mission also involves developing a comprehensive strategy to combat electoral corruption, while engaging in a participatory approach with the main stakeholders involved in the electoral process. The firm will have to propose a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended actions and develop a budget for carrying out these activities over a period of five years.

The study aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Conduct a diagnosis: Identify, analyze and comprehensively document the different facets of electoral corruption, highlighting its underlying causes, concrete manifestations and consequences on the integrity of the electoral process
• Develop an Action Plan: Formulate a comprehensive strategy and specific actions to effectively combat electoral corruption. This strategy should include preventive, corrective and dissuasive measures, while being adapted to the Burkinabe context.
• Propose a monitoring and evaluation system: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to measure the implementation of the recommended actions, assess their effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary. This system will ensure transparency and accountability in the fight against electoral corruption.
• Develop a Multi-Year Budget: Develop a detailed budget covering a three-year period (a three-year action plan from 2024 to 2026) in order to guarantee the necessary funding to effectively implement the strategy to combat electoral corruption. This budget must be realistic and kept up to date throughout the execution period.