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2. Afghanistan: The National Solidarity Programme
By Paolo Binami (consultant contracted by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)
The National Solidarity Program (NSP)
Description
The National Solidarity Programme was created by the Government of
Afghanistan to develop the ability of Afghan communities to identify, plan,
manage and monitor their own development projects. NSP promotes a
development paradigm whereby communities are empowered to make
decisions and manage resources during all stages of the project cycle. The
programme lays the foundation for a sustainable form of inclusive local
governance, rural reconstruction, and poverty alleviation. NSP is the largest
community development programme in the history of Afghanistan. Known in
Dari as 'Hambastagi Milli' and in Pashtu as 'Milli Paiwastoon', it is based on
the Afghan traditions of 'Ashar' (i.e. community members working together on
a volunteer basis to improve community infrastructure) and 'Jirga' – councils
comprised of respected members of the community. Islamic values of unity,
equity and justice are also encouraged. (Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development, n.d., p. 8)
The NSP builds capacity at the community level to enhance the competence of
CDC [Community Development Council] male and female members in terms
of financial management, procurement, technical skills, and transparency. Once
the CDC has been elected, an inclusive and innovative inductive model is
followed to develop a Community Development Plan (CDP). Formulating a
CDP is an exercise that allows the CDC to map out its development
requirements and prioritize them. Subproject proposals are then developed to
apply for funding.
The NSP provides direct Block Grant transfers to a bank account established by
the CDCs to support rehabilitation and development activities planned and
implemented by the elected CDCs. The funding takes the form of Block Grants
which are calculated at US$ 200 per family with an average grant of US$
33,000 and maximum of US$ 60,000 per community. Portions of the Block
Grant are released for procurement and phased implementation of the approved
subproject(s).
Actors involved
NSP has four core programme elements:
- Facilitating elections to establish Community Development Councils;
- Building the capacities of CDC and community members (both men and
women) to identify priority sub-projects, prepare Community Development
Plans, and implement approved sub-projects. This includes developing skills in
participation, consensus-building, accounting, procurement and contract
management, operations and maintenance, and monitoring;
- Providing direct block grant transfers to fund sub-projects;
- Linking CDCs to government agencies , NGOs, and donors to improve
access to services and resources. (Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development, n.d.)
- Civic: 22'000+ rural communities and their elected CDCs (although they are
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