Joint Review of IWGIA’s Framework Agreements with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad, including selected initiatives in Ethiopia, Kenya, Thailand and Cambodia

Introduction.

This review has as its objectives the assessment of IWGIA's presen partnerships and other activities within the existing framework agreements with Danida, Denmark and Norad, Norway. The review was carried out between September 2008 and January 2009, and it includes the assessment of internal organisational and capacity development, project implementation, networking and partnerships as well as publication and information activities. The review team has visited Kenya and assessed projects there as well as key aspects of IWGIA's Africa programme; Ethiopia to assess the work with African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights; and Thailand and Cambodia to assess projects in those countries as well as the Asia Programme. IWGIAs work at the international level has been assessed through meetings with the Secretariat and participation in international forums. An organisational and management capacity analysis of IWGIA has also been undertaken. A summary of the main findings and recommendations related to the work of IWGIA can be found below.

Central Conclusions
IWGIA is in general a well managed organisation that follows clearly structured and thought through strategies. IWGIA works with dedication and competence at the global, regional and local levels. IWGIA works through Indigenous organisations and supports the mobilisation of its partners and beneficiaries as social and political actors. Its partnerships are solidly established as a result of their efforts to built these relationships over many years. IWGIA enjoys great credibility amongst its partners, and these partnership relations are taken seriously on both sides. On the basis of our review of IWGIA's internal workings and capacities to manage current projects the review team recommends that the core funding to IWGIA from Norad and Danida is continued. The review team also recommends that that the framework agreement amounts are increased. The team also encourages other donors to consider granting IWGIA core funding.