Evaluation des Projets PTF dans le Cercle de Tombouctou (External evaluation of the multifunctional platforms in Timbuktu)

Background

NCA started to collaborate with a local partner, AMADE, on a project for multifunctional platforms in 2004. At present 6 villages have been covered and feasibility studies have been made for other villages to continue the project.

Purpose/objective

To evaluate the process and the results of the first phase of this collaboration and to come up with recommendations for the next phase.

Methodology

Mostly qualitative approach, including analysis of documents and field visit. All 6 villages visited.

Key findings

Expected (and non-expected) results achieved:
- Of the 6 platforms that have been put into place, 5 are currently operational;
- Increased social cohesion and mobilisation/solidarity in the villages thanks to the platforms (men have contributed with workforce and the women with cash);
- 25 persons in the villages (20 women and 5 men) have been given literacy and management training. These form the management committees;
- The management tools that have been introduced to the management committees are being used by most of the committees according to the norms;
- Saving of time and reduced workload for women and girls - which has a positive impact on the number of children (especially girls) going to school - the meals are said to taste better (!) and to be served more often on time than before.
Expected results not achieved:
- Varying degree of functionality of the management committees;
- So far the income from the platforms has almost exclusively been used for the running and maintenance of the platforms;
- The part of the income used for educational purposes (which were AMADE's main objective) is so far very limited.

Recommendations

NCA:
- Sign a contract with the National Coordination with regards regular technical follow-up;
- Elaborate adequate follow-up tools and assure a regular follow-up.
National Coordination:
- Improve the technical support to AMADE for an improved follow-up of the platforms;
- Train and retrain local mechanics, millers and craftsmen;
- Elaborate guidelines for the installation of the platforms;
- Make available for the management committees account books in local languages in order for them to do the accounting and draw up monthly balance sheets;
- Help the local craftsman install local deposits of spare parts.
AMADE:
- Revise the system of monitoring of the platforms;
- Make available spare parts to the platforms.
Management committees:
- Retrain the members of the management committees;
- Keep regular information meetings in the villages regarding the management of the platforms and the use of its funds, especially the part allocated to school.
Communities:
- Invite the local populations to use the services offered by the platforms;

Comments from the organisation

A meeting has been held in June 2007 with AMADE and the National Coordination for the Platforms in order to discuss the results and the recommendations of the evaluation.