Final report of America”s Development Foundation (ADF) on a grant (9/98-10/00) to increase citizens” political participation in Angola through support to civil society organizations (CSOs). The project was active in four provinces: Luanda, Bengo, Huila, and Namibe. Significant achievements are noted below. Over a hundred Angolan CSOs (primarily community- based organizations) and six government agencies gained an understanding of the principles and techniques of advocacy and developed skills in planning campaigns. Almost 50% of the CSOs trained applied the techniques they had learned by conducting or participating in advocacy campaigns. Twenty-one advocacy campaigns (19 of which were supported by subgrants) were conducted by CSOs on issues ranging from domestic violence to freedom of the press. These campaigns mobilized the participation of tens of thousand of Angolans through petition drives, public fora, and other means. Four other CSOs have either planned or are finalizing advocacy campaigns. Policy dialogue between CSOs and government officials was expanded. Ten campaigns included CSO consultation with the National Assembly and the Government of Angola (GOA). CSOs held more than 300 consultation meetings with the GOA. Six public fora were held. Participating CSOs and coalitions gained more than 2,700 new members by the end of the project. Eight new coalitions of Angolan CSOs were formed. A total of 41% of the CSOs trained have participated in a coalition or joint action. Fourteen local problems were addressed by citizen groups working together or in collaboration with local officials. Successful models were created for increasing citizen participation in Angola. Materials and approaches developed under the project continued to be used by other groups. ADF was successful in building civil society as a key constituent in promoting democratic governance in Angola. The CSOs with which ADF worked become more active and effective at representing their members” needs to relevant authorities (USAID”s intermediate result 2.2 during the period of the project); the work of these CSOs also positively influenced the way the public and government officials view their role in the reform process. More and more Angolan citizens are now expressing their opinions, engaging government in dialogue about policies, and working to influence public beliefs and actions. Members of Parliament have developed new links with grassroots groups in Luanda and in the provinces, and recognize the value these groups add to national policymaking. Local officials acknowledge the importance of citizen organizations. In sum, the project has changed the relationship of power between government and citizens in the provinces in which it has worked. Its impact also extends beyond these provinces, as information of what CSOs have accomplished spreads and new groups perceive the possibility of change in their own localities. (Author abstract, modified)
