Burundi Assessment of Civil Society Organization Service Delivery in the Gender-Based Violence, Youth, OVC and Livelihoods Space

The assessment aimed to identify the capacity and effectiveness of CSOs in addressing these critical areas. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative fieldwork to gather data from 30 CSOs. The assessment revealed that CSOs in Burundi primarily focused on addressing gender-based violence, with 70% of respondents indicating that this was their main area of focus. However, the study also highlighted significant weaknesses in the capacity of CSOs to manage their finances, with 60% of respondents scoring below 50% in terms of financial management. Furthermore, only 40% of CSOs had established internal controls to ensure compliance with U.S. donor regulations. The assessment also identified a need for improved capacity building among CSOs, particularly in areas such as budget management and procurement. The study recommended that USAID and other donors provide targeted support to CSOs to enhance their capacity and effectiveness in addressing the critical areas of gender-based violence, youth, OVC, and livelihoods. The assessment also suggested that CSOs prioritize the development of internal controls and financial management systems to ensure compliance with donor regulations. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of future programming in Burundi. The assessment highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the capacity and effectiveness of CSOs in addressing critical areas, and the importance of targeted support to enhance their capacity and effectiveness. The study's recommendations provide a framework for future programming that prioritizes the development of CSOs and addresses the critical areas of gender-based violence, youth, OVC, and livelihoods.