Decentralization Enabling Environment Program (DEE) Semi-Annual Report July – December 2016

The program's general objective is to achieve a comprehensive legal framework for decentralization, which involves the approval of new and/or reformed public policies and laws. The program's specific objectives include making complementary activities to reach specific targets of Result 1 of the Regulatory Framework for decentralization and performing sub-grants to Municipal Associations in the projects' intervention and the USAID/NEXOS program. The sub-grants aim to promote municipal competition, improve the quality of local services, and use sub-grant funds for the implementation of projects with a cross-cutting focus in citizen security and improving the livelihood of inhabitants of benefited municipalities. During the reporting period of July to December 2016, the program achieved several milestones. The Decentralization Law was approved by the National Congress, and the Regulations of the Law of Municipal Administrative Career (L-CAM) were published by the official Gazette. Additionally, the first round of the grant process was successfully concluded, with 8 out of 9 projects implemented by Municipal Associations. The program also made progress in the second round of the grant process, with 11 projects proposed by Municipal Associations, including COLOSUCA, MAMLESIP, MANSUCOPA, HIGUITO, MANVASEN, MAVAQUI, and MANCOSOL. All 11 projects were approved by USAID, and the same number of Grant Award Documents (DAS) were signed between FOPRIDEH and the Municipal Associations. The Performance Monitoring Plan Results Table shows that the program achieved acceptable results in several indicators, including the Index of Implementation of the Municipal Administrative Career Law by Local Government to promote municipal autonomy, which reached 75% of the target. The program also exceeded expectations in the number of grants provided to Municipal Associations, with 11 grants out of 10 targets achieved. Furthermore, the program made significant progress in the Municipal Grant Challenge, with 91% of youth participation in the process for projects prioritization aimed at violence prevention. The program also exceeded expectations in the percentage of youth participation, with 91% of youth participating in the process, compared to the target of 20%. Overall, the Decentralization Enabling Environment Program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives and has exceeded expectations in several areas. The program's achievements demonstrate its commitment to promoting decentralization and improving the livelihood of inhabitants of benefited municipalities.