Niiti sambad (“policy dialogue”) : mid-term performance evaluation

Niti Sambad is at approximate midpoint in its life-of-project, implemented by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS). The purpose of this Mid-term Evaluation of Niti Sambad is to (a) determine whether the activity is on track to accomplish its intended goals and objectives, and (b) recommend course corrections if this is not the case and/or if adjustments should be made given Nepal’s state restructuring and political transition. The evaluation is also intended to assess the degree to which there is early evidence of sustainability of project results, and whether the approach appears to be advancing the Mission’s GESI policy. Niti Sambad activities generally have been well received by counterparts and beneficiaries, and the evaluation team views the activity as on track, but with reservations. Trainings across the board could be longer and more detailed; more FP committees could be engaged, but overall resources appear to have been prudently invested and trusting work relationships have been established or reinforced. Within this context, Niti Sambad has faced notable obstacles in achieving planned results, particularly in the support to policy research and the provincial assemblies, but most of these have been externally based in the country context. Niti Sambad performance vis-à-vis formal targets has been mixed; in addition, the existing group of operable indicators is rather thin, with an emphasis on activity outputs rather than outcomes. Marginalized communities’ political participation is given high priority in Niti Sambad activities. Relative to the level of need in Nepal among marginalized people for strengthened political voice, however, the scale of these activities is small. “Islands” of effective voice are identifiable in localities where NS has delivered assistance and support. Some clear Niti Sambad achievements are evident in enhancing capacity of the ECN, but the remaining agenda for electoral reform and sustainable, effective electoral administration is multi-faceted and substantial. Recommendations include for Niti Sambad to continue its main streams of current intervention, but to build upon experience by responding more assertively to the evolving federal context in Nepal. This includes, for example, increasing emphasis on civic education, assistance to national and provincial legislatures and supporting enhanced effectiveness of the Federal Parliament vis-à-vis delegated legislation. Niti Sambad should also collaborate with USAID in a systematic review of the activity’s performance indicators and sustainability benchmarks. USAID is called upon to join with other development partners in Nepal to scale up critical Niti Sambad interventions to maximize national-level impacts.