Quarterly Performance Report FY21Q3: Peacebuilding Project

The project is implemented by Creative Associates International, Inc. for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The main focus of the project is to establish and strengthen inclusive locally-led engagement, dialogue, and mapping to identify, prioritize, and develop action plans addressing sources of and increase resilience to social conflict and the impacts of COVID-19 on social cohesion. The project has three main objectives: Objective 1 is to establish and/or strengthen inclusive locally-led engagement, dialogue, and mapping to identify, prioritize, and develop action plans addressing sources of and increase resilience to social conflict and the impacts of COVID-19 on social cohesion. Objective 2 is to build partnerships between communities, municipalities, and other stakeholders to implement plans prioritized by communities. Objective 3 is to strengthen the Government of Guatemala (GoG) and non-governmental capacity to participate in managing, responding to, and resolving local conflicts, including long-standing grievances and new instability linked to COVID-19. During FY21Q3, the project team conducted entry into six new municipalities and started entry at the community level. The team presented the project to city councils, municipal offices, and Municipal Development Councils (COMUDEs) in all six new municipalities. Preliminary engagement with community leaders was also initiated in 40 communities in four municipalities: Huehuetenango, San Gaspar Chajul, San Juan Cotzal, and San Miguel Ixtahuacan. The team met with community authorities and leaders to present the objectives and scope of the project. The project has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Association of Guatemalan Exporters (AGEXPORT), the Guatemala Association of Indigenous Mayors and Authorities (AGAAI), and the National Association of Mayors (ANAM). The project has also collaborated with other USAID partners and USG agencies, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Republican Institute (IRI). The project has made significant progress in implementing its objectives, including the development of action plans addressing sources of and increase resilience to social conflict and the impacts of COVID-19 on social cohesion. The project has also strengthened the capacity of the GoG and non-governmental organizations to participate in managing, responding to, and resolving local conflicts. The project's monitoring and evaluation activities have been ongoing, with the collection of data on performance indicators. The project has also conducted external evaluations and has established a Performance and Monitoring Plan (PMP) to track progress and make adjustments as needed. The project's future activities include the completion of the municipal level process, the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and the continuation of community implementation activities.