USAID Nexos Locales Project Quarterly Report #27

The project's primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of municipal governments to deliver essential services, particularly in the areas of water and sanitation, economic development, and social services. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is being implemented by DAI Global, LLC. During the twenty-seventh quarter (Q27), which spans from January 1st to March 31st, 2021, the project achieved significant milestones in each of the six technical result areas. In the area of water and sanitation, the project supported the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps to improve water service delivery in municipalities under project coverage. The project also provided technical assistance to municipal authorities in implementing electronic receipts and improving financial management. In the area of economic development, the project facilitated the approval of women-centered projects, which aimed to promote economic empowerment and social inclusion of women in rural communities. The project also supported the development of local economic development plans and provided technical assistance to municipal offices for economic development. The project's social services component focused on improving food security and nutrition, particularly in indigenous communities. The project implemented the NutriNiños food security campaign, which aimed to reduce malnutrition among children and pregnant women. The project also provided technical assistance to municipal authorities in developing and implementing social programs. Throughout Q27, the project faced several obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on rural communities. The project responded to the crisis by providing technical assistance to municipal authorities in developing and implementing COVID-19 prevention measures. The project also supported the development of emergency operations plans and provided technical assistance to municipal offices in responding to the pandemic. The project's performance management plan (PMP) was implemented during Q27, which aimed to improve the project's monitoring and evaluation capacity. The PMP included the development of a work plan activity tracker, a municipality tracker, and a performance management plan. The project also conducted a social audit rapid assessment, which aimed to evaluate the project's progress and identify areas for improvement. The project's financial reporting during Q27 showed a total expenditure of $X, which was within the approved budget. The project's financial management was strengthened during Q27, with the implementation of electronic receipts and improved financial management practices. Overall, the USAID Nexos Locales Project made significant progress during Q27, achieving key milestones in each of the six technical result areas. The project's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its commitment to improving the capacity of municipal governments to deliver essential services demonstrate its effectiveness in addressing the needs of rural communities in Guatemala.