USAID Solutions for Peace and Recovery Quarterly Report, Q3 FY2020 (April – June 2020)

The project began on August 30, 2016, and was initially planned to be implemented through August 29, 2019, but has been extended for two option years through August 29, 2021. During Quarter 3 of Year 4, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the DRC, severely impacting USAID programming, including that of SPR. The DRC government restrictions included border closures, cancellation of domestic and international travel, restriction of group gatherings, and citywide shelter-in-place orders in Goma and Bukavu. Limitation of movement between provinces, main cities, and territories has inhibited activity implementation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SPR developed a three-month response plan to understand community challenges in the current context. The plan included monitoring and rapid assessments of COVID-19's impact at the community, provincial, and regional levels. SPR also proposed targeted advocacy using community, provincial, and regional rapid analysis findings to inform government and engage authorities in making decisions and improving response mechanisms. Additionally, strategic crisis communications and public outreach were conducted to ensure that communities are informed in their local languages on responses to the pandemic and on required preventive measures. The project's objectives include community stakeholders identifying and accepting solutions to specific drivers of conflict, participatory solutions being implemented, and resources for community development being more inclusively allocated. Key accomplishments during Quarter 3 include the development of a three-month response plan to address COVID-19-related challenges, the conduct of monitoring and rapid assessments, and the implementation of targeted advocacy and crisis communications activities. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for positive engagement with local community constituents remain. SPR continues to work with local grantees to address community challenges and implement project activities. The project's focus on community-based approaches and inclusive resource allocation remains critical to achieving its objectives and promoting peace and recovery in the DRC. The project's monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems and data collection processes are essential to tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. During Quarter 3, SPR continued to implement its MEL systems, including the collection of data on project activities, outcomes, and impact. The project's management and operations, including the use of flexible funding, target zone accessibility, partner field coordination, and grant management, are also critical to ensuring the effective implementation of project activities. The project's cross-cutting themes, including advocacy, inclusion, and integration of conflict sensitivity into SPR operations and implementation, are essential to promoting peace and recovery in the DRC. SPR continues to work with local partners to address community challenges and promote inclusive and participatory approaches to conflict analysis, prevention, resolution, and recovery.