Introduction to DIAG Development/Governance Component

Based on existing DIAG Strategy Paper and other key documents, the DIAG development projects are principally implemented in targeted districts where an acceptable level of DIAG compliance (75%) by IAGs (Illegal Armed Groups) is observed by the D&RC/JS (Disarmament and Reintegration Commission/Join Secretariat). It is important to overcome insecurity and to foster a climate of genuine peace and solidarity and it is equally important to have sustainable development in the area as it is the prime objective of DIAG.

The Government of Afghanistan and the International Community recognize that strengthening governance at the provincial and district level is fundamental to the sustainability of the disbandment of illegal armed groups. Only with effective governance structures and systems will the Government be able to maintain security and to prevent the re-emergence of illegal armed groups. To wrap up, the main objectives of development activities are:

• To help provinces/districts, to catch up if their development is lagging behind, and they have complied with DIAG, i.e. providing them development projects which are highly visible and quick impact in order to improve the standard of their sustained economic development.
• To encourage community support for DIAG, and to empower communities through their participation in the DIAG development process.
• To strengthen good governance, the rule of law and access to justice 

      Key information of DIAG Development/Governance Unit and Stakeholders

The nature of the development projects are mostly, basic physical infrastructure (highly visible and quick impact projects), development (community directly benefits) and good governance (local government directly benefits, community indirectly).

The DIAG development projects are funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), mainly through its National Area Based Development Programme (NABDP).

General Procedures of DIAG Development Activities

• Once a province/district is targeted by DIAG programme and a reasonable compliance achieved with weapon collection and disarmament, the DIAG Development Team (DT) checks with MRRD, establishment of District Development Assembly (DDA)* and formulation of District Development Plan (DDP) at the target district for community consultation. If DDA is not established, DT requests MRRD to give priority for the target district in establishment of the DDA/DDP.
• After establishment of DDA and development of DDP, the DT returns to district with MRRD, introduces itself as a DIAG development led team, and consults with DDA for the identification of their top development/governance priorities among the DDP. The priorities (projects) are ranked by the DDA according to their importance.
• The list of district priority needs (projects) list is complied and get it signed by DDA representative, district manager and Provincial Management Advisor of MRRD.
• The selected projects are discussed with provincial governor, district administrator, relevant line ministry at the provincial level, and with MRRD in Kabul.
• Also PRTs and other development partners at the provincial level are encouraged to support the DIAG Development Process with their own projects.
• The most suitable project is selected from the identified list by DT and MRRD, considering the DIAG development project implementation criteria.
• After the approval of D&RC and DIAG main Stakeholders, JS/DT requests MRRD/NABDP for project implementation. The DIAG development projects are implemented based on general NABDP project execution procedure.
• The DT will regularly monitor projects under implementation, also with assistance of the JS Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) section.

Timeline: The whole procedure from project identification to start of implementation takes approximately one and half to two months, the project implementation time depends on project type.

DIAG Development Team is at your disposal for any further information you might need regarding DIAG Development/Governance Projects.

Best Regards,    

Ahmad Qais Mehri

Development Officer

UNDP/ANBP/DIAG

Joint Secretariat

Prime Minister’s Compound, Kabul

Tele: + 93 (0) 0700206845

P. Email: qais.mehri@gmail.com

www.diag.gov.af