End evaluation of the Decentralised Local Governance Support Programme (DLGSP) in Nepal

The scope of this evaluation is to check the implementation of and draw recommendations from the Decentralised Local Governance Support Programme (DLGSP) implemented by UNDP in Nepal.

The programme was designed to scale‐up and to improve on various aspects of the earlier interventions. Major efforts in terms of resource mobilisation, organisation and logistics have been undertaken. However, conditions for programme implementation have been difficult and often hostile in view of the armed conflict.

The paper highlights the following lessons:

• the linkage of social mobilisation efforts with sustainable livelihoods support has been shown to achieve significant results in many instances
• homogeneity of targeted group is sometimes but not always the best policy
• tailor made solutions are needed to improve the success rate of assistance to the poorest and disadvantaged, in order to improve inclusion.

• make explicit the inherent value of each intervention, and make use of proven approaches and experience gained in various sectors
• support principles of “good governance” by all means
• report on numbers in a disaggregated and concise manner to reflect the key concerns that the programme addresses
• equip social change objectives and tasks with a firm and clear mandate for action
• avoid dominance of sub‐groups or individuals in activities and initiatives of group formation
• pay attention to the quality and diversity of support, including the implementation of a quality assurance system and improved maintenance routines.