Regional Reports - the European External Action Service

Furthermore, some regional NSAs are promoting a parallel initiative of establishing an Amhara
CSO Forum. The intention is to broaden the typologies (and also avoid some who do not qualify
to be CSOs) and facilitate direct engagement with the regional governance structures on issues of
interest to the regional CSOs.
During the regional debriefing session, the study team has appreciated the enhanced NSA interest
and actions in networking. At the same time the team has also suggested the need to coordinate
the regional networking process. With the emergence many networks having overlapping
constituency, objectives and targets, the positive interest and accommodative environment could
be affected.
7. Dialogue and cooperation between NSA and Local Government
In general, the framework for dialogue and cooperation between NSA and local governments is
still undeveloped. However, there is an encouraging start of rolling out the available frameworks
to the local levels. In this regard the major instrument is the Government - NGO Forum which is
based on the regional collaboration Guideline.
As part of the regional Government - NGO Collaboration Guideline, Woreda Sector offices are
mandated to enter implementation agreements with NGOs submitting proposals the total value of
which is less than 2 million Birr. This process has definitely contributed to enhancing the role of
local authorities in coordinating NGO projects. In the Woredas where NGOs coordinate PSNP
implementation, there is closer cooperation between local authorities and the NGOs with respect
to system of authorization of public work and effecting payments or distribution of food.
In Gubalafto woreda of North Wollo, the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Desk Officer,
under the Agriculture and Rural Development Office has recently started a monthly discussion
session with the three operational NGOs in the Woreda (PADET, ORDA and SCF/UK). It is too
early to speak of the effects, but the participating NGOs see it as a good opportunity to reflect on
operational issues and reach consensus on what needs to be done.
The above mentioned Woreda level periodic discussion has more to do with NGO project
implementation monitoring than a partnership based broader development dialogue and
cooperation. In the above mentioned Gubalafto Woreda, for example, representatives of the
Women and Youth Associations 15 are invited to observe the quarterly Woreda Council Meetings
as civil society representatives. But, representatives of these organizations are not attendants of
the Woreda level government - NGO forums. Hence, much more work is needed for systematic
integration of an all inclusive dialogue and cooperation framework at local levels.
8. Engagement in Policy Dialogue
Indicators of active NSA participation in the regional policy processes are scanty. Organizations
engaged in regional policy research and monitoring are lacking. With the coming into operation
of the regional networks, this could improve in the coming years. The review learned that some
NSAs get invitations from government to participate in regional consultations and sectoral
taskforces. But, since the participation is called for in an individual capacity (that is not sectoral
representation) and not often supported by systematically compiled data and information, the
effects are minimal. For example, the inputs and agenda of discussion in the government NGO
15 Some of whom are as well elected deputies
119