Piloting of new SA tools on Public investment in Arkhangai Aimag

A new methodology was developed by GIC together with WB consultant under the supervision of WB project team. According to the suggestion of the CSOs, GIC team decided to organize   action leaning activity that CSOs would practice to conduct monitoring and evaluation process in the field of projects that is just recently commenced, in the middle of implementation and already has done. Total 26 participants involved to this activity divided in to 3 citizens monitoring example group to localize a new SA tool under the supervision of GIC trainers.

Representatives of three NGOs, who has experienced in PI field led the group. This action learning  activities consisted of in-person survey (questionnaire), focus group discussions and case studies. GIC project team members together with its local partner CSOs organized monitoring activities in the field namely footpath in the 3th khoroo, Tsetserleg town financed by LDF, Teachers methodological center, Public Swimming Pool under the PI in the same town.

3 focus group discussions (in each group, for public officials and CSOs/citizens) which involved 5-7 participants each. Government stakeholders including specialists in charge of planning and procurement participated in the discussion. Another focus group discussion involved citizens and CSOs. The questionnaire involved 10 persons.  According to the survey, the majority of surveyors did not know about LDF and PI financed projects.  A very few people who participated in public procurement received information from tender.gov.mn website. Other sources of information include social media sites and information boards. The dissemination of information through official website could not directly reach public.

After visiting designated field of planned project, 3 citizens monitoring example group separately facilitated group session to integrate their understanding on gathering, and to verify and analyze information, and to prepare PPTs and shared it with other participants. After each presentation, Ch.Enkhbayar, GIC;s trainer and co-developer of new SA tool commented his view on it and asked detailed question on related gatherings. Moreover he advised to them to clarify each information to be prepare the exact recommendations to relevant officials.

Finally, he had led the session together with other project team members on how to effectively engage in advocacy/lobbying activities under the new SA tool. 

 Conclusion:

1.    Local media campaign is effective way to increase citizens' knowledge on projects financed by LDF and PI.  

2.    In-person training and step-by-step guidance are efficient ways to build capacity of locals.

3.    Experience sharing among others is best way to practice new SA tools.  

4.    Local NGOs, who gained understanding the importance of PI during monitoring process, worked as moderators and organizers, and this directly contributed to the increase understanding of new SA tool.

5.    Local NGOs need to gain knowledge on how to issue recommendations to the relevant officials through online training.

Recommendations:

·         To provide information on the results of PI projects, shortcomings and successes.

·         To engage citizens in practical exercise on identifying their needs by involving them to Citizen monitoring group.

·         To provide knowledge on interrelations and differences between LDF and PI by the help of local NGOs and medias.