The overall project goal is to contribute to effective pro-poor local governance. The specific objective is to empower the poor men and women, disadvantaged groups (DAG) to claim their rights and entitlements, and to benefit from more effective service provision by the local governments in Rajshahi and Sunamganj regions. Expected outcomes are (1) 130 Union Parishads and 20 Upazila Parishads manage public affairs and resources in a more participatory, inclusive, transparent and accountable way, (2) Poor men and women, DAG know their rights, entitlements and responsibilities and negotiate their interests in local planning and decision making, and (3) Experiences and lessons are utilized to influence public debate, local government and related national institutions, policy and regulations.

The project in brief

Directorate/federal office responsible	SDC
Credit area	Development cooperation
Project partners	Contract partner Swiss Non-profit Organisation HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation
Budget	Current phase Swiss budget CHF    9’100’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    7’973’639
Project phases	Phase 4 01.03.2017 - 31.01.2021   (Completed) Phase 3 01.09.2013 - 28.02.2017   (Completed) Phase 2 01.09.2009 - 31.08.2013   (Completed)

Further technical details

• Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation	GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
  Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation	Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability) Public finance management Human rights
  Cross-cutting topics	Human rights The project takes account of gender equality as a cross-cutting theme.
  Type of support	Official development assistance (ODA)
  Type of collaboration	Bilateral cooperation
  Finance type	Aid grant
  Aid Type	Mandate with fiduciary funds
  Tied/untied aid	Untied aid
  Project number	7F03978