Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation programme contribution East 2015 - 2016

Project completed

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation’s vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner. Based on the human rights, it supports with its partners poor and disadvantaged people in developing and transition countries following the principle of help for self-help. In Switzerland, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation engages in sensitising for the interests of developing and transition countries.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Eastern Europe and CIS
Eastern Europe
Other
nothemedefined
Sector not specified
01.01.2015 - 31.12.2016
CHF  1’400’000
Background

Water & Infrastructure: More than 2.5 billion people are still excluded from basic sanitation. Around 800 million also lack access to clean drinking water. Every year more than two million people die from lack of drinking water and inadequate hygiene.

Skills Development & Education: Worldwide, 10% of school-age children (72 million) still grow up without an education – the majority of them being girls and ethnic minorities. More than 200 million people, mainly the youth, are unemployed worldwide. A major reason is the lack of professional skills.

Rural Economy: In spite of great progresses in poverty reduction, more than 1.4 billion people still have to live on less than USD 1.25 per day. At least 70% of the world’s extreme poor live in rural areas as small-scale farmers or farm labourers.

Environment & Climate Change: Developing countries suffer from strong exploitation of natural resources. Every year, about 130’000 km2 of forest are lost. The situation is aggravated by extreme weather events induced by climate change which exacerbate poverty and existing inequities.

Governance & Peace: One third of all poor people live in fragile states which are not capable of providing basic services or guaranteeing fundamental rights. Moreover, they often suffer from violent conflicts. Strengthening of governmental institutions and democratisation have to be closely linked to peace-building.

Objectives

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation’s vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner. Based on the human rights, it supports with its partners poor and disadvantaged people in developing and transition countries following the principle of help for self-help. In Switzerland, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation engages in sensitising for the interests of developing and transition countries.

Target groups

(a) Poor and disadvantaged communities in rural areas; (b) local authorities, private enterprises, user groups

(a) Children, youth and illiterate adults; early school leavers; (b) teachers, management of institutes, local authorities; (c) private sector entities involved

(a) Small-scale farmers, producer organisations, (b) processors and traders; (c) local authorities

(a) Poor and disadvantaged communities, small-scale farmers; (b) authorities

(a) local governments and civil society organisations; (b) private sector entities

Medium-term outcomes

Water & Infrastructure: The rural population has easier access to drinking water and basic sanitation and uses water more efficiently and sustainably.

Skills Development & Education: The children and youth have improved access to relevant basic education as well as practice- and demand-orientated skills development of good quality.

Rural Economy: The small scale farmers have easier access to natural resources and markets res. sustainable value chains.

Environment & Climate Change: The rural population has improved access to natural resources and uses them sustainably. It has improved adaptive capacity to negative climate change effects.

Governance & Peace: Local authorities and civil society organisations have increased competences in executing their duties and rights as well as in preventing and reducing violent conflicts.

Results

Expected results:  

Water & Infrastructure: At least one million men and women have obtained new access to drinking water and 500’000 people have new access to sanitation.

Skills Development & Education: At least 40’000 men and women have attended skills development training and 20’000 have obtained a new or additional employment through self-employment.

Rural Economy: At least 400’000 men and women have increased their income through the marketing of agricultural products.

Environment & Climate Change: At least 100’000 people have initiated an adaptation measure to climate change.

Governance & Peace: At least 50’000 men and women have been informed about their civil rights and duties, and at least 500 local governments and councils have been trained in methods of participation, accountability and governance.


Results from previous phases:  

Water & Infrastructure: HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation has facilitated new access to drinking water for more than one million people (54% women) and over 200’000 (57% women) have gained access to sanitation. Having been selected as new member of the steering committee of the End Water Poverty coalition, it has increased its international policy engagement.

Skills Development & Education: More than 30’000 students (56% women or girls) have benefited from basic education projects supported by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation. Over 20’000 adults (62% women) learnt to read and write. More than 40’000 people (54% women) have received professional training and education.

Rural Economy: More than 800’000 farmers (55% women) affiliated to projects of HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation have been trained and advised in agricultural matters. Over 400’000 farmers (49% women) benefited from increased incomes thanks to the marketing of their agricultural products. In the majority of the projects that are operational for at least five years, the expenses for certification and technical assistance are borne by the farmers involved.

Environment & Climate Change: More than 270’000 people (43% disadvantaged groups) gain access, use and management rights over natural resources. 240’000 people carried out activities to improve their adaptive capacities to climate change or reduce disaster risks.

Governance & Peace: More than 300’000 people (more than 47% women) have been supported in governance, decentralisation, citizen and human rights issues. More than 3000 development plans have been developed in a participatory manner. Furthermore, public audits have been introduced in about one-third of the partner countries. Six country programmes also apply conflict sensitivity programme management. More than 30’000 people (40% women) were trained in peace-building.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’400’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’400’000
Project phases Phase 4 01.01.2017 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)

Phase 3 01.01.2015 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)

Phase 2 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2014   (Completed) Phase 1 01.01.2008 - 31.12.2012   (Completed)