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ASIST Advisory Support, Information Services and Training

REPORT OF REVIEW AND PLANNING WORKSHOP

Mbizi Lodge, Harare, Zimbabwe

23 - 26 November 1999

Employment-Intensive Investment Branch Recovery and Reconstruction Department

ASIST Advisory Support, Information Services and Training

REPORT OF REVIEW AND PLANNING WORKSHOP

By Mary Braithwaite

Mbizi Lodge, Harare, Zimbabwe

23 - 26 November 1999

Employment-Intensive Investment Branch Recovery and Reconstruction Department

ASIST Review and Planning Workshop Mbizi Lodge, Harare

Contents Abbreviations 1. Introduction 1.1 Background to workshop 1.2 Workshop objectives 1.3 Participation 1.4 Workshop programme and process 1.5 Assessment of the workshop 2. Review of ASIST: current phase and future prospects 2.1 Key findings of external review of ASIST 2.2 Assessments by ASIST team 3. Analysis of the situation

3.1 Use of LBT methods in infrastructure works: analysis of needs and potentials

3.2 Constraints on the widespread use of LBT 3.3 Strengths and weaknesses of ASIST's services 3.4 Profile of ASIST's work, capacity and resources

3.5 Other service providers 4. Scenarios for the future

4.1 Possible future scenarios for ASIST and for the delivery of LBT support services: advantages and disadvantages

4.2 An estimate of resource requirements 5. Ways forward and next steps

5.1 Policies and priorities of key support organisations 5.2 Financing possibilities 5.3 Next steps

Annexes

1. List of workshop participants 2. Workshop programme 3. Presentation on external review of ASIST 4. Presentations by ASIST team 5. Presentations by ASIST partners: KTC, LBT training in Lesotho and

LBT Universities Network 6. Assessment of needs, potentials and constraints for use of LBT, and

strengths and weaknesses of ASIST’s services 7. Profile of ASIST’s work, capacity and resources 8. Other possible service providers 9. Assessment of scenarios for the future 10. Estimates of resource requirements for the scenarios 11. Evaluation of workshop by participants

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Workshop report, November 1999 Page i


Abbreviations ARE Access and Rural Employment ASIST Advisory Support, Information Services and Training Programme CSIR Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa DANIDA Danish International Development Agency DFID Department for International Development (UK) E-B Equipment-based EC European Commission EIP Employment-Intensive Programme EMP/INVEST Employment Intensive Investment Branch, ILO Geneva EU European Union ESAMI East and Southern Africa Management Institute GATE Urban NGO, Germany HABITAT United Nations Centre for Human Settlements IFRTD International Forum for Rural Transport and Development ILO International Labour Organisation ILS International Labour Standards IRAP Integrated Rural Accessibility Planning (ILO) ITDG Intermediate Technology Development Group KTC Kisii Training Centre, Kenya L-B Labour-based LBT Labour-based technology LCU Labour Construction Unit, Ministry of Works, Lesotho L-I Labour-intensive MART Management of Appropriate Road Technology MDT ILO Multi-Disciplinary Team NCC National Construction Council NORAD Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation NPRA Norwegian Public Roads Administration PIARC World Road Association POLDEV Development Policies Branch, ILO PD Programme Document RTS Roads Training School, Zambia SAMAT Southern Africa Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Team SATCC Southern Africa Transport and Communication Commission SDC Swiss Development Cooperation SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SKAT Swiss Centre for Development Cooperation in Technology and Management SSA Sub-Saharan Africa SSATP Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy Program, WB/UNECA TOOLS Transfer of Technology for Development TRL Transport Research Laboratory UNCRD United Nations Centre for Regional Development UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services UNV United Nations Volunteer USAID United States Agency for International Development UTC Urban Transport Component of SSATP WB World Bank WEDC Water Engineering Development Centre, UK WFP World Food Programme

Workshop report, November 1999 Page ii


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

ASIST is a programme providing technical advice, information and training services to support the development and use of labour-based methods in rural and urban infrastructure works in East and Southern Africa1. Through this, it aims to help create employment, build local capacity and optimise the use of local resources.

ASIST is executed by the Employment-Intensive Investment Branch2 of the International Labour Organisation. ASIST operates from two offices, in Nairobi and Harare. Its services are currently delivered by 11 professional staff engaged by ASIST, supported by personnel from ILO Headquarters and the ILO Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs). In addition to ILO's own contribution, ASIST in Africa is supported financially by DANIDA, NORAD, SDC and SIDA.

Operating since 1990, ASIST is now nearing the end of its third phase. Current donor agreements end in 2000. The Programme Document (PD) for phase 3 calls for a programme evaluation at the end of 1999, carried out as a workshop to be attended by donors, involved ILO staff and representatives from ASIST's principal partners and clients. As a preparation for the workshop and as a pre-requisite for considering the funding of any possible new phase, the donors felt the need for an independent review of the programme. This review was carried out in October 19993.

The evaluation workshop took place in Harare from 23 to 26 November 1999, attended by 35 representatives of ASIST's clients, partners and donors and staff from ILO and ASIST.

This is the report of the workshop. The main part of the report describes the workshop and its principal outcomes. The annexes contain the various presentations made during the workshop, as well as copies of the charts produced by the working groups.

1.2 Workshop objectives

The main purpose of the workshop was to reflect on the future of ASIST in providing support services for the application of labour-based methods4 in infrastructure works in Eastern and Southern Africa. Concerns – particularly among donors - about the sustainability of the services provided by ASIST, as well as changes in ASIST’s operating environment, demanded a tough examination of the issues.

There are shifts in needs and demands for support and new potentials for employment-intensive approaches. There are the more global processes of decentralisation and urban growth. The policies and priorities of the supporting institutions (ILO and donors) place greater focus on poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods and private sector development.

1 A sister programme for Asia and the Pacific, ASIST-AP, was established in May 1998. ASIST in Africa provides support to ASIST-AP, particularly the Information Services. 2 Until October 1999, ASIST was executed by the Development Policies Department (POLDEV) of the ILO. See Annex 4 for further information on ILO's new structure and priorities. 3 See "Review of ILO ASIST: report to DANIDA, NORAD, SDC and SIDA", October 1999, by Sture Hjelm and Odd Høgset. A summary of key points is contained in Annex 3 of this report. 4 The terms ‘labour-based methods’ or ‘labour-based technology’ (LBT for short) are used in this report to refer to approaches to the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of infrastructure that optimise the use of local resources (including human, technology, materials, finances).

Workshop report, November 1999 Page 1


To identify the most relevant, effective and sustainable ways forward – for the application of labour-based methods in general and for the role of ASIST in particular - required reflection on this changing environment, and an assessment of the possible options. This was the basis for the choice of objectives and programme for the workshop.

The workshop objectives, as presented at the start of the workshop, were to:

• review the needs and demands for support with the application of labour-based methods in infrastructure works;

• review the current and potential contribution of ASIST and of other players;

• identify and assess possible future scenarios for meeting the needs for support;

• assess the likely resource inputs and requirements of the future scenarios;

• agree the next steps to be taken to prepare and plan for the future.

1.3 Participation

35 representatives of ASIST clients, partners, donors and staff participated in the workshop.

Donor representation included the four current ASIST-Africa donors (DANIDA, NORAD, SDC and SIDA). DFID, which is providing financial support to ASIST's sister programme in the Asia-Pacific region, was also represented.

The 10 client and partner representatives came from seven sub-Saharan Africa countries (Ghana, Lesotho, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). They included key representatives of Ministries of Works and Local Government at national and local levels, local and international private sector contractors and consultants, and experts from labour-based training and education institutes.

Also present were ILO staff from Geneva and MDTs in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, the Area Office in Zambia and ASIST staff from the two offices in Nairobi and Harare.

Annex 1 contains the full list of workshop participants.

1.4 Workshop programme and process

The workshop ran from Tuesday morning, 23 November, to Friday lunchtime, 26 November. Following the official opening and introductions, the workshop started with a series of presentations on the external and internal reviews of the current performance and future options of ASIST. These were followed by working sessions, in plenary and in small groups, to analyse the situation and identify possible scenarios for the future.

The initial analyses focussed on two principal aspects:

• the "environment" - the potentials, needs, demands and constraints concerning the application of labour-based methods in infrastructure works; and

• the "players" - ASIST (its services, strengths, weaknesses and resources) and the roles of other actors providing support services.

Following the analyses, the final sessions focussed on identifying and assessing possible scenarios for the future delivery of support services.

The workshop process was broadly as follows:



Identification of potentials, needs and demands concerning the

application of LBT in infrastructure works

Identification of constraints to the application of LBT in infrastructure

works

Identification of other actors providing support to application of

LBT

Assessment of ASIST - its services, strengths, weaknesses and

resources

Scenarios for the future

The programme of the workshop is summarised in Annex 2.

The methodology used for the workshop drew on objective-oriented project planning (OOPP) principles and used Metaplan visualisation techniques (large charts, cards and marker pens) to structure and record the discussions. The workshop was facilitated by an expert moderator. The working groups were facilitated in the main by some of the workshop participants.

1.5 Assessment of the workshop

An evaluation of the workshop was undertaken at the end of the final session. Participants were invited to write their comments and suggestions on cards. Six broad headings were given. Other comments were also invited. The comments of the participants are presented in full in Annex 11.

Common remarks and suggestions are:

Achievement of workshop objectives:

• Objectives were well achieved.

• Outputs and reviews were useful and important issues were addressed.

• However, time frame restricted full exploration of the possible scenarios.

Participation:

• Good and active participation.

• Would have been useful to have more client and partner representatives, particularly from “new” areas and other agencies.

Methodology:

• Very suitable and effective methodology.

• Good mix of plenary and working groups.

• Good guidelines, good focus of group.

Facilitation:



• Moderation good to excellent.

• Facilitation within working groups could have been stronger.

Programme content and timing:

• Programme content was relevant and well prepared.

• Late focus on some important issues.

• Too much time on basic issues, not enough for scenarios and strategies.

• Some repetition (from previous exercises) could have been avoided by better use of external review and more information on impact of ASIST.

• Timing was well managed.

Environment:

• Rural setting and hotel was nice.

• Food and refreshments OK.

• Lighting was poor and chairs very uncomfortable.

Other comments:

• Evening activities were good and well organised.

• Preparation by ASIST could have been better: more digestible presentations and earlier dissemination of information and invitations.



2. REVIEW OF ASIST: CURRENT PHASE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

2.1 Key findings of external review of ASIST

Ørnulf Strøm from NORAD presented a short summary of the findings of the external review5, the report of which was contained in the information packs provided to participants. Mr Strøm’s presentation is contained in Annex 3 of this report. Some key comments from the external review report were also presented in a chart during the workshop, and these are reproduced below:

KEY COMMENTS FROM EXTERNAL REVIEW REPORT

Strengths Weaknesses • The services provided by ASIST are still in

great demand. • ASIST is seen as a neutral agency – and is

trusted as such. • ASIST is seen as the competence centre

and depository of knowledge and experience on LBT.

• ASIST has strong links with on-going LB projects.

• ASIST is promoting a product that has a proven track record.

• ASIST’s delivery efficiency was rated as “good”.

• ASIST’s publications are of high quality and appreciated by clients.

• ASIST provides an information service that is affordable by clients.

• ASIST has amassed and catalogued a large collection of resource material.

• ASIST has developed a well-tried training methodology.

• ASIST may be good at helping start up projects but poor at follow-up during execution.

• ASIST does not have the capacity to respond to all requests for support.

• ASIST has inadequate capacity to carry out its mandate.

• The cost of ASIST’s information service is heavily subsidised.

• ASIST’s split into two offices leads to some management problems and duplication of resources.

• ASIST is currently ill prepared to provide training in non-core fields.

• In some countries ASIST has failed to convince Governments to invest in LBT.

2.2 Assessments by ASIST team

A series of presentations were made on the first day of the workshop by members of the professional staff of ILO and ASIST. These summarised the developments at ILO and the activities and achievements of ASIST during the current phase, and also set out the perspectives of ILO/ASIST on the issues to be addressed and the trends in needs and demands. The presentations are contained in Annex 4 of this report.

Two briefing documents were also disseminated to participants: • Background Note no.1: Trends in Employment-Intensive Programmes

• Background Note no.2: ASIST Today and Tomorrow

5 "Review of ILO/ASIST: report to DANIDA, NORAD, SDC and SIDA", October 1999, by Sture Hjelm and Odd Høgset.



3. ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION

3.1 Use of LBT methods in infrastructure works: analysis of needs and potentials

The first task of the workshop was to identify the technical fields where there are potentials and demands for the application of labour-based methods and to identify those fields that can make the most contribution to employment creation. This assessment was undertaken in two working groups, one focusing on urban areas, the other on rural.

Annex 6 contains the outputs of the working groups. In summary, the technical fields identified as having the most potential are as follows:

PRIORITY TECHNICAL FIELDS FOR APPLICATION OF LBT

Θ Rural Transport Infrastructure

− Roads

− Bridges

− paths

Θ Agriculture

− water and soil conservation

− irrigation systems

− water pans/dams

Θ Rural Water Infrastructure

− Village water supply

Θ Urban Settlements

− Drainage

− Access

− solid waste

3.2 Constraints on the widespread use of LBT

The same working groups continued on the morning of the second day, and analysed the key constraints and areas of intervention that need to be addressed to enable the widespread and sustained use of LBT in infrastructure works in rural and urban areas. The findings are also contained in Annex 6.

The key constraints that were identified for all sectors and geographical locations are summarised in the box overleaf:



KEY CONSTRAINTS AND AREAS OF INTERVENTION

Θ Awareness and commitment

Θ Policy and legislation

Θ Contracting procedures and design standards

Θ Technical skills and capacity

− Contractors

− Consultants

− Contract managers

Θ Planning procedures

Θ Timely, adequate flow of funds

3.3 Strengths and weaknesses of ASIST’s services

The same working groups then analysed the strengths and weaknesses of ASIST’s services in the context of the constraints and areas of intervention to be addressed. These assessments are also contained in the charts reproduced in Annex 6.

The main strengths and weaknesses identified by the working groups are:

Strengths of ASIST services Weaknesses of ASIST services

Networking amongst LBT experts.

Capacity building.

Advocacy on LBT.

Integration LBT into training and education.

Good information base.

Within reach of implementing projects and programmes.

High level of professionalism and “brand name” recognition.

Basic LBT material is available and can be adjusted to new fields.

ASIST has linkages with other sources of information to enable it to diversify into new technical fields.

Insufficiently pro-active in information dissemination.

Low institutionalisation of ASIST’s services.

Limited political leverage.

ASIST set-up does not fit with needs of decentralisation.

Insufficient technical knowledge and information in new technical fields.

Insufficiently developed networking with ministries or other stakeholders.

Insufficient quality control mechanisms at project level.

3.4 Profile of ASIST’s work, capacity and resources

During the assessments by the rural and urban infrastructure working groups, an ASIST working group analysed and collated information on the current profile of ASIST’s



activities (in relation to the technical fields and areas of intervention identified) and on the trends in demand and delivery of support services. These profiles are presented in Annex 7 of this report.

The working group then assessed ASIST’s capacity and resources in relation to the technical fields and areas of intervention. The chart produced is also contained in Annex 7.

The main capacity and resources of ASIST at the moment are in the following areas:

ASIST CAPACITY AND RESOURCES

Θ Advocacy – policy and commitment

− Neutral

− Staff

− "PR" material

Θ Information

− LBT in roads

− rural access

− some urban

Θ Capacity building

− LBT in roads

− some urban

− some planning

Θ Technical know-how (staff)

− road engineering

− soil and water engineering

− local development planning

Θ Networks

− Policy

− Research

− Practitioners

3.5 Other service providers

Later in the workshop - in a plenary session and subsequently in the ASIST working group - the final component of the situation analysis was completed: the identification and assessment of the roles of other service providers. This exercise was aimed in particular at identifying those actors who can play a role either in the institutionalisation of ASIST services or as partners of ASIST, particularly in the newer technical fields.

The resulting information on other players is contained in Annex 8.

4. SCENARIOS FOR THE FUTURE The final series of working groups focused on scenarios for the future. The session started with a brainstorming and discussion in plenary about possible institutional and service-delivery scenarios. From the suggestions put forward, three main scenarios were identified.



These were then assessed in three working groups – made up of partners, donors and ILO staff - against criteria of relevance, effectiveness, sustainability and efficiency.

A parallel working group, comprising ASIST staff, assessed the resource requirements of the scenarios. This group also briefly identified the different roles of other players in the field of LBT support, assessing their possible role in institutionalisation of ASIST services. In a final plenary session, the findings of the working groups were presented and discussed, and those participants present were able to indicate their preference among the possible scenarios.

4.1 Possible future scenarios for ASIST and for delivery of LBT support services: advantages and disadvantages

Three main scenarios were assessed:

Scenario 1: ASIST terminates at 31 December 2000. ILO HQ and MDT’s continue to deliver LBT support services. ILO’s own resources stay roughly the same or increase slightly. Services for individual technical fields are located with different organisations/providers.

Scenario 2: Narrow the scope of ASIST to core business on LBT/employment in any technical field where applicable (transport, urban, agriculture, water), and institutionalise certain services.

Scenario 3: ASIST continues to exist, with same capacity and focus as at present (status quo), or with expanded capacity to respond to new trends (decentralisation), new technical fields and partners and to develop institutional capacity at national level (expansion).

The assessment of the scenarios was made against the following criteria:

Criteria used to assess the possible scenarios Relevance

- Meeting needs and demands; - match with policies and priorities of supporting institutions; - response to global trends (decentralisation, integrated accessibility and

infrastructure planning, demographic shift from rural to urban areas…). Effectiveness

- impact on use of LBT (ability to address the constraints); - quality and professionalism of services (match with capacity and resources of

ASIST and other players). Sustainability

- Ensuring longer-term continuity of LBT support. Efficiency

- Efficient use of available resources and skills.

Each scenario was assessed by one of three working groups during the Thursday afternoon. The working groups were asked to clarify the scenario and to undertake an assessment of its advantages and disadvantages against the above criteria. Any questions or observations arising from the discussions (for example where information was missing, or where there



was uncertainty about the implications) were also indicated. The resulting charts are contained in Annex 9.

The findings and conclusions were presented to participants in a plenary session on the Friday morning. It was not intended that the workshop would necessarily reach a consensus on which scenario would be the “best” for ASIST to follow in the future. However, the assessments make clear the relative strengths of the scenarios envisaging the continuation of ASIST, particularly in terms of meeting needs and demands on the ground and donor priorities, as well as the global trends of decentralisation.

The assessments also made clear the importance of continuing to pursue the institutionalisation of services wherever feasible. They highlighted, in addition, the potential risk to the impact and effectiveness of ASIST’s work if support services are spread too thinly over too many areas. The need for coherent and comprehensive support in a particular area was highlighted, and for working in all technical fields where labour-based methods are relevant and viable. However, there was a strong call for a clear and strategic focus to ASIST’s work in the future, to avoid dilution of the impact of the services and to achieve the greatest possible cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

In a final short session, the participants then present (some had already left to catch flights) indicated their preference for the scenarios assessed:

Donors and

ILO staff Partners ASIST staff

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Scenario 3

Status quo

Expand

The eventual strategy for ASIST in the future will be developed during the first part of 2000, in particular once more is known about the likely levels of resources that may be available in the future from the ILO and donors.

4.2 An estimate of resource requirements

While the working groups were assessing the three scenarios for the future delivery of LBT support services, an ASIST working group analysed the likely resource requirements of scenarios 2 and 3, annually and in total over a three-year period. Scenario 1 was not analysed as it envisaged the closing of ASIST at the end of 2000 and the transfer of services to ILO and other organisations. Annex 10 contains the estimates made. For each scenario, two options of office location were costed: one office only, or two offices as at present.



During the plenary discussions a strong case was made by the Kenya partners for the continuation of an office in Nairobi to serve the needs in East Africa (backstopping to KTC, technical support at decentralised levels, etc.). A proposal on the location of ASIST services will be contained in the programme document to be prepared in 2000 (see Next Steps, section 5.3).

The estimates of total costs for scenarios 2 and 3 for a three-year operational phase are:

Scenario 2 Scenario 3

One office: US$ 5,855,000 US$ 8,998,000

Two offices: US$ 6,621,000 US$ 9,999,000



5. WAYS FORWARD AND NEXT STEPS The final part of the workshop focused on the ways forward for ASIST. This covered the possible sources of finance support and the next steps to be taken to prepare and plan for the future.

5.1 Policies and priorities of key support organisations

During the discussions on the findings of the assessments of the scenarios, the representatives of the supporting organisations present were invited to comment on the policies and priorities of their organisations and on how these matched the different possible scenarios for ASIST. Their comments were recorded on flip sheets, and are reproduced below.

ILO (Jan de Veen)

The recent re-orientation of ILO has led to an upgrading of the status and resources of ASIST. The development approach of ILO concerns sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation. There is less support for a sectoral approach. Preference for scenario 3 - application of LBT and accessibility planning. Will seek new donor support.

DANIDA (Kristian Duus)

DANIDA's priority is poverty reduction. ASIST supports employment creation in poor areas. Funds to ASIST are agreed, and also to country programmes (LBT in roads). DANIDA takes a long-term view to development, aiming to have a persistent influence. It is far too early to say that the role of ASIST is played out. ILO/ASIST should carefully evaluate all main activities (areas of intervention) and assess whether to change/continue the activity. This exercise should help to reduce the risk of dilution. Prefer scenario 3 because ILO/ASIST has its strength in combined means of intervention (pilot projects, research, institutionalisation, training, etc.) in a coordinated way. The advisory and information role should also in future be played strongly.

SIDA (Gösta Werner)

No mandate to pledge future support. Poverty alleviation is overriding goal. Employment through LBT is one way of achieving this. But it is not quite credible for a project to "plan for handing over 3 times over". Phase 3 was intended to be the final phase, with institutionalisation of some services, cost recovery for others, and other closed. The time frame should be extended - it is too early to close down. ILO has taken little role in institutionalisation so far. There has been some progress re. cost recovery (information). But no reduction of scope of services, in response to client demand. This has meant a thinner spreading of resources. ILO should present a credible programme for institutionalisation of ASIST with enhanced ILO contribution and donor support (SIDA may or may not be one).

NORAD (Ørnulf Strøm)

NORAD fights poverty! The social benefits of LBT fit with NORAD's priorities. Already funded 3 phases. NORAD also specifically mentioned its support to the rural transport component of ASIST as a means to fight poverty. A programme proposal has to be submitted with clear indication of ILO funds. Positive to new phase on same level, but the decision depends on NORAD's Board.



SDC (Roland Python)

Recognise great achievement of ASIST over 10 years! Commitment of staff, well qualified and well managed. Good progress in information services in phase 3. SDC's agenda is poverty reduction, with a concentration on sectors and countries. However, reduction of SDC involvement in East Africa in transport. Other technical fields/areas can match with SDC priorities. Do not want ASIST to suffer from change - want to finish what is started. Will never be the right time to stop! Difficult to lose quality and momentum. Thought that could manage scenario 1. East Africa/health (water) and private sector/local capacity. Expect bigger commitment of ILO with institutionalisation of services in ILO. Scenario 2 may be the most realistic, with precondition of institutionalisation by ILO and attention to local sustainability.

DFID (Christelle Ricaux)

Nice to see a project that has achieved something positive! DFID supports LBT. It has not yet supported ASIST in Africa directly, but does now support ASIST in Asia-Pacific. LBT meets policy and needs/demands on poverty alleviation. ASIST started with clear mandate (LBT). ASIST 3 willing to extend this mandate to other activities - beyond LBT and beyond roads. This is a reflection of the real world. Cross-sectoral approach is needed - it is complex to deal with poverty, which requires more than one technique. Problems with sustainability of ASIST because it needs collaborators. Expect ILO to come up with proposal to adapt themselves to take on ASIST functions - with the aim of securing ASIST. Scenario 2 - refocus on ASIST commitment to LBT; this better meets what needs to be achieved. Must fix a clear objective to ensure that ASIST does not need donors.

5.2 Financing possibilities

Direct support from donors and the ILO is not the only possible source of financial resources for the running of ASIST, as Jan de Veen from ILO HQ explained to the workshop. Services can also be “paid” for by organisations in the region, such as national Governments, or by the direct users of the services, such as Works Departments or Local Governments. Mr de Veen stressed that it will be important to take a broader look at the financing of support services, and to rely not only on direct donor funding and increased resources from ILO. This is the diagram he presented to illustrate these multiple sources:

External funder

Service provider

National Government

Service User



5.3 Next Steps

In a short final session, a number of "next steps" were identified:

What Who By when

Production of the workshop report. Moderator + ASIST

Disseminate by mid December 1999

Letter sent to "other players" (e.g. World Bank) with workshop report, indicating issue of institutionalisation and requesting comments.

ILO Geneva Before end 1999

Prepare a concise, 3 - 5 page paper explaining the impact of ASIST services.

Send to SDC and others.

ASIST Will try to send by mid December 1999

Request to donors to revise present agreements. ILO/ASIST Before end 1999

Request additional support from SDC for period to end 2000.

ILO/ASIST Before end 1999

Submission to donors of a comprehensive proposal for ASIST for the period 2001 to end 2003 to include:

− The commitment and contribution of ILO;

− Clear explanation of how sustainability will be addressed;

− a proposal for the location of ASIST services, and a justification of the choice and its advantages and disadvantages.

ILO Geneva 1 April 2000



Annex 1

List of Workshop Participants

Workshop report, November 1999


Workshop report, November 1999 Annex 1 Page 1

ASIST – Review and Planning Workshop, 23 – 26 November 1999 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Name Organisation Postal Address Telephone

Number Fax Number Email Address

Donor Representatives

Kristian Duus DANIDA P O Box 4711 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-758185-7 +263-4-758189

Christelle Ricaux DFID

94 Victoria Street London SW1E 5JL United Kingdom

+44-1719170701 [email protected]

Ørnulf Strøm NORAD P O Box 8034 Dep. Oslo Norway

+47-22-240242 +47-22-242030 +47-22-242031 [email protected]

Anders Kreitz Sida Sveavägen 20 S-105 25 Stockholm Sweden

+46-8-6985100 +46-8-6985431 +46-8-6985620 [email protected]

Gösta Werner Sida CP 338 Maputo Mozambique

+258-1-490091-4 +258-1-490056 +258-1-492374 [email protected]

Roland Python SDC Freiburgstrasse 130 CH-3003 Bern Switzerland

+41-31-322 3277 +41-31-3223505 [email protected]





Partner Representatives

Celestine Pama LCU - Labour Construction Unit

P O Box 1283 Maseru Lesotho

+266-325408 +266-314514

+266-310508 +266-310125 [email protected]

Barnabas Ariga KIHABT/KTC, Kisii Training Centre

P O Box 57511 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-541221-6 +254-2-534890 [email protected]

Pepetua Chisenga Geopta - Contractors P O Box 1447 Mutare Zimbabwe

+263-20-61551 +263-20-66830

+263-20-66794 +263-20-66830 [email protected]

Andreas Beusch Intech Associates - Consultants

Loestrasse 77 CH-7000 Chur Switzerland

+41-81-3537975 +41-81-3537976 [email protected]

Arthur Chibwana MoLG - Ministry of Local Government

P O Box 265 Lilongwe Malawi

+265-780555 +265-721810 [email protected]

Alfred Sakwiya MoLGH - Min. of Local Gvt. & Hous.

P O Box 510032 Chipata Zambia

+260-62-21177 +260-62-21107 +260-62-21177 [email protected]

Jerry Gotora UMP Zvataida Rural District Council

P/A Mutawatawa Via Murewa Zimbabwe

+263-78-2305 +263-78-2305

Roger Matara MoLA - Ministry of Local Authorities

P O Box 30004 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2340972 +254-2-564642

Lindelwa Mabuntana DWP - Department of Public Works

P Bag X65 Pretoria South Africa

+27-12-2052003 +27-12-3372042 +27-12-3237017 [email protected]





Samuel Ampadu University of Kumasi

PMB Ministries Post Office Kumasi Ghana

+233-51-60226 +233-51-60137 +233-51-60226 [email protected]

ILO Representatives

Louis Ndaba ILO – Lusaka P O Box 32181 Lusaka Zambia

+260-1-228071/2 +260-1-223277 [email protected]

Kwaku Dua Osei-Bonsu ILO – Addis Ababa P O Box 2532 Addis Ababa Ethiopia

+251-1-517200 +251-1-517320

+251-1-513633 +251-1-517320 [email protected]

Jan de Veen ILO – Geneva 4 route des Morillons CH-1211 Geneva Switzerland

+41-22-7996464 +41-22-7996461 +41-22-7996489 [email protected]

Arjen During ILO – Lusaka P O Box 32181 Lusaka Zambia

+260-1-228071/2 +260-1-223277 [email protected]

Serge Cartier ILO – Harare P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-781761-5 +263-4-759372 [email protected]

ASIST Representatives

Fatemeh Ali-Nejadfard ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Wilma Van Esch ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234 [email protected]





Jan Fransen ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234 [email protected]

Anne Obara ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234 [email protected]

David Mason ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234 [email protected]

Gamelihle Sibanda ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Tomas Stenström ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Terje Tessem ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Jane Tournée ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Ida Chimedza ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Annabel Chite ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234 [email protected]





Angela Kabiru-Kangethe ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234 [email protected]

Marie Winsvold ILO/ASIST P O Box 60598 Nairobi Kenya

+254-2-572555 +254-2-572580 +254-2-566234

Jan Sakko ILO/ASIST P O Box 210 Harare Zimbabwe

+263-4-748344-7 +263-4-759427 [email protected]

Facilitator

Mary Braithwaite Facilitator Rue Valduc 296 B-1160 Brussels Belgium

+32-2-5027225 +32-2-6722920 +32-2-6722920 MaryBraithwaite@compuserve.

com


Annex 2

Workshop Programme



WORKSHOP PROGRAMME TUESDAY 23 WEDNESDAY 24 THURSDAY 25 FRIDAY 26

8.30-10.30 • Official welcome by Mr Louis Ndaba, Director, ILO Lusaka

• Introductions by the participants • Explanation of workshop objectives,

programme and methodology • Presentation by Ørnulf Strøm on the

findings of the External Review of ASIST.

• Questions and discussion.

• Working groups (4) on: - Resources and capacity of ASIST - Constraints to widespread application of LBT in rural infrastructure - Constraints to widespread application of LBT in urban infrastructure

• Presentations on : - Kisii Training Centre by Barnabas Ariga

- LBT training in Lesotho by Mrs Pama - LBT Universities' Network by Samuel Kofi Ampadu

• Report-backs from working groups. Discussion.

• Comments and discussion on

possible donor and ILO support.

10.30-13.00 • Presentations by staff of ILO and ASIST: - The changing context in ILO - Accessibility and Rural Access - Rural infrastructure and small-

scale contracting - Urban Infrastructure Services

• Questions and discussion.

Working groups continue...

• Identification of possible scenarios for the provision of future support services.

• Agreement on next steps • Workshop evaluation • Final closing remarks

14.00-15.30 • Presentations by ASIST staff continued: - Training Services - Information Services - Steps to sustainability

• Questions and discussion. • Explanation of working groups

• Reportbacks from working groups and discussion.

• Working groups (4) on: - Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the possible scenarios identified - Resource requirements of the possible scenarios

16.00-17.30 Working groups (3) on: - Current profile of ASIST's work - Potentials, needs and demands concerning application of LBT in rural infrastructure - Potentials, needs and demands concerning application of LBT in urban infrastructure

Presentation on Department for International Development, UK (DFID), by Christelle Ricaux Identifying the players in providing support services to the application of LBT

Working groups continue...

"Nocturnal activities"

Cocktail party offered by ILO/ASIST at Mbizi Lodge Choice of two films at the cinema Theatre in the Park: comedy on the

theme of "development aid" Dinner at "The Manchurian"



Annex 3

Presentation of External Review of ASIST



Review of ILO ASIST

Report to DANIDA, NORAD, SDC and Sida, October 1999

by

Sture Hjelm, Independent Consultant

and

Odd Hogset, Nordic Consulting Group

Review of ILO ASIST Sture Hjelm and Odd Hogseth



Countries and projects visited by the Review Team

Nairobi ASIST project, KTC; SDC, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Local Government

Dar es Salaam ILO Area Office, NORAD, MoW, SDC; UNDP/UNCDF, NCC, Hanna Nassif, NIGP, City Commission, DSM Institute of Technology

Lilongwe Local Government

Chipata The Eastern Province Feeder Roads Project

Lusaka NORAD, National Roads Board, UNZA, UNCDF, Roads Dep. Training School, Ministry of Local Government, ILO Area Office




Countries and projects visited by the Review Team

Windhoek MoW, Bicon Namibia, Windhoek consulting, Swedish Embassy, Weder Meyer and Loun; Africon,

Harare ASIST Team Harare, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Norwegian Embassy, DANIDA , Association of District Councils, SweRoad, Swedish embassy, University of Zimbabwe, ILO SAMAT




Findings and Conclusions

1. The Relevance of labour Based Technology has increased during the 90's in pace with increased emphasis on Poverty Alleviation and decentralisation Policies

2. The Sustainability of the use of LBT is primarily dependent on labour policies and the balance between cost of labour and equipment

3. The Impact of ASIST and related interventions vary from country to country due to government policies and commitment.

4. The overall Efficiency of the ASIST programme is good. At the time of the

review, about 1/3 of the programme period remains, and the ASIST Team has adequate time to pick up the shortfalls of the high priority areas.




The review Concludes that:

LBT are rapidly changing from large-scale road programmes to small-scale infrastructure of all kind

The future of ASIST lies in the mainstreaming of LBT

ILO ASIST has the know-how to play an important role in the mainstreaming process Review of ILO ASIST Sture Hjelm and Odd Hogseth



Recommendations

The current agreements are extended without financial input in order to allow for the preparation of a fourth phase (ASIST IV)

ASIST IV is formulated as a three-year programme mainstreaming LBT by the combined resources of ILO and the donors

The donors may consider a common approach in appraising and financing of the mainstreaming phase Review of ILO ASIST Sture Hjelm and Odd Hogseth



Annex 4

Presentations by ILO and ASIST


report of review and planning workshop · report of review and planning workshop mbizi lodge,...

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