Archived Document
Appendix
Vision
A more secure Kandahar that is better governed and can deliver basic services to its citizens, supported by a more capable national government that can better provide for its security, manage its borders and sustain stability and reconstruction gains over the longer term.
Priorities
- Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
- Basic Services
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Border Security and Dialogue
- Democratic Development and National Institutions
- Political Reconciliation
To support this vision and the priorities laid out in this report, the Government of Canada has identified a number of benchmarks and progress indicators that will help to:
- gauge levels of progress being achieved, or not, as the case may be;
- identify if and when adjustments to its approach are required, given the complex environment; and
- report results frankly to Canadians.
Benchmarking in Afghanistan is a difficult task with reporting dependent on gathering information while operating in a conflict zone.
- Benchmarks are reference points that help assess progress in specific priority areas. The benchmarks are in some cases quantitative, providing numerical targets, and in other cases qualitative, for instance gauging public perception or assessing the implementation of policies and programs.
- Progress indicators provide more specific information on how work is proceeding against those reference points. The challenge with progress indicators is in the ability to regularly report against them on a quarterly basis.
- Baselines refer to the status of developments associated with the progress indicators, are a fixed point, and will not change over time.
- Targets are the level of progress that we hope to achieve by 2011. Some targets have already been met.
Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
Context: Benchmarks to measure Afghan National Army (ANA) progress are very precise and consistent with NATO’s overall ANA training initiatives. To strengthen the policing, justice and corrections sectors, our benchmarks include both quantitative and qualitative indicators. A number of external factors will affect our ability to make progress in these areas. Insurgent violence deliberately targeting Afghan police has resulted in high rates of death, injury and desertion, which degrade police effectiveness and limit our ability to track trained police officers. Canada is one of many actors contributing to rule-of-law reform. Afghan ministries are leading this process and key international partners are playing critical roles.
Benchmark: Increase in the number of ANA kandaks (army battalions) in Kandahar capable of conducting near-autonomous security operations, and increase in the capability of their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANA kandaks | One of the five ANA kandaks is fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations (June 2008). | To have four of the five ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | New Target Achieved: Over the last three quarters the ANA brigade as a whole continued to be assessed as capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. One kandak in this quarter, however, was provisionally assessed at a lower level due to the turnover in personnel. Progress to date: Overall ANA commanders at all levels are showing marked improvement, especially when it comes to independent thinking and initiative. |
Benchmark: Increase and/or maintain the effective strength (troops trained, ready and available for operations) of Kandahar-based ANA kandaks and their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks | One of the five ANA kandaks has an effective strength of 67% and the remainder currently have an effective strength of over 80%. The ANA brigade headquarters has an effective strength of 77% (June 2008). | To sustain the level of effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) at 70% or higher. | New Target Achieved: This target was achieved this quarter. Progress to date: All six of the brigade’s kandaks had an effective strength of 70% or higher. |
Benchmark: Progressive increase in the security burden shouldered by the ANA in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the Canadian Forces.[1]
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are executed by the ANA. | 45% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA (April 2009). | 65% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA. | New Target Achieved: This target was achieved this quarter. The majority of operations in the Canadian AOR were conducted as partnered operations, where the CF and ANA worked jointly to achieve a common operational aim. Progress to date: ANA commanders have begun to act more independently, and the ANA as a result shouldered 65% (or higher) of the security tasks in the CF AOR this quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are led by the ANA. | 45% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA (April 2009). | 65% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA. | During this quarter, Task Force Kandahar began its redeployment, and the ANA took on a much more independent role, focused on large-scale operations. Although the ANA led 5 of 53 named operations in the Canadian AOR, 1/205 Brigade planned and executed a brigade-sized operation from May 23 to June 8, and responded unprompted to the Sarpoza prison break. As well, the companies within the ANA kandaks operating in the Canadian AOR conducted their own operations without Canadian mentors and without partners, and both Kandaks 4 and 5 were able to maintain independent security tasks in Kandahar City. |
Benchmark: To increase the number of key districts where the ANA are perceived by the majority of the population to be a professional and effective force that contributes to their well-being in key districts of Kandahar province.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of key districts where the ANA has an approval rating of 85% or more.[2] | In four of the six key districts the ANA has an approval rating of 85% or more (June 2008). | To maintain and/or increase the number of key districts where the ANA has an 85% approval rating. | None of the six key districts gave the ANA a rating of 85% or higher this quarter. Progress to date. Perception of the ANA has dropped slightly across the province, though it remains about 70%. |
Benchmark: Increase in the number of key districts of Kandahar province where there is a perceived improvement of security conditions.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of key districts where the majority of Kandaharis perceive security as improving. | In zero of the six key districts, a majority of Kandaharis feel secure or perceive security as improving (June 2008). | The majority of Kandaharis in all six of the key districts feel secure or perceive security as improving. | New Target Achieved: This target was achieved this quarter. Progress to date: The majority of Kandaharis polled in all six of the key districts continued to indicate that they felt secure or perceived that security was improving. |
Benchmark: Increased Afghan National Police (ANP) capacity to provide effective police services in key districts of Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP trained in Kandahar. | 25% of the ANP in key districts have completed Focused District Development (FDD) training (August 2008).[3] | 80% of key district ANP forces will have completed Focused District Development training. | New Target Achieved: This target was achieved this quarter. An additional 755 ANP in key districts completed FDD training this quarter. A total of 4,333 ANP in key districts have been trained since 2008, more than originally planned. Progress to date: While some of those trained have been assigned elsewhere, or have been killed or wounded, there are currently 3,532 ANP operating in key districts, 3,235 of which, or 92%, have received FDD training through the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan with the assistance of supporting countries such as Canada. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP forces in key districts assessed at Capability Milestone 2: capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations.[4] | 0% of ANP forces in key districts are capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations (August 2008). | 80% of ANP forces in key districts are capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved last quarter. Progress to date: In this quarter, one more police unit was assessed as “effective with assistance” under ISAF’s capacity assessment model. Therefore, 13 of 15 units in the six key districts, or 87%, have been assessed as “effective with assistance.”. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Five permanent substations have been constructed and equipped in key districts (August 2008). | 15 new infrastructure projects, such as construction of substations or checkpoints, and 15 upgrades to existing ANP facilities are completed in key districts in Kandahar province. All 15 new facilities built by Canada in Kandahar province are provided with basic equipment required to run a functioning police unit. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved last quarter. Progress to date: A total of 19 infrastructure projects have been completed, surpassing the 2008-11 goal of 15 new infrastructure projects. Furthermore, a total of 28 upgrades to existing ANP facilities have been completed, surpassing the 2008-11 goal of 15 upgrades. |
Benchmark: Improved detention facilities in Kandahar that support the work of the Afghan National Police (ANP).
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Sarpoza Prison and the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) detention centre in Kandahar. | Immediate repairs were made in the wake of the attack on Sarpoza Prison. Detailed needs assessments for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at both NDS and Sarpoza have been completed and project plans have been developed in consultation with the Afghan government (August 2008). | 19 planned infrastructure projects, such as repairs to security infrastructure and refurbishment of prisoner quarters, are completed in Sarpoza Prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. 12 planned equipment purchases, such as communications equipment, uniforms and office furnishing, are delivered to Sarpoza Prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. | Target Achieved: The components of this target were achieved in the eighth and ninth quarterly reports respectively. Progress to date: A total of 36 infrastructure projects and 18 equipment purchases have been completed, surpassing the 2008-11 goal of 19 infrastructure projects and 12 equipment purchases. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of corrections officials trained and mentored in Kandahar. | 23 corrections officers (30%) and one senior manager (50%) have successfully completed initial corrections training; and two senior managers (100%) are participating in management training (August 2008). | 100% of corrections officers and managers will have successfully completed their initial and advanced training programs. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the eighth quarterly report. |
Benchmark: Improved justice sector: a working court system in Kandahar City with competent judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and administrative personnel in place.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of training programs in place for justice officials in Kandahar. | There are no current training programs for justice officials in Kandahar (August 2008). | Four training programs for justice officials in Kandahar are made available for those practising law and those involved in administering the legal system. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the eleventh quarterly report. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of justice sector infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Minimal judicial infrastructure exists. The Attorney General and Ministry of Justice building requires repair. In Kandahar City, there is one courthouse which is in disrepair and housing for judges and prosecutors is inadequate. In the other districts, there are only three courthouses, all of which require upgrading. | Five justice facilities, including the ANP Prosecutor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and High Court are built or rehabilitated to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. Three justice facilities, including the Land Registry Office (Cadastre), ANP Prosecutor’s Office and High Court are equipped to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. | Target Achieved: The components of this target were achieved in the twelfth and eighth quarterly reports respectively. Progress to date: A total of six infrastructure projects have been completed, surpassing the 2008-11 goal of five projects. Also, a total of 12 justice facilities have been equipped in Kandahar, surpassing the 2008-11 goal of three facilities to be equipped. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Improved Ministry of Justice capacity to draft, revise, translate and promulgate laws passed by the Afghan government. | Afghan Ministry of Justice’s legislative drafting unit lacks the required capacity, processes and infrastructure to draft, revise, translate and promulgate legislation in an effective and timely manner (August 2008). | The Afghan Ministry of Justice’s legislative drafting unit achieves improved capacity. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the twelfth quarterly report. Progress to date: Canadian efforts in this area are continuing, as strengthening the rule of law at the national level remains one of Canada’s 2011-14 priorities in Afghanistan. |
Basic Services
Context: A number of benchmarks have been established under this priority, though some are less tangible than others as they are based on Afghan perception and will be measured against findings from public opinion research. It is important to note that polling in a complex environment like Kandahar is challenging and results may not always be reliable.
Benchmark: The Dahla Dam and its irrigation and canal system rehabilitated, generating jobs and fostering agriculture (Canadian Signature Project).
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Progress in the rehabilitation of the physical structures of the Dahla Dam and its irrigation components. | Access road completed and bridge nearing completion (March 2009). | Completion of all planned rehabilitation activities in accordance with the project plan. | The release of water back into the canals to support the agricultural season marked a pause to the canal rehabilitation work. The canals will be drained again in late October allowing the remaining rehabilitation work to be completed. Preparations and contracting for the work this coming fall are underway. Over the reporting period, other physical works have been advanced, including construction of a water management administration building, foot bridges across canals and other supporting infrastructure. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of jobs created by the Dahla Dam project. | Project plan indicated a baseline of 0 jobs (fall 2008). | 10,000 seasonal jobs created by the project. | The release of water through the Dam back into canals to support the agricultural cycle limited the number of construction-related jobs created during the period. Employment in the agriculture sector benefited greatly from the increased flow of water to areas that previously saw little or no water irrigation. Data will be available following studies and analysis conducted over the next period and will be reported on in the next report. Progress to date: A total of 3,681 seasonal jobs have been created to date, mostly related to construction. As repairs progress, more water is provided with each agricultural cycle, increasing agricultural productivity and agricultural-based employment. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of hectares of land benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | 20,000 hectares of land currently have access to irrigation (to varying degree and quality) via the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system | 30,000 hectares in total benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | Water-flow monitors were installed throughout the canal system during the last quarter to measure the volume and flow rates of water travelling through the system. Although it is visually evident that broad expanses of land are benefiting from the improved irrigation, the data from the monitors will help to provide accurate assessments of improvements achieved. The results of this data will be reported in the next report. |
Benchmark: A total of 50 schools built, expanded or repaired in Kandahar (Canadian Signature Project)
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of school projects (built, expanded or repaired) in key districts. | 19 school projects contracted and one school project completed (June 2008). | 50 schools built, expanded or repaired. | Three schools were completed this quarter and another six are under construction. It is expected that all 50 schools will be completed by the end of 2011. Progress to date: 44 of the 50 schools have been completed. |
Benchmark: Local and provincial institutions able to meet and implement the objectives of the National Education Strategic Plan for Afghanistan.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of teachers trained in Kandahar. | No teachers trained as yet through Canadian programming (June 2008). | 3,000 trained teachers. | Preparatory work for the next phase of training was undertaken during this period. Progress to date: Over 1,900 teachers have been trained to date. In addition, training opportunities have been provided for over 3,500 participants since 2008. Some of these participants may have benefited from more than one of the training opportunities. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of people receiving literacy training, vocational education and skills development. | More than 5,000 individuals have received literacy training. Some 735 individuals have received vocational training (2007). | 20,000 additional individuals to receive literacy training. 1,070 additional individuals to receive vocational training. | Target Achieved: This target was officially achieved in the seventh quarterly report. Over 200 farmers received training this quarter on crop irrigation techniques. In addition, over 3,700 participants (over 2,500 were female) completed literacy training this past quarter. Progress to date: The total number of individuals to have received vocational and skills development training is now over 6,500. Furthermore, more than 27,000 Afghans have completed literacy training. Afghans who have received literacy training, vocational education or skills development now have a foundation to further develop their social and economic potential. |
Benchmark: Provincial institutions and community groups able to identify and implement infrastructure projects.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of communities in key districts that have completed infrastructure projects undertaken by the locally elected bodies. | 60% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects (December 2007). | 75% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects. | New Target Achieved: 76% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects. Progress to date: Communities continue to complete multiple infrastructure projects. However, the hardest to reach communities, which are also challenged by insecurity, continue to face obstacles in the completion of infrastructure projects. |
Benchmark: Kandaharis have confidence in the ability of the government in Kandahar to deliver basic services, particularly education and water, and job-oriented economic growth.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of Kandaharis who perceive an improvement in dependable delivery of services. | 75% of Kandaharis polled indicate they are satisfied with efforts of provincial and local-level government to improve quality of life. 64% of Kandaharis polled are somewhat or very satisfied with provision of education. 39% of polled Kandaharis indicated they are satisfied with employment (February 2008). | To maintain and improve on perception of service delivery. | According to a recent poll of Kandaharis, 69% indicate that they are satisfied with efforts of the provincial and local governments to improve quality of life, up 10% from this time last year. Progress to date: Overall, a significant majority of Kandaharis have reported being either satisfied or very satisfied with government efforts to improve their quality of life. |
Benchmark: New economic opportunities created in key districts for Kandaharis.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of business enterprises and cooperatives operating in key districts. | 206 agricultural cooperatives registered (April 2006) and 72 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating (July 2008). | Steady expansion of the number of enterprises in key districts. | Target Achieved: This target was officially achieved in the eleventh quarterly report. Progress to date: Since July 2008, there has been a steady expansion of the number of business enterprises in key districts. To date, over 1,300 enterprises have been registered. As economic opportunities increase for Kandaharis, the number of businesses registered will continue to grow. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of microfinance and savings clients served. | 30 microfinance loans provided to clients in Kandahar (March 2008). | Loans for 500 clients in Kandahar through the Microfinance Investment Support Facility. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the sixth quarterly report. Progress to date: Over 3,980 clients in key districts have been provided with microfinance services. |
Humanitarian Assistance
Context: The first benchmark in this priority includes a series of quantitative and qualitative measures, as no single indicator is comprehensive enough to provide a complete picture. Considered together, they will help to provide an assessment of progress.
The challenges for this priority are not in the indicators themselves, but in the ability to report against them on a quarterly basis given that evaluations and assessments are undertaken across longer time frames. The evolving nature of security can challenge humanitarian access and limit the ability to report publicly on some efforts below the national level. It is also important to note that with some information, such as mine victims, officially reported numbers are only estimates given that many accidents go unreported.
Benchmark: Achievement of polio eradication in Afghanistan (Canadian Signature Project)
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of children receiving the polio vaccine during each of the multiple national campaigns conducted annually—multiple vaccinations are required to stop transmission of polio. | In 2007, approximately 27.7 million vaccinations were administered to 7 million children during four national campaigns (2007). | Eradication by vaccination by 2009. | An estimated 369,700 children were vaccinated in Kandahar this quarter, representing 89% of the targeted children reached in each campaign in Kandahar. Progress to date: Over 7.8 million children across Afghanistan continue to be vaccinated against polio this year. Although eradication has not been achieved, the percentage of children reached for vaccination despite the volatile security situation is increasing. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of polio cases reported. | 17 cases reported nationally (2007). | Eradication by 2009. | Seven new cases of polio were identified this quarter, bringing the total number of cases for 2011 to eight as of June 28. Progress to date: The number of polio cases reported at the same time in 2010 was 12. New cases are largely found in the remote southern districts. Insecurity and cross-border transmission continue to challenge eradication efforts and the mobility of vaccination teams. |
Benchmark: Public institutions able to plan and coordinate emergency assistance and support to vulnerable populations in Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Quantity of humanitarian food aid delivered in response to need. | 6.7 million Afghans (approximately 21%) supported with food aid, representing 214,000 tonnes of food against an identified need where 30% of the Afghan population were considered chronically food insecure (January-December 2007). | Maintain and/or improve the number of Afghans receiving food assistance in proportion to need. | Target Achieved: This target was officially achieved in the twelfth quarterly report. During the quarter, Canadian funding helped the World Food Programme provide over 30,000 tonnes of food to over 4.2 million Afghans. Progress to date: Canadian funding helped the World Food Programme provide more than 145,000 tonnes of food to more than 6.5 million Afghans in 2010, primarily in remote areas where food security is lacking. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The capacity of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) to put in place effective disaster preparedness plans. | The PDMC and United Nations in Kandahar developed a comprehensive contingency plan for a severe winter in 2007 and anticipated spring floods. Two training sessions were provided for the PDMC on disaster management. | By 2011, PDMC will have developed comprehensive strategies and coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the eleventh quarterly report. Progress to date: The National Disaster Management Authority and the Provincial Disaster Management Committee for Kandahar have developed comprehensive strategies and effective disaster preparedness plans. The capacity of the PDMC to effectively respond to disasters in Kandahar, as a result, has steadily increased. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The access that vulnerable populations—women, children, disabled persons, returnees and internally displaced persons—have to essential quality health services. | 111 health care staff have received training (June 2008). | 500 health care workers trained. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the seventh quarterly report. Progress to date: Over 2,000 health care workers have been trained, including doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers. Canada continues to support training for Afghan health professionals to improve the quality and accessibility of the Afghan health care system. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The amount of land released and made available for communities as a result of survey and clearance of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) nationally and in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 180 square kilometres of land were released and made available nationally. | A cumulative total of 500 square kilometres of land released and made available. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the ninth quarterly report. This quarter, 38.8 sq. km. of land were released and made available to communities, nationwide. Progress to date: A cumulative total of over 695.8 sq. km. nationwide have been released to communities. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of people receiving mine awareness education in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 33,500 individuals were provided with mine awareness education. | 200,000 individuals provided with mine awareness education. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the seventh quarterly report. In this quarter, however, over 29,000 Kandaharis received mine risk education. Progress to date: Since March 2007, over 619,000 Kandaharis have received mine risk education. |
Border Security and Dialogue
Context: Border security and dialogue are ultimately contingent on strong relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and on the resolution of some long-standing issues. Canada’s benchmarks for this priority include qualitative and quantitative progress indicators to assess the effectiveness of Afghan and Pakistani border management efforts, including bilateral cooperation. As the border is long, its terrain difficult and its infrastructure underdeveloped, obtaining baseline information and establishing targets are challenging. Canada has already begun to work with the Afghan and Pakistani governments to identify infrastructure, training and other needs. This information will be essential to refining Canada’s baselines and targets in the future.
Benchmark: Regular discussions on border issues.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased dialogue between Pakistani and Afghan officials through mechanisms including Canadian-sponsored workshops. | Three Canadian-sponsored workshops have been held to date. Key mechanisms for discussions were suspended by Afghanistan in July 2008 (August 2008). | Sustainable mechanisms for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues are in place and operating for senior officials. | New Target Achieved: The most recent meeting of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Cooperation Process (APCP), formerly the Dubai Process, took place on April 9-10, 2011. The first deputy-minister-level meeting of the APCP on border management was held on April 29, 2011. Progress to date: A Framework and Action Plan for cooperation toward 2013 was approved and signed at the April 29 meeting marking a commitment to sustaining regular and substantive discussion between the two countries on a broad array of issues. Canada will continue to facilitate the APCP as part of Canada’s new 2011-14 engagement in Afghanistan. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased cooperation at Kandahar-Baluchistan border. | Regular Canadian-facilitated discussions at Kandahar-Baluchistan border are continuing. | Mechanisms at border in place for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the eighth quarterly report. |
Benchmark: Better managed border crossings on the Kandahar-Baluchistan border.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Training completed by border officials. | No training provided to date (August 2008). | A tailored training curriculum for new recruits in international customs procedures and a senior management development program for Afghan Customs will be developed by September 2009. 150-200 Afghan Customs officials and 3 or 4 Afghan Customs trainers trained by 2011. | Target Achieved: The components of this target were achieved in the eighth and eleventh quarterly reports respectively. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Key infrastructure projects completed, including procurement of equipment. | Assessment of infrastructure needs not yet complete; some equipment purchases underway (August 2008). | Construction completed of a Joint District Coordination Centre (JDCC) in Spin Boldak. Infrastructure and equipment improvements completed at Weish border crossing in Kandahar, based on the results of a feasibility study to be completed in March 2009. | JDCC PORTION OF THE 2011 Target Achieved: This portion of the target was achieved in the eighth quarterly report. Progress to date: With respect to the Weish border crossing, Canada’s participation in the project is on track and is scheduled to be met by September 2011. |
Democratic Development and National Institutions
Context: Given the nature of the first benchmark, measures will include quantitative data such as internationally recognized Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessments in addition to qualitative assessments of ministry-specific evaluation activities and public perception assessed through polling.
The Government of Afghanistan held a presidential election and provincial council elections in 2009, and the parliamentary elections in 2010.
Canada will actively contribute in this area but it is important to recall that Canada is one of many actors. The Afghan government is leading, with support from the international community.
Benchmark: Key Afghan government institutions able to plan, resource, manage and maintain the delivery of services including at the subnational level.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Provinces have established long-term provincial strategic plans that are aligned with Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) objectives. | Zero provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan (PSP) (March 2009). | All 34 provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan. Kandahar will have demonstrated progress in implementing its strategic plan against identified timelines. | An additional two Provincial Strategic Plans were finalized this past quarter. Progress to date: Four provinces have finalized PSPs (Balkh, Bamiyan, Laghman and Mazar-i-Sharif). PSPs are in progress for three other provinces, including Kandahar. In addition, more than 200 employees in provincial governors’ offices across Afghanistan have received training on the development of PSPs. It is anticipated that Provincial Strategic Planning will reach all 34 provinces by the end of 2013. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Effective planning and budgeting mechanisms in place. | The difference between planned and actual government spending is 9.7% (April 2008). | The difference between planned and actual government spending should be less than or equal to 5%. | Target Partially Achieved: The Government of Afghanistan’s budget is divided into a Core Operating budget, which includes recurring costs such as salaries, and a Core Development budget (programs). Progress to date: The difference between planned and actual government spending on the operational budget for the fiscal year/solar year ending March 2011 was 4%, which is within the 5% target. However, as of March 2011, the difference between planned and actual spending for the core development budget was 60%. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Better government monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure transparency. | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3 (April 2008). | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3+. | In 2010, the Afghan Ministry of Finance and donors jointly decided to modify the methodology used to assess government performance on public financial management. The new methodology builds on the previous Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) methodology and assessments of 14 line ministries in 2011 will be conducted by an international audit firm. Progress to date: The inception report for the current round of public financial management assessments has been delivered and work is underway. Initial reports on seven ministries are expected in late 2011. |
Benchmark: Afghanistan’s ability to manage upcoming elections.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of a national voter registry. | Pilot voter registration process carried out in three selected provinces (April 2008). | Update of registry completed in a four-phased approach, in advance of 2009 presidential elections: - 14 provinces registered in phase I; - 10 additional provinces registered in phase II; - 6 additional provinces registered in phase III; and - 4 additional provinces including Kandahar registered in phase IV.* *The target was updated as the Government of Afghanistan’s plan for voter registration was finalized. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the tenth quarterly report. Progress to date: As discussed in the tenth quarterly report, an update of the voter registry was completed in advance of the 2009 presidential elections and again in advance of the 2010 parliamentary elections. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of registered voters nationally. | Approximately 12.6 million voters in the existing registry (2005). | Two million new registrants added to the current registry in advance of the 2009 presidential and provincial council elections; 500,000 new registrants added to the 2009 registry in advance of the 2010 parliamentary and district council elections. | New Target Achieved: As reported in the ninth quarterly report over four million voters were added to the voter registry in advance of the 2009 elections. Additionally, ahead of the 2010 Parliamentary elections, the voter registry was updated again with some 377,000 additional registrants. These included new voters as well as individuals who lost their voter cards, or moved since the 2009 elections. Progress to date: A combined total of almost 4.5 million voters were added to the voter registry for the 2009 and 2010 elections. This far exceeds the combined target of 2.5 million additional registrants. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of voter turnout. | 70% of registered voters participated in the last presidential elections; 51.5% of registered voters participated in the last parliamentary and provincial council elections. | 70% turnout for men; 40% turnout for women. These targets are consistent with figures currently being used by the UNDP ELECT project. | As noted in previous quarterly reports, the United Nations Development Programme no longer uses the metrics identified in the 2011 target. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | An independent electoral complaints commission does not currently exist (August 2008). | Establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the tenth quarterly report. |
Political Reconciliation
Context: Ultimately, only the Afghan government has the authority to pursue political reconciliation; Canada and other international partners will play supporting roles. Progress indicators to measure this benchmark include the identification of Afghan institutions and officials responsible for moving reconciliation forward, as well as the establishment of a transparent and effective process for reconciling insurgents.
Afghanistan cannot secure peace or realize its governance and development objectives by military means alone. An Afghan-led, internationally supported reconciliation process can serve to foster sustainable peace.
Benchmark: The Government of Afghanistan increasingly able to promote reconciliation among Afghans.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government identifies the institutions and officials responsible for promoting Afghan reconciliation and a national reconciliation process is established. | A clear institutional focal point and process have yet to be identified (August 2008). | A lead authority is moving the reconciliation process forward. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the eleventh quarterly report. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government is better able to communicate with Afghans about reconciliation. | The Government of Afghanistan’s ability to share information about its programs, policies and objectives in a timely manner is limited (August 2008). | The Government of Afghanistan is actively sharing information, at the national, provincial and district levels, regarding its programs, policies and objectives for reconciliation. | Target Achieved: This target was achieved in the tenth quarterly report. |
[1] “Total security operations” include ANA operations, ANA operations with international coalition forces and operations undertaken by international coalition forces without ANA participation. “Executed” means operations in which the ANA participated. “Led” means operations that were planned by the ANA and in which ANA forces participated.
[2] Approval rating for the ANA is defined as being perceived as a professional and capable force.
[3] Focused District Development (FDD) is a six-phase police reform program that involves retraining, equipping and mentoring district police forces as consolidated units, over six to eight months (but generally lasts longer).
[4] In April 2010, ISAF developed a new tool to assess the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces, based on both quantitative and qualitative measures. This new tool, known as Rating Definition Levels, has replaced Capability Milestone assessments. The ANP will be judged to have met the Capability Milestone 2 progress indicator if they are assessed as being “effective with assistance”, defined as “capable of enforcing [the] rule of law, providing security in their area of responsibility and sustaining operations with limited partnering assistance.”
