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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. | The ANA brigade headquarters (1/205) and four of its five kandaks are capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. Significant progress was also made on the ANA’s logistical and combat support capability. These improvements are attributed to the increased focus given by the mentors and partners to local and national ANA training programs, which, along with recruitment and retention, will be crucial for building and sustaining a competent, professional army. |
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. | The brigades’ effective strength regressed this quarter, with two kandaks dropping below the 70% effective strength target. Attrition remains a challenge. However, mitigation strategies are being pursued by the Afghan Ministry of Defence. |
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 (CF) AOR are executed by the ANA. | Almost all of the operations were partnered, meaning that they were executed jointly by the ANA and coalition forces. |
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 the ANA led six large-scale operations out of 19 in the Canadian AOR, or roughly 31%, while coalition forces led 13. |
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. | One of the six key districts gave the ANA a rating of 89%. This was an improvement over the last quarter, when no district had such a rating. Furthermore, another two districts were rated between 80% and 85% and three more had ratings of 77%, 70% and 69% respectively. |
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. | In five of the six key districts, the majority of Kandaharis polled felt safe in their communities; and in five of the six districts, Kandaharis perceived security to be improving. This represents an increase of one district where the majority of the population now feels safe and an increase of four districts where the majority of the population now perceives security as improving. Overall, fully 65% of Kandaharis felt safe in their communities, and 67% felt that security improved in their communities in the past three months. These are the best perceptions of security since polling began in March 2007. |
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. | FDD training was completed by 375 ANP individuals in key districts this quarter. Current ANP individuals in the six districts in Kandahar total 1,980, of which approximately 50% have received FDD training. Since 2008, 3,195 ANP individuals have received FDD training, which is more than initially planned. Because many have been assigned elsewhere, wounded or killed, or have left the force, ANP training remains a top priority for Canada and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). |
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. | 11 of 15 police units in key districts, or 73%, have been assessed as “effective with assistance” under the ISAF capacity assessment model. |
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. | Three infrastructure projects were completed this quarter, bringing the total number of projects completed to date to 13. Upgrade portion of the 2011 target has been achieved: 25 upgrades to existing ANP facilities have been completed to date. |
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: One infrastructure project and no equipment purchases were completed this quarter. The 2011 target has been surpassed, with a total of 24 infrastructure projects and 15 equipment purchases having been completed to date. |
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: Ongoing training for new recruits delivered by Afghan trainers continued in this quarter under Canadian mentorship. Correctional Service of Canada experts delivered specialized training on crisis management. They also trained three Afghan master trainers who are now qualified and have successfully trained three new Afghan instructors. |
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. | New – target achieved: Four courses in Criminal Investigative Techniques, Weapons Residue Testing, Leadership and Management Skills, and Fair Trial Standards were provided to justice officials in Kandahar City this quarter, marking the completion of the four training programs identified in the 2011 target. |
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. | No justice infrastructure projects were finished this quarter, for a total of four completed to date. Work on the fifth and final project will be completed next quarter. Equipment portion of the 2011 target has been achieved: This target was officially achieved in the eighth quarterly report and has been surpassed. No additional facilities were equipped this quarter. In total, nine justice facilities have been equipped in Kandahar. |
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. | The Canadian Technical Legal Advisor to the Legislative Drafting Unit of the Ministry of Justice in Kabul facilitated the launch of a new online legal database for Afghanistan. Training for researchers at the unit continued in order to build skill sets in database management and legal research. |
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.
In the case of the Dahla Dam signature project, some key indicators have been established relating to the area of land irrigated and number of jobs created. Other indicators of progress will continue to be refined as the project moves through the implementation stages.
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. | A significant proportion of the physical works on the main and sub-canals were completed this dry season. More than 200,000 cubic metres of silt were removed from the canals. To date, a cumulative total of 350,000 cubic metres of silt and blockages have been removed from the canals, increasing water flow. |
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. | This quarter over 500 construction jobs were created, bringing the total to more than 2,400. More than a quarter of the jobs created in this period were skilled, including local engineers, tradesmen and truck drivers. 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. | This winter growing season, Kandahar experienced lower-than-average seasonal rainfall. As a result, water from the dam’s reservoir has yet to be released into the canals. If water is not released into the canals, the flow cannot be measured. However, as a result of recent work on the Dahla signature project, the first saffron crop in decades has been harvested and processed in Kandahar. |
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. | Thirteen schools were completed this quarter. This brings the total completed to 39, with another 11 under construction. |
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. | To help complete the full complement of Afghan Ministry of Education training priorities, teacher training has been delivered to over 1,300 teachers since 2008. |
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. Additional vocational and skills development training was undertaken this quarter, bringing the cumulative total to over 6,000 individuals trained. Literacy training continues. |
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. | 73% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects—unchanged from last quarter. |
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. | 72% of Kandaharis polled indicate they are satisfied with efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to improve their quality of life—the highest level since May 2009. This is an increase from 66% reported in the last quarter. |
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. | New – target achieved: Since July 2008, there has been a steady expansion of the number of business enterprises in key districts. This quarter approximately 75 new enterprises have been registered, bringing the cumulative total to over 1,300. |
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 officially achieved in the sixth quarterly report. No new data is available this quarter. However, up to the end of the last quarter, 3,800 clients in key districts had 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 366,000 children were vaccinated in Kandahar this quarter, representing 90% of the targeted children reached in the campaign. |
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 reported this quarter, compared to 16 new cases of polio during the same quarter last year. The new reported cases of polio are primarily in the southern region of the country. Overall, a total of 25 cases of polio were reported in 2010, compared to 38 reported in 2009. |
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. | This quarter, Canadian funding helped the World Food Programme provide over 61,000 tonnes of food to over 2 million Afghans nationwide. |
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. | New – target achieved: In this quarter, Canada met its target to support the Kandahar Provincial Disaster Management Committee by supporting the committee’s establishment of effective disaster response plans. |
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 officially achieved in the seventh quarterly report. New data is expected from Canada’s implementing partner mid-April 2011. |
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 officially achieved in the ninth quarterly report. Ten square kilometres were released this quarter for a cumulative total of 622 square kilometres of land released nationwide. |
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 officially achieved in the seventh quarterly report. Since March 2007, over 575,000 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. | The fifth Dubai Process Joint Working Group meeting since agreement on the March 2009 Action Plan took place in Kabul, Afghanistan, on November 13 and 14, 2010. Implementation of Dubai Process programming continues, with a focus on projects in three key areas: coordinated infrastructure at crossing points; compatible border management systems and training; and the institutionalization of dialogue and information-sharing mechanisms. |
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: The Border Flag Meetings were established under Canadian stewardship as mechanisms for regular discussion. They have evolved into a new border cooperation mechanism, the Border Coordination Centre. This is a channel for liaison between ISAF, the Afghan National Security Forces and the Pakistani military. Canadian Forces have handed over responsibility to the United States for the district of Spin Boldak that includes the Kandahar-Baluchistan border. |
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. | Curriculum portion of the 2011 target has been achieved: This target was officially achieved in the eighth quarterly report. New – training portion of the 2011 target has been achieved: A total of 201 customs officers have been trained and 3 Afghan customs officials have been mentored to become trainers at the Academy. The CBSA also delivered a senior management training course to 10 customs managers at the Academy. |
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 has been achieved: As noted in the eighth quarterly report, the Joint District Coordination Centre has been completed and opened. During this quarter, Canada worked with U.S. and Government of Afghanistan interlocutors to finalize plans before commencing construction of a border facility at Weish. Canada’s contribution to the Weish project has included the feasibility study, a social infrastructure development study and an unexploded ordinance survey. Discussions continue on the potential for further pre-construction activities. |
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. | PSPs for Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif are currently in the final stages of approvals. PSP preparatory work has been initiated in Kandahar, Helmand, Bamyan, Nangarhar and Laghman, including training on how to conduct provincial profiling and baseline data collection. PSPs for these five provinces are expected to be completed in spring 2011. |
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%. | Only 39% of the core development budget had been disbursed by the end of this quarter and, with less than three months left in the fiscal year, it is expected that the Government of Afghanistan will not have fully disbursed its budget. We will report on the difference between planned and actual annual government spending once data is available at the end of the Afghan fiscal year (March 20, 2011). |
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+. | Performance assessments of public financial management are conducted every two years, based on the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Program, a multi-donor partnership located at the World Bank that aims to help strengthen public expenditure, procurement and financial accountability systems of recipient countries. The Government of Afghanistan is currently drafting terms of reference to conduct the next assessment, which is expected to be launched in 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: Update of the voter registry was completed in advance of the 2009 presidential elections. The registry was updated again for the 2010 parliamentary elections between June and August of 2010. |
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. | 2009 portion of the 2011 target has been achieved: Over 4 million voters were registered in advance of the 2009 elections. The registry update was completed in advance of the 2010 parliamentary elections, with some 377,000 people registered. This includes new registrants as well as individuals who lost their voter cards, turned 18 years old or moved since the last election. |
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. | The United Nations Development Programme no longer uses the metrics identified in the 2011 target. The final results published by the Independent Electoral Commission indicate that there were over 5.6 million votes cast in the 2010 Wolesi Jirga (lower house of parliament) elections. |
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: An independent electoral complaints commission has been established and was operational for both the 2010 parliamentary elections and the 2009 presidential elections. |
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. | New – target achieved: The lead authority, the High Peace Council, began its work this quarter, establishing its terms of reference and conducting outreach throughout the country. |
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: The tenth quarterly report announced completion of construction, equipping and staffing of the Canadian-funded Government Media and Information Centres in Kandahar and Kabul, which are being used by the Government of Afghanistan to share information on reconciliation throughout the country. |
[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.”
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