DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) PROGRAMME PLAN 2015
1. Introduction
DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranked 186 out of 187 at the bottom of the UN
Human Development Index (2014). Following the 2011 presidential election, and until 2013, political
stability has largely been maintained nationwide, except in the Eastern Part of the country (Kivus and
Province Orientale). In 2014, a new cycle of violence, both due to political and ethnic issues, arose in
the rich Province of Katanga.
The second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP2) 2011 – 20151 outlines four pillars of
strengthening governance and peace, diversifying the economy, accelerating growth and promoting
employment, improving access to basic social services and strengthening human capital, protecting
the environment and fighting against climate change. A review of this plan in July 2014 has seen
some progress especially in its economic implementation, which led to a steady GDP growth rate
(7.3% in 2012 and 8.5% in 2013), and a decrease in inflation rate from 17.3% in 2011 to 1.6% in 20132.
In terms of the achievement of the Millenium development Goals, noticeable progress has been
achieved with regard to education and child mortality, however, progress on other goals has been
limited (particularly towards eradicating extreme poverty – which currently stands at at least 60% of
the population - and HIV/AIDS, and access to potable water and sanitation – less than 50% of the
population having access to safe water) 3.
Finally, in 2014, the total number of internally displaced people was recorded as 2.5 million, similar to
the levels recorded in 2013, with a recent significant increase in their numbers in Katanga4.
Despite a certain number of improvements due to the launch of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB)
of the UN with its offensive mandate, conflict continues to destabilise the east of the country. In
November 2013, the M23, which was the main rebel group in the Kivu area, were defeated. There has
been a slight improvement of security in the region, although other smaller armed groups are still
operating, with many different goals.
Meanwhile, violence has expanded in the Southeastern region of the country, Katanga, because of the
resurgence and activity of armed groups wishing to claim the independence of the Province as well as
flaring and spreading ethnic tensions between Bashimbis and Baluba tribes, in the Northern part of
the region. This creates intense population displacements in the region, to levels unseen since the
early 2000s.
DRC’s complete country strategic plan for the period 2015-2018 will be developed early in 2015; in the
interim a position paper has been developed.
2.
Programmes
Livelihoods
Following programme development in 2013 in Manono, the Livelihoods programme in Katanga will
continue working with extreme poor groups providing support to meet their basic needs through
increased food production and income, improved access to markets and sustainable water
1
Gouvernement de RDC, ‘Document de la Strategie de Croissance et de Reduction de la Pauvrete (DSCRP) 2, October 2011
World Bank DRC report
3 Progress Review of DSCRP2, July 2014
4 Apercu Humanitaire, UNOCHA, June 2014
2
DRC
management systems. As the former conxtual analysis focused on Shamwana & Dubie, a new shorter
contextual analysis of Manono will be carried out in 2015. Depending on this analysis agricultural
production will be increased through better access to inputs through the organization of fairs and
skills development on agricultural practice and land management. Livestock distribution has already
started and will continue, which will enhance households’ access to productive assets. Market access
and return on agricultural production will also be supported through provision of agro-processing
equipment, promotion of market gardens and other income generating activities. A cash for work
component, targeting road rehabilitation, will provide opportunity for increased income and enhance
trading linkages. This will be complimented by a water and sanitation initiative in the same villages,
as an integrated programme. This component intends to reduce mortality and morbidity that
negatively affects household productivity. Levels of risk of health related shocks will be reduced
through increased access to drinking water and mobilisation to improve hygiene and sanitation
practices. Structural issues of inequality will also be considered within the programme with specific
measures taken to increase the participation of women and marginalised groups (Bashimbis) in
programme activities, in terms of both representation and level of influence and decision making. It
is estimated that the livelihoods programme will reach approximately 12,000 beneficiaries over the
course of 2015 in Katanga.
In the Masisi area of North Kivu, an area of chronic instability, the population remain highly
vulnerability to conflict related shocks. Despite a sustained need for emergency support for these
populations, Concern is also striving to support households, particularly those in more settled
communities, to increase their resilience in the longer term. Concern hopes to secure further funding
to build on UNICEF ARCC programme to continue innovating and implementing this approach in
newly stabilized areas.
Health
Concern is also the lead agency in a nationwide Consortium of five agencies, that will be working
across five provinces of the country on a period of 4 years (2013-2017). The DRC WASH (Water
Sanitation and Hygiene) Consortium addresses issues of mortality and morbidity by promoting
sustained and improved access to potable water and sanitation facilities.
In 2015, as part of the Consortium, Concern will work in 65 villages across two health zones of
Manono territory. The programme emphasizes a community based approach, with establishment of
management committees, community mobilisation and sensitisation on hygiene and sanitation
promotion as a compliment to construction and rehabilitation of water supply points. This approach
is also strengthening the capacities of local authorities and the linkages between Local, Provincial and
National official WASH actors. Governance institutions and service providers will be supported to
increase their capacity for WASH provision in the long term. It is estimated that the programme will
reach 45,000 beneficiaries in the course of 2015.
Additionnaly, the Consortium, through the CCU team present in Kinshasa, is also participating in
national discussions on the WASH strategy for the country with other stakeholders, especially the
Government, as this is one of the major challenge for its population, especially in rural areas, but also
in semi-urban zones. The Consortium will also focus on sharing learning from the programme
amongst stakeholders to inform activities in new target villages.
Emergency
DRC
In 2015 Concern will continue to work with conflict affected populations in North Kivu, both in
official camps and in communities, and through its programmes, is planning to reach at least 35,000
beneficiaries in the region.
Based on significant programme experience in this region since 2008, Concern will continue to deliver
a multi-sectoral package of assistance through voucher fairs and cash transfers to allow households to
meet their basic needs and re-establish their productive asset base. Cash for work on the road
infrastructure will provide additional income opportunities for households affected by the conflict
while also contributing to improved access for humanitarian support. Newly displaced households
in official camps will receive the standard non-food item support to replenish lost and looted
materials. Concern will ensure that areas not yet targeted by previous programs are prioritized for
these activities.
Concern will also look into the possibilities to respond to needs created by the increasing
displacements of population in Katanga. This will be done both through an adaptation of the current
Concern longer term response in the area to take those displaced people into account, as well as in
looking for additional funding to respond to specific and acute needs.
3.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Programme/project
Timeframe
Donors
Timeline of M&E events
Contexual
Baseline
Mid term
Final
analysis
or endline
review
evaluation
study
FIM - Katanga
2012-16
Irish Aid
Mar 2015
n/a
Jul 2015
FIM – North Kivu
2013-15
UNICEF
n/a
Jan 2015
n/a
n/a
Health - WASH
2013-17
DFID
n/a
March
Mar/Apr
n/a
2015
(Wave 1)
(Wave 3)
August
2015
(Wave 2)
Emergency – North
Kivu
2014-15
Irish Aid,
n/a
OFDA
DRC
Jan 2015
n/a
Aug 2015