“Institutional deficits and capacity limitations are a usual cause for the collapse of projects when outside support ends. It is instructive to note that CIP has established local level project management institutions that are run by community groups themselves to manage project activities. All the project sites visited demonstrated local ownership of processes with a number of communities displaying capabilities for the design and management of meetings, visitor tours and projects in general. A major feature that cut across all projects visited was the predominance of women as members and office bearers of groups. This has resulted in the empowerment of women who are now recognised for their contributions to project activities. The net effect of this is that these projects are contributing directly to the poverty reduction strategy at local level. Working with and through women also guarantees impact at household level, as women are responsible for the welfare of the household. The income that is flowing to the women was reported to be having direct household impact through increased abilities of households to fund important needs such as children’s education and health delivery needs.”

— External reviewer