DFID’s peace and security programme in Nepal

Review

Our review found that project partners delivered well and projects have achieved significant positive impact, however the Department for International Development (DFID) has not adapted the direction and aims of its peace and security programme over time, which may jeopardise its future potential. Consequently, we awarded a green-amber score and made three recommendations.

Findings

The assessment found that DFID’s initial planning was good, took account of the context and was sensitive to issues relating to the past conflict. The exception was DFID’s proposed Police Reform project, which has now been cancelled. DFID used strong delivery partners and projects have been implemented well. This has resulted in a significant positive impact in supporting the peace process.

DFID has not, however, responded adequately to the changing political situation, including the current political deadlock. Urgent action is required to reflect this change to avoid jeopardising future success.

Recommendations

1. To maintain and build on beneficiary impact achieved to date, DFID Nepal should, within six months, develop an analytically based, forward looking governance and security strategy. This should link to a measurable results framework, with ambition consistent with the level of spending.
2. To ensure peace and security projects deliver value for money throughout their life cycles, DFID Nepal should ensure compliance with DFID procedures. It should, within six months, update its project information and planning systems and ensure that these are maintained.
3. To deliver value for money, DFID Nepal should develop greater visibility of the end-to-end costs of delivery. This requires a more sophisticated consideration of administrative and programme costs at the design stage. At a corporate level, DFID should consider standardising its approach to this analysis.