NICHE gets started in South Sudan
08 Mar 2011
Nuffic has adopted a step-by-step approach to the implementation of NICHE in South Sudan. This is proving to be very suitable to the country's still fragile context.
First, the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), in consultation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), made the strategic choice to focus on two sectors:
- agriculture, including animal husbandry;
-
water and sanitation.
Thorough preparation
Second, two preliminary studies were commissioned to gather enough information to make a good selection of priorities within these two sectors to qualify for support under the NICHE programme. The reports of these studies enabled further discussions among stakeholders.
Donor coordination and harmonization
Finally, the NICHE-specific sector implementation plans and the overall Programme Outline for South Sudan were drafted, in close consultation with the relevant ministries of the GoSS and EKN. The input of other relevant donors was also taken into consideration, to ensure coordination and harmonization.
Official go-ahead
After the GoSS confirmed that the NICHE plans are in line with its aid strategy principles and procedures, Nuffic submitted the documents for approval.
The plan of implementation for the agriculture sector was officially endorsed in June 2010. Approval of the plan of implementation for the water and sanitation sector was granted early October 2010, paving the way for the endorsement of the NICHE Programme Outline by the Inter Ministerial Appraisal Committee (IMAC) at the end of October 2010.
With the identification phase completed, Nuffic engaged with selected requesting organizations to develop concrete project outlines. This process is being facilitated by SNV.
First Calls for subsidy tenders published
The first two Calls for subsidy tenders were launched on 28 February. The two projects are entitled:
- upgrading Crop Training Centre Yei (CTC Yei) to offer accredited programmes in agriculture management and production with special emphasis on agricultural extension services.
- upgrading Marial Lou Livestock Training Centre (MLLTC) to offer accredited training programmes in livestock management and production with special emphasis on extension.
Dutch organizations interested in these projects are invited to download the tender documents from www.nuffic.nl/tenders. The submission deadline for bids is 21 April 2011 at 10am CET.
Water and sanitation sector
The first projects in the water sector are expected to be published within the next few months.
