National Solidarity Programme(Nsp) Phase Iii, Afghanistan

The National Solidarity Programme (NSP) was created by the Government of Afghanistan to develop the ability of Afghan communities to identify, plan, manage and monitor their own development projects. NSP promotes a development paradigm whereby communities are empowered to make decisions and manage resources during all stages of the project cycle. The programme lays the foundation for a sustainable form of inclusive local governance, rural reconstruction, and poverty alleviation. NSP is the largest community development programme in the history of Afghanistan. Known in Dari as “Hambastagi Milli” and in Pashtu as “Milli Paiwastoon”, it is based on the Afghan traditions of “Ashar” (i.e. community members working together on a volunteer basis to improve community infrastructure) and “Jirga” – councils comprised of respected members of the community. Islamic values of unity, equity and justice are also encouraged. The following principles guide “how” the programme is implemented: participatory and inclusive decision-making processes; gender equity; transparency and accountability in the use of programme funds; and sustainability (including but not limited to requiring community contributions for operations and maintenance).   UN-HABITAT has been working with 3,258 communities in 47 districts of 9 provinces. The total number of 403 communities will be covered during the NSP Phase III under the UN-HABITAT’s facilitation.