Diálogo y apoyo colaborativo (DAC)

Project completed

The project aims to strengthen Bolivian civil society organisations, with a view to them engaging in dialogue incl. conflict resolution on a more equal footing and a relationship of shared responsibility with the state and the private sector, through collaborative interaction between them on key inclusive development issues (added value of Swiss support). Emphasis will be placed on the three domains of the current Cooperation Strategy: governance, economic development, and climate change and the environment.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Bolivia
Governance
Democratic participation and civil society
01.07.2019 - 31.12.2023
CHF  4’500’000
Background

Since the start of the Evo Morales government (2006), the working relationship between the state and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has tended to be difficult. Bureaucratic regulatory obstacles have been placed in the way of their registration (23% are without an up-to-date registration), and some areas of work in which civil society, sectoral and thematic organisations used to engage have in practice been vetoed, leading them to implicitly self-censor their activities.

The civic space in Bolivia has been reduced as a result of the introduction of restrictions on financing, combined with propaganda that harms the image of the civil society sector. Since 2011 NGO activity has shrunk by 1/3, with only 4% of all NGOs now working on environmental issues, for example. This contrasts with the political discourse of the government, whose political base is social movements with a presence in government, pursuing corporate interests and engaging in rent-seeking behaviour.

Over the last decade, the state has taken over some development issues previously worked on by civil society. And there is a need for more solutions to conflicts to be developed through agreements and a collaborative dialogue between the different actors on key development issues.

Objectives Key development issues for Bolivia are addressed in a spirit of shared responsibility between state, civil society and private sector thanks to the design of innovative solutions and an evidence-based advocacy by a strengthened civil society.
Target groups
  • Policies and internal regulations developed by state institutions in a collaborative dialogue with specialised technical support from local civil society and private sector organisations.
  • Technical and organisational capacities strengthened in at least 30 local NGOs and NGO networks on evidence-building, governance, dialogue and advocacy, public accountability and other issues.
  • Strategic communication approach that promotes access to information about the contribution made by civil society and the collaborative dialogue and work with the state and private sector.
  • Competitive fund methodology for thematic activities and organisational strengthening.
  • Local NGOs and NGO networks have diversified funding mechanisms.
  • Use of website and social media as means for the public to access specialised thematic information.
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Civil society organisations (local[1] NGOs and NGO networks) contribute to a more collaborative dialogue with state institutions and the private sector around evidence-based solutions to key development issues.

Outcome 2: Civil society organisations (local NGOs and NGO networks) have strengthened their advocacy, research, organisational, financial and operational capacities.

 

[1] Local refers to Bolivian NGO or NGO networks.

Results

Expected results:  

  • Policies and internal regulations developed by state institutions in a collaborative dialogue with specialised technical support from local civil society and private sector organisations.
  • Technical and organisational capacities strengthened in at least 30 local NGOs and NGO networks on evidence-building, governance, dialogue and advocacy, public accountability and other issues.
  • Strategic communication approach that promotes access to information about the contribution made by civil society and the collaborative dialogue and work with the state and private sector.
  • Competitive fund methodology for thematic activities and organisational strengthening.
  • Local NGOs and NGO networks have diversified funding mechanisms.
  • Use of website and social media as means for the public to access specialised thematic information.


Results from previous phases:   SDC in Bolivia has a long experience in working with CSO in different projects, and therefore has knowledge and expertisse to handle a specific project that promotes dialogue on an equal footing between stakeholders and encourages oversight, research and evidence-gathering on key inclusive development issues for the country.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • Solidar Switzerland


Coordination with other projects and actors

Projects in the current Swiss Cooperation portfolio in Bolivia.

Actors: Ministries and departmental and municipal governments, private sector and donors (especially the European Union, Sweden and Spain).

Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    4’500’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    4’487’726 Budget of the organisation CHF    4’100’000
Project phases

Phase 1 01.07.2019 - 31.12.2023   (Completed)