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Section II - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome

Reduction in poverty for those living in countries in which CIDA engages in international development.

Program Activity: Fragile states and crisis-affected communities

Program Activity Description

Fragile states and crisis-affected communities face particularly severe development challenges exacerbated by conflict, instability, man-made crises or natural disasters within complex national and regional contexts. They have weak institutional capacity, poor governance, political instability, and ongoing violence or a legacy of past conflict. Canada's engagement is often whole-of-government and subject to closely monitored and visible government strategies. This program activity features programming that is both short term to ensure delivery of, and access to, essential humanitarian services to crisis-affected populations in order to reduce immediate vulnerabilities of the population; and medium to long term to create conditions for sustainable economic growth and building the foundation for effective governance and delivery of basic services. It requires working with partners that have expertise and the capacity to deliver in high risk environments.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
697,063 565,550 565,966

Human Resources (FTEs)

2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
151 151 151


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators
Increased access to essential health services and education by vulnerable female and male children and youth in crisis-affected communities Percentage of children under five receiving appropriate and timely treatment for malaria and other major diseases
Percentage of vulnerable or crisis-affected girls and boys enrolled in school
Increased access to income opportunities, including jobs and development of micro and small enterprises, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized women, men, and youth Percentage of economically-active women, men, and youth
Enhanced responsiveness of humanitarian assistance to address the immediate needs of crisis-affected populations Percentage of Consolidated Appeals funding requirements that are met

Planning Highlights

CIDA's engagement in Haiti, Afghanistan, Sudan, and West Bank and Gaza[8] is closely aligned with Canadian foreign policy objectives. Its engagement is part of a whole-of-government approach in these countries in support of regional and global security and stability. In addition, Canada provides humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters and conflict situations as seen in recent responses to the drought in the Horn of Africa and the violence following the election in Côte d'Ivoire.

Key highlights in 2012-2013 for this program activity include the revision of CIDA's five-year programming strategy for Haiti to reflect a whole-of-government approach that builds on lessons learned, results achieved, and the priorities of the new Haitian Government. While CIDA's engagement over the past two years has focused on meeting immediate needs, it will now shift to a longer-term development approach. Improving coordination with other donors and addressing resilience to disasters will be an integral part of this work.

In addition, the Agency will continue to engage in Afghanistan beyond 2011, building on our experience and investments to date. In this new phase, CIDA will invest in the future of women, children, and youth through programming in education and health, the promotion of human rights, and support for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

To achieve its expected results under this program activity, CIDA will engage in a range of specific activities, including:

  • Establish 24-hour comprehensive emergency obstetrical and neonatal care hospitals, and provide access to medical services and products to displaced people living in camps.
  • Establish community-based accelerated learning centres, and provide access to literacy courses and learning opportunities to out-of-school children, especially girls.
  • Support training for essential, demand-driven skills needed for formal labour market participation, such as literacy and numeracy, especially for women.
  • Support the development and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises based on realistic market potential by, for example, establishing business development services to help small-scale entrepreneurs set up and expand their businesses.
  • Assist those affected by conflict situations and natural disasters by providing appropriate, timely, and effective humanitarian responses on the basis of identified needs and in line with the Principles and Good Practice of Humanitarian Donorship.

Program Activity: Low-income countries

Program Activity Description

Countries within the World Bank low-income category face pervasive poverty and limited institutional capacity, but have broadly stable governance and public security. These countries generally have a high level of aid dependency, limited resilience to respond to a number of vulnerabilities and external shocks, and limited ability to attend to the human development needs of their populations. Programming under this program activity features long-term engagement on country priorities, primarily to: strengthen education and health outcomes for children and youth; address the root causes of food insecurity; foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth; and build the foundations for effective governance to ensure country institutions can sustain the benefits of development programs. CIDA works with other donors, civil society organizations and ministries of recipient governments. Engagement is anchored in the partner government's development strategy and program, around which donors coordinate and harmonize their efforts. This may involve the pooling of funds or other forms of program-based approaches.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
937,770 946,940 947,340

Human Resources (FTEs)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
374 374 374


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators
Increased sustainable agricultural production by rural poor women, men, and youth Annual production of agricultural goods in targeted regions of CIDA interventions
Rate of adoption by farmers (m\f) of new farming techniques and new crop varieties in targeted regions of CIDA interventions
Increased health services to mothers, newborns, and children under five Percentage of live births attended by an accredited health professional
Increased accountability of public and civil institutions to respond to the needs of women, men, and children Average program rating (on a five-point scale) of progress of CIDA low-income countries of focus toward achieving this result

Planning Highlights

This program activity includes nine of CIDA's countries of focus (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, Tanzania, Vietnam)[9] , as well as regional programs and other countries where CIDA maintains a modest presence.

A prominent highlight of planned activities under this program activity in 2012-2013 will be the continued implementation of Canada's commitment to Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH). Programming in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique and Tanzania will focus on targeted efforts to improve the health of mothers, newborns and children and reduce the number of deaths that can be prevented by proven cost-effective evidence-based interventions. A full description of MNCH-related programming can be found on CIDA's website[10].

In 2012-2013, CIDA will engage in a range of specific activities focused on delivering the expected results of this program activity. These include:

  • Improve access to farming supplies, increase control over the resources of agricultural production by the population (particularly women) and connect smallholder farmers to markets in order to increase incomes.
  • Support agricultural research institutions in the development and dissemination of new plant varieties and new farming technologies that will be applied by farmers to increase yields and incomes and improve nutrition.
  • Expand local private sector development, including smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and the development of their workforce by creating jobs and increasing incomes.
  • Support health services that contribute to the reduction of illness and disease, increased access to needed vaccinations and medical services for children and youth.
  • Address the leading diseases and illnesses that are claiming the lives of mothers, newborns and children.
  • Provide capacity-building and technical assistance in support of CIDA's priority sectors in partner countries, including to advance democracy and support political participation.

Program Activity: Middle-income countries

Program Activity Description

Countries within the World Bank middle-income category face specific challenges in inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development. These countries exhibit a stronger economic and social foundation and a lower reliance on aid than low-income countries, but may still have a large proportion of their population facing inequality and poverty. These countries often have stark disparities along geographic, gender, ethnic, or urban-rural lines, as well as pockets of deep poverty. This is in large part due to low productivity and competitiveness, and weak political accountability that does not address discrimination and marginalization. Main areas of programming under this program activity focus on delivering targeted technical assistance to foster equal access to economic opportunities and to public services to create the conditions for more competitive and inclusive local economies; to expand service delivery to reach marginalized groups; and, to build accountable democratic institutions. It requires working in partnership with government, civil society, and the private sector to build capacity including knowledge and systems.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
360,832 356,737 357,281

Human Resources (FTEs)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
154 154 154


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators
More competitive local economies, especially for micro, small, medium, and women-led enterprises in poorer areas Level of integration of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in local and regional markets per country
Increased access to quality education for marginalized female and male children and youth, in particular those living in remote communities Total net enrolment ratio in primary education, both sexes
Strengthened citizen participation to sustain social and economic progress Average program rating (on a five-point scale) of progress of CIDA middle-income countries of focus toward achieving this result

Planning Highlights

This program activity covers seven countries of focus (Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, Indonesia, Peru, and Ukraine, and the Caribbean Regional Program)[11], as well as regional programs and other countries where CIDA maintains a modest presence.

CIDA's Sustainable Economic Growth thematic priority is a prominent feature of the Agency's efforts under this program activity. Aligning with Canada's Americas Strategy, CIDA will help partner countries in the Americas to deliver market-driven technical and vocational education and training; promote private sector development; and enhance the ability of marginalized women, men, and youth to benefit from economic growth.

In 2012-2013, CIDA will engage in a range of specific activities focused on delivering the expected results of this program activity. These include:

  • Provide training and business-development support services to women-led small and medium enterprises, and engage in the areas of agriculture, enterprise development, savings and credit, and development of social, political, and/or economic structures of communities, in order to achieve more competitive local economies.
  • Support partner-country governments to formulate and implement frameworks that encourage competitiveness and sustainable economic growth, especially for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Improve the capacity to deliver education services, by providing training and support to government and non-governmental actors in the area of education.
  • Provide access to microfinance systems, quality basic education for girls and marginalized children, and vocational and entrepreneurial skills for youth and women, in order to ensure that these citizen groups are all able to contribute to, and benefit from, the development of their societies.
  • Improve the protection and security of vulnerable populations, as well as their access to justice, especially for children and youth, through the training of government and non-state actors in children and youth rights to assist in the development and delivery of gender-sensitive programs and policies that meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Program Activity: Global engagement and strategic policy

Program Activity Description

Achieving international development outcomes requires engagement on the global stage and investments through international partners, as appropriate. Multilateral / international organizations and global initiatives tackle global problems (e.g. infectious diseases, climate change); provide a governance mechanism in areas such as humanitarian assistance or to set the development agenda (e.g. Millennium Development Goals); and provide economies of scale and of scope, as well as significant expertise and capacity on the ground. Activities under this program activity aim at delivering concrete results on the ground by: shaping and investing in multilateral and international institutions partners' policies and programs throughout the world; and, exerting policy influence to shape international development policy in Canada and globally, in order to advance Canada's humanitarian and development assistance objectives, through the fostering of effective partnerships and policy dialogue.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
1,168,592 1,001,750 1,006,187

Human Resources (FTEs)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
204 204 204


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators
Increased effectiveness of Canadian development cooperation through engagement with, and investment in, multilateral and global organizations to address humanitarian and development challenges Progress in global food security, health, education, and employment rates in developing countries
Evidence of Canadian influence (e.g., G8 summits, OECD-DAC, the media) in shaping the international development agenda
Increased ability to advance Canada's development priorities in Canada and globally Coherence between aid and non-aid policies (e.g., foreign, defence, environment and immigration)

Planning Highlights

CIDA's engagement with multilateral and international organizations enables Canada to contribute to global efforts to reduce poverty. These institutions provide us with a channel to contribute to Canada's development and humanitarian efforts on the ground, and also allow us to build consensus around specific policy objectives of international importance, such as global financial stability or addressing maternal, newborn and child health. In addition to being an effective way for Canada to advance its international assistance priorities and to deliver aid and humanitarian assistance, multilateral engagement also allows Canada to pool resources with other member states, to leverage sector and country expertise, and achieve a greater reach through collective poverty reduction and humanitarian assistance efforts.

To increase the effectiveness of CIDA's multilateral programming and to guide its work with key multilateral partners, CIDA will continue to implement its Multilateral Effectiveness Strategy and accompanying institutional strategies, which were developed in 2010. Significant efforts under this program activity in 2012-2013 will include advocating for multilateral partners to: deliver and report on their results, support the priorities of developing country partners and make use of country systems, focus on their areas of comparative advantage, and coordinate and collaborate with other relevant partners at the country level and at the international level.

In 2012-2013, CIDA will continue to advance the principles of aid effectiveness, with particular consideration of the commitments Canada made on results, transparency, the private sector, fragile states and effective institutions at the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in 2011 in Busan, Korea. CIDA's engagement with donors and other partners is key to enhancing its own aid effectiveness and advancing Canada's development agenda. To increase its ability to advance Canada's development priorities in Canada and globally, CIDA will actively engage in shaping the mandate and architecture of the new Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, which is in its initial development stage.

Throughout 2012-2013, in order to increase the effectiveness of Canadian development cooperation and advance Canada's development priorities, CIDA will:

  • Accelerate efforts through the Scaling Up Nutrition movement to combat global undernutrition, which accounts for 2.6 million preventable child deaths every year. In addition, target the reduction of child mortality through Canada's Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health by addressing the main causes of undernutrition and focusing on the prevention and treatment of the main killers of children under the age of five.
  • Support climate change initiatives that contribute to Canada's Fast-Start financing commitments[12] under the Copenhagen Accord by focusing on adaptation by the poorest and most vulnerable, clean energy, forests, and agriculture.
  • Respond, as appropriate, to the recommendations of the OECD-DAC Peer Review of Canada's development policies and programs, which will be formally issued in June 2012.
  • Consolidate relationships with other donors to identify opportunities for joint initiatives and increased donor coordination and accountability. For example, CIDA will continue to actively participate in various international fora such as the G8 and G20 and will advance an MOU with the Republic of Korea.
  • Engage emerging donors in policy dialogue and, where relevant, development programming that support Canada's development priorities.

Program Activity: Canadian engagement for development

Program Activity Description

CIDA achieves development results by focusing on purpose-driven, cost-effective initiatives that further the sustainability of Canada's efforts by drawing on the expertise, networks, and opportunities available to Canadian organizations; and broadening the engagement of Canadians in international development by supporting outreach and education activities. Programming under this program activity involves co-investment in the most meritorious development proposals that align with Canada's development priorities. Through calls for proposals, CIDA is able to draw upon the Canadian organizations such as civil society organizations, academic institutions, and professional associations that are best suited to help deliver on Canada's development objectives. Canadian organizations in turn work with partner country counterparts to deliver development results on the ground.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
317,996 293,065 291,702

Human Resources (FTEs)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
131 131 131


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators
Improved health and education services for marginalized women, men, girls, and boys Ratings (on a five-point scale) of 15-20 representative initiatives of how Canadian partners have helped to transform basic service delivery in underserved communities
Enhanced income opportunities, including rural livelihoods for poor women, men, and youth Ratings (on a five-point scale) of 20 representative initiatives of how Canadian partners have contributed to increased income opportunities and livelihoods for poor women, men, youth in rural and urban areas
Increased engagement of Canadians as global citizens in international development initiatives Ratings (on a five-point scale) of at least 5 participants for each of 10 representative partners' initiatives regarding the value of their participation for increasing their engagement and knowledge of international development

Planning Highlights

CIDA has implemented a new approach to engage Canadians and Canadian organizations in international development aid to improve the lives of those living in poverty in developing countries, through the Partners for Development Program and the Global Citizens Program. To enhance program effectiveness, CIDA's partnership programming is implementing initiatives through calls for proposals, aligning at least 80 percent of new investments to CIDA's three thematic priorities, and concentrating at least half of new funding on its 20 countries of focus.

A key highlight of CIDA's work under this program activity in 2012-2013 will be to build on lessons learned so far from implementing the Agency's new approach to engage Canadians and Canadian organizations. Commitments to fulfill this program activity's expected results include the following in 2012-2013:

  • Engage Canadian partners to strengthen local health systems, reduce diseases and illnesses as well as enhance nutrition, with the purpose of improving maternal, newborn, and child health.
  • Support projects that will substantially improve and increase food security and/or economic growth, and build resiliency in Africa, by reducing the impacts of climate change through adaptation.
  • Provide support to applied research that contributes to improved food security policies that benefit food-insecure developing countries.
  • Support democratic development by conducting multilateral election observation programs that assist developing countries in holding elections in accordance with international standards.

Program Activity: Internal services

Program Activity Description

This program activity provides support services to CIDA programming for the delivery of the Canadian aid program. It includes governance and management support, resources-management services, and asset-management services.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
100,218 100,230 100,230

Human Resources (FTEs)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
789 789 789

Greening Government OperationsPlanning Highlights

The Agency's Business Modernization Initiative (BMI) remains a priority over the planning period to further strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of CIDA's development programs. It includes continuing to decentralize more functions to the field, re-engineering business processes, and operationalizing these processes in a sustainable manner. In addition, the Agency has enhanced its governance structure and Human Resources framework in order to ensure that all decisions are guided by strong people values.

CIDA is committed to the following specific activities in 2012-2013 to support the effective delivery of the Canadian aid program:

  • Fully implement integrated business planning to strengthen the foundation for effective and efficient use of scarce resources.
  • Decentralize the Ethiopia, Mozambique, Peru, and Tanzania programs.
  • Pilot the Regional Service Centre in Kenya and the virtual Regional Service Centre in Peru that will provide corporate and specialist services to the nine country programs in Southern and Eastern Africa and three countries in the Americas.
  • Launch a common Agency Programming Process to standardize and streamline end-to-end aid programming.
  • Develop a workforce strategy to support business modernization.
  • Strive to be a workplace where people feel respected and valued.

Finally, achieving management excellence includes the greening of operations. CIDA is a participant in the FSDS and contributes to the following target areas of Greening Government Operations (Theme IV of the FSDS): surplus electronic and electrical equipment, printing units, paper consumption, green meetings, and green procurement. For additional details on CIDA's Greening Government Operations activities, please see the departmental Greening Government Operations supplementary table at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2012-2013/info/info-eng.asp.