Evaluating
a Democracy Building Initiative
Macedonia
December 2002 – March 2003
 The
Macedonian transition from communism to capitalism brought
political instability and disorganization, affecting
social structures on several levels and leaving a fragile
state of peace. USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives
began working in Macedonia to develop local self-governance
structures designed to reduce ethnic and political tensions
among communities through citizen participation in community
decision-making, transparent local government collaboration,
and increased citizen access to balanced information.
A quick-disbursing community stabilization program awarded
grants to local communities, civil society organizations,
local NGOs, local government, and media outlets to address
pressing issues at the community level that impede integration.
In collaboration with the Office of Transition Initiatives,
BEPS conducted an evaluation of the Confidence Building
Initiative. The BEPS evaluation team conducted detailed
interviews with the help of various stakeholders including
project staff, grantees, USAID staff, and Macedonians
working on conflict resolution and civil society issues.
The
evaluation offered a number of recommendations including
strategies for a continued emphasis on women’s
participation, transparency, responsiveness, and accountability
in local government. The results of the evaluation will
be used by the Office of Transition Initiatives to guide
future program implementation in the second year of the
activity, and follow-on stages of the initiative.
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