Vision:
A more secure Kandahar that is better governed and can deliver basic services to its citizens, supported by a more capable national government that can better provide for its security, manage its borders and sustain stability and reconstruction gains over the longer term.
Priorities:
To support this vision and the priorities laid out in this report, the Government of Canada has identified a number of benchmarks and progress indicators that will help to:
Benchmarking in Afghanistan is a difficult task with reporting dependent on gathering information while operating in a conflict zone.
Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
Context: Benchmarks to measure Afghan National Army (ANA) progress are very precise and consistent with NATO’s overall ANA training initiatives. To strengthen the policing, justice and corrections sectors, our benchmarks include both quantitative and qualitative indicators. A number of external factors will affect our ability to make progress in these areas. Insurgent violence deliberately targeting Afghan police has resulted in high rates of death, injury and desertion, which degrade police effectiveness and limit our ability to track trained police officers. Canada is one of many actors contributing to rule-of-law reform: Afghan ministries are leading this process and key international partners are playing critical roles.
Benchmark: Increase in the number of ANA kandaks (army battalions) in Kandahar capable of conducting near-autonomous security operations, and increase in the capability of their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | One of the five ANA kandaks is fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations (June 2008). | To have four of the five ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | The ANA brigade headquarters and one of the five kandaks are fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. A newly formed sixth kandak has not yet been assessed. |
Benchmark: Increase and/or maintain the effective strength (troops trained, ready and available for operations) of Kandahar-based ANA kandaks and their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters). | One of the five ANA kandaks has an effective strength of 67% and the remainder currently have an effective strength of over 80%. The ANA brigade headquarters has an effective strength of 77% (June 2008). | To sustain the level of effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) at 70% or higher. | One of the six kandaks and the ANA brigade headquarters have an effective strength of 70%. |
Benchmark: Progressive increase in the security burden shouldered by the ANA in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the Canadian Forces.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are executed by the ANA. | 45% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA (April 2009). | 65% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA. | 80% of total security operations were executed by the ANA. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are led by the ANA. | 45% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA (April 2009). | 65% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA. | 72% of total security operations were led by the ANA. |
Benchmark: To increase the number of key districts where the ANA are perceived by the majority of the population to be a professional and effective force that contributes to their well-being in key districts of Kandahar province.
1 Approval rating for ANA is defined as being perceived as professional and capable force.
Benchmark: Increase in the number of key districts of Kandahar province where there is a perceived improvement of security conditions.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of key districts where the majority of Kandaharis perceive security as improving. | In zero of the six key districts, a majority of Kandaharis feel secure or perceive security as improving (June 2008). | The majority of Kandaharis in all six of the key districts feel secure or perceive security as improving. | Although in none of the six key districts did a majority of Kandaharis perceive security as improving, in two districts, overall perceptions of security increased over the last quarter. |
Benchmark: Increased Afghan National Police (ANP) capacity to provide effective police services in key districts of Kandahar.
2 Focused District Development (FDD) is a six-phase police reform program that involves retraining, equipping and mentoring district police forces as consolidated units, over six to eight months (but generally lasts longer).
FDD is assessed by Capability Milestones. Capability Milestone 2 is defined as “the police unit, staff function or installation can conduct basic law and order operations, management or leadership tasks (appropriate to local circumstances) with occasional assistance from an international advisor or police mentor team
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Five permanent substations have been constructed and equipped in key districts (August 2008). | 15 new infrastructure projects, such as construction of substations or checkpoints, and 15 upgrades to existing ANP facilities are completed in key districts in Kandahar province. | One infrastructure project and upgrades to three police facilities were completed this quarter, bringing the to-date totals to 13 infrastructure projects and six upgrades to existing ANP facilities. |
Benchmark: Improved detention facilities in Kandahar that support the work of the Afghan National Police (ANP).
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Sarpoza prison and the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) detention centre in Kandahar. | Immediate repairs were made in the wake of the attack on Sarpoza prison. Detailed needs assessments for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at both NDS and Sarpoza have been completed and project plans have been developed in consultation with the Afghan government (August 2008). | 19 planned infrastructure projects, such as repairs to security infrastructure and refurbishment of prisoner quarters, are completed in Sarpoza prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. | One infrastructure project to refurbish prisoner quarters and two equipment purchases to enhance perimeter security were completed, bringing the to-date totals to |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of corrections officials trained and mentored in Kandahar. | 23 corrections officers (30%) and one senior manager (50%) have successfully completed initial corrections training; and two senior managers (100%) are participating in management training (August 2008). | 100% of corrections officers and managers will have successfully completed their initial and advanced training programs. | 58 corrections officers, or 67% of current staffing levels, commenced advanced-level training. Sustainment training for new recruits is also being delivered on an ongoing basis. The percentage of corrections officers trained will fluctuate between reporting periods as a result of on-going changes in Afghan staffing levels. |
Benchmark: Improved justice sector: a working court system in KandaharCity with competent judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and administrative personnel in place.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of training programs in place for justice officials Kandahar. | There are no current training programs for justice officials in Kandahar (August 2008). | Four training programs for justice officials in Kandahar are made available for those practising law and those involved in administering the legal system. | A three-month information technology training program for the ANP Prosecutor’s Office was completed this quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of justice sector infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Minimal judicial infrastructure exists. The Attorney General and Ministry of Justice building requires repair. In Kandahar City, there is one courthouse which is in disrepair and housing for judges and prosecutors is inadequate. In the other districts, there are only three courthouses, all of which require upgrading. | Five justice facilities, including the ANP Prosecutor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and High Court are built or rehabilitated to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. Three justice facilities, including the Land Registry Office (Cadastre), ANP Prosecutor’s Office and High Court are equipped to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. | Three infrastructure projects in support of the justice institutions are ongoing. Two equipment deliveries, including security enhancements for the High Court and office supplies for the ANP Prosecutor’s Office were completed. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Improved Ministry of Justice capacity to draft, revise, translate and promulgate laws passed by the Afghan government. | Afghan Ministry of Justice's legislative drafting unit lacks the required capacity, processes and infrastructure to draft, revise, translate and promulgate legislation in an effective and timely manner (August 2008). | The Afghan Ministry of Justice's legislative drafting unit achieves improved capacity. | The Canadian-funded technical advisor to the legislative drafting unit at the Ministry of Justice developed and delivered training sessions on information technology. |
Basic Services
Context: A number of benchmarks have been established under this priority, though some are less tangible than others as they are based on Afghan perception and will be measured against findings from public opinion research. It is important to note that polling in a complex environment like Kandahar is challenging and results may not always be reliable.
In the case of the Dahla Dam signature project, some key indicators have been established relating to the area of land irrigated and number of jobs created.
Benchmark: The Dahla Dam and its irrigation and canal system rehabilitated, generating jobs and fostering agriculture. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Progress in the rehabilitation of the physical structures of the Dahla Dam and its irrigation components. | Access road completed and bridge nearing completion (March 2009). | Completion of all planned rehabilitation activities in accordance with the project plan. | The implementation phase has begun. The manufacturer to design gates and weirs for irrigation canals was identified; and project engineers conducted technical assessments. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of jobs created by the Dahla Dam project. | Project plan is in development and will be finalized in the fall of 2008. | 10,000 seasonal jobs created by the project. | 157 jobs were created this quarter for a cumulative total of 355 jobs. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of hectares of land benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | 20,000 hectares of land currently have access to irrigation (to varying degree and quality) via the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system | 30,000 hectares in total benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | Progress against this indicator will not be realized or reported until the project advances to the irrigation phase. |
Benchmark: A total of 50 schools built, expanded or repaired in Kandahar. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of school projects (built, expanded or repaired) in key districts. | 19 school projects contracted and one school project completed (June 2008). | 50 schools built, expanded or repaired. | Seven schools were completed this quarter for a total of 12; 21 schools are currently under construction. |
Benchmark: Local and provincial institutions able to meet and implement the objectives of the National Education Strategic Plan for Afghanistan.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of teachers trained in Kandahar. | No teachers trained as yet through Canadian programming (June 2008). | 3,000 trained teachers. | 44 “master” teachers (i.e. teacher-trainers) were trained this quarter for a total of 144. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of people receiving literacy training, vocational education and skills development. | More than 5,000 individuals have received literacy training. Some 735 individuals have received vocational training (2007). | 20,000 additional individuals to receive literacy training. | 13,500 individuals continued in various literacy training programs. Over 2,000 people have completed vocational training and skills development to date. |
Benchmark: Provincial institutions and community groups able to identify and implement infrastructure projects.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of communities in key districts that have completed infrastructure projects undertaken by the locally elected bodies. | 60% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects (December 2007). | 75% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects. | 68% of communities in key districts have completed projects. |
Benchmark: Kandaharis have confidence in the ability of the government in Kandahar to deliver basic services, particularly education and water, and job-oriented economic growth.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of Kandaharis who perceive an improvement in dependable delivery of services. | 75% of Kandaharis polled indicate they are satisfied with efforts of provincial and local-level government to improve quality of life. 64% of Kandaharis polled are somewhat or very satisfied with provision of education. 39% of polled Kandaharis indicated they are satisfied with employment (February 2008). | To maintain and improve on perception of service delivery. | 60% of Kandaharis polled are satisfied with the Afghan government’s efforts to improve quality of life; 47% are satisfied with the provision of education and 40% are satisfied with employment in their communities. |
Benchmark: New economic opportunities created in key districts for Kandaharis.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of business enterprises and cooperatives operating in key districts. | 206 agricultural cooperatives registered (April 2006) and 72 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating (July 2008). | Steady expansion of the number of enterprises in key districts. | Four new cooperatives were established in Dhari district. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of microfinance and savings clients served. | 30 microfinance loans provided to clients in Kandahar (March 2008). | Loans for 500 clients in Kandahar through the Microfinance Investment Support Facility. | TARGET ACHIEVED: loans were provided to over 500 clients. |
Humanitarian Assistance
Context: The first benchmark in this priority includes a series of quantitative and qualitative measures, as no single indicator is comprehensive enough to provide a complete picture. Considered together, they will help to provide an assessment of progress.
The challenges for this priority are not in the indicators themselves, but in the ability to report against them on a quarterly basis given that evaluations and assessments are undertaken across longer time frames. The evolving nature of security can challenge humanitarian access and limit the ability to report publicly on some efforts below the national level. It is also important to note that with some information, such as mine victims, officially reported numbers are only estimates given that many accidents go unreported.
Benchmark: Achievement of polio eradication in Afghanistan. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of children receiving the polio vaccine during each of the multiple national campaigns conducted annually—multiple vaccinations are required to stop transmission of polio. | In 2007, approximately 27.7 million vaccinations were administered to 7 million children during four national campaigns (2007). | Eradication by vaccination by 2009. | 380,000 children were vaccinated in the July national campaign in Kandahar and nearly 880,000 children were vaccinated in the September sub-national campaign across 19 districts of the southern and western regions. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of polio cases reported. | 17 cases reported nationally (2007). | Eradication by 2009. | Nine new cases were identified this quarter, bringing the 2009 total to 22, including 14 in Kandahar. |
Benchmark: Public institutions able to plan and coordinate emergency assistance and support to vulnerable populations in Kandahar.
Quarterly result to be confirmed once the World Food Programme submits its quarterly report.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The capacity of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Committee (ANDMC) and Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) to put in place effective disaster preparedness plans. | The PDMC and United Nations in Kandahar developed a comprehensive contingency plan for a severe winter in 2007 and anticipated spring floods. Two training sessions were provided for the PDMC on disaster management. | By 2011, PDMC will have developed comprehensive strategies and coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters. | Although Canada continued to identify opportunities to further build capacity to respond to disasters, no significant progress occurred during this quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The access that vulnerable populations—women, children, disabled persons, returnees and internally displaced persons—have to essential quality health services. | 111 health care staff have received training (June 2008). | 500 health care workers trained. | An additional 87 health care workers were trained in Kandahar, for a cumulative total of 684. Additionally, the Maternal Waiting Home at Mirwais Hospital opened during this quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The amount of land released and made available for communities as a result of survey and clearance of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) nationally and in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 180 square kilometres of land were released and made available nationally. | A cumulative total of 500 square kilometres of land released and made available.
| Over 0.25 square kilometres of land in Kandahar were released this quarter as a result of clearance and survey, bringing the cumulative total to 0.95 square kilometers in Kandahar. National results are released annually. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of people receiving mine awareness education in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 33,500 individuals were provided with mine-awareness education. | 200,000 individuals provided with mine-awareness education. | Over 31,000 Kandaharis received mine-risk education training during the quarter, for a cumulative total of over 150,000 people. |
Border Security and Dialogue
Context: Border security and dialogue are ultimately contingent on strong relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and on the resolution of some
long-standing issues. Canada’s benchmarks for this priority include qualitative and quantitative progress indicators to assess the effectiveness of Afghan and Pakistani border management efforts, including bilateral cooperation. As the border is long, its terrain difficult and its infrastructure underdeveloped, obtaining baseline information and establishing targets are challenging. Canada has already begun to work with the Afghan and Pakistani governments to identify infrastructure, training and other needs. This information will be essential to refining Canada’s baselines and targets in the future.
Benchmark: Regular discussions on border issues.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased dialogue between Pakistani and Afghan officials through mechanisms including Canadian-sponsored workshops. | Three Canadian-sponsored workshops have been held to date. Key mechanisms for discussions were suspended by Afghanistan in July 2008 (August 2008). | Sustainable mechanisms for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues are in place and operating for senior officials. | In July, Pakistani and Afghan officials participated in two Joint Working Group meetings under the Dubai Process (counter-narcotics and managing the movement of people). Pakistani and Afghan officials are working on preparations for two subsequent Joint Working Group meetings (customs and law enforcement). |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased cooperation at Kandahar-Baluchistan border. | Regular Canadian-facilitated discussions at Kandahar-Baluchistan border are continuing. | Mechanisms at border in place for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues. | Canadian-facilitated discussions between Afghan and Pakistani military officials stationed at the Kandahar-Baluchistan border (Border Flag meeting) took place in September 2009. |
Benchmark: Better managed border crossings on the Kandahar-Baluchistan border.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Training completed by border officials. | No training provided to date (August 2008). | A tailored training curriculum for new recruits in international customs procedures and a senior management development program for Afghan Customs will be developed by September 2009. NEW: 150-200 Afghan Customs officials and 3-4 Afghan Customs trainers trained by 2011. | The Canada Border Services Agency has developed its customs training modules for inclusion in the curriculum of the Afghan National Customs Academy in Kabul (expected to open in early 2010). |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Key infrastructure projects completed, including procurement of equipment. | Assessment of infrastructure needs not yet complete, some equipment purchases underway (August 2008). | Construction completed of a Joint District Coordination Centre in Spin Boldak. Infrastructure and equipment improvements completed at Weish border crossing in Kandahar, based on the results of a feasibility study to be completed in March 2009. | Completion of the Joint District Coordination Centre in Spin Boldak is anticipated in November 2009. Plans are being formulated for pre-construction and resettlement for the Weish border facility construction project, on the land identified in the feasibility study. Equipment has been deployed in Pakistan to assist the government in securing the border. |
Democratic Development and National Institutions
Context: Given the nature of the first benchmark, measures will include quantitative data such as internationally recognized Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessments in addition to qualitative assessments of ministry-specific evaluation activities and public perception assessed through polling.
The Government of Afghanistan intends to hold two elections before 2011: a presidential election and provincial council elections in 2009, and the election of parliament and district councils in 2010.
Canada will actively contribute in this area but it is important to recall that Canada is one of many actors. The Afghan government is leading, with support from the international community.
Benchmark: Key Afghan government institutions able to plan, resource, manage and maintain the delivery of services including at the subnational level.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Provinces have established long-term provincial strategic plans that are aligned with Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) objectives. | Zero provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan (PSP) (March 2009). | All 34 provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan. Kandahar will have demonstrated progress in implementing its strategic plan against identified timelines. | PSP development was initiated in four pilot provinces (Balkh, Takhar, Laghman and Bamyan). |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Effective planning and budgeting mechanisms in place. | The difference between planned and actual government spending is 9.7% (April 2008). | The difference between planned and actual government spending should be less than or equal to 5%. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Better government monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure transparency. | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3 (April 2008). | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3+. | PEFA results are produced only every two years. |
Benchmark: Afghanistan’s ability to manage upcoming elections.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of a national voter registry. | Pilot voter registration process carried out in three selected provinces (April 2008). | Update of registry completed in a four-phased approach, in advance of 2009 presidential elections: | Following the completion of the four phases of the update as planned, limited registration continued into July. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of registered voters nationally. | Approximately 12.6 million voters in the existing registry (2005). | Two million new registrants added to the current registry in advance of the 2009 presidential and provincial council elections; 500,000 new registrants added to the 2009 registry in advance of the 2010 parliamentary and district council elections. | There are no significant changes to report for the quarter, as registration closed in mid-July. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of voter turnout. | 70% of registered voters participated in the last presidential elections; 51.5% of registered voters participated in the last parliamentary and provincial council elections. | 70% turnout for men; 40% turnout for women. These targets are consistent with figures currently being used by the UNDP ELECT project. | As of September 30, uncertified data indicated voter turnout at less than 40% (for both males and females). |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | An independent electoral complaints commission does not currently exist (August 2008). | Establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) has established 23 provincial offices. As of September 20, the ECC had received 3051 complaints. Following the August 20 elections, the ECC, in the context of an investigation into electoral fraud, ordered the Independent Electoral Commission to conduct an audit and recount of ballot boxes, meeting clearly defined criteria. The audit and investigation continue. |
Political Reconciliation
Context: Ultimately, only the Afghan government has the authority to pursue political reconciliation; Canada and other international partners will play supporting roles. Progress indicators to measure this benchmark include the identification of Afghan institutions and officials responsible for moving reconciliation forward, as well as the establishment of a transparent and effective process for reconciling insurgents.
Afghanistan cannot secure peace or realize its governance and development objectives by military means alone. An Afghan-led, internationally supported reconciliation process can serve to foster sustainable peace.
Benchmark: The Government of Afghanistan increasingly able to promote reconciliation among Afghans.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government identifies the institutions and officials responsible for promoting Afghan reconciliation and a national reconciliation process is established. | A clear institutional focal point and process have yet to be identified (August 2008).
| A lead authority is moving reconciliation process forward.
| There are no further results this quarter. The time frame for a national reconciliation strategy will depend on the outcome of the Afghan election and the will of the Afghan people. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government is better able to communicate with Afghans about reconciliation. | The Government of Afghanistan’s ability to share information about its programs, policies and objectives in a timely manner is limited (August 2008). | The Government of Afghanistan is actively sharing information, at the national, provincial and district levels, regarding its programs, policies and objectives for reconciliation. | Canada is funding the reconstruction of the Kandahar Provincial Council meeting hall, which will create further capacity for community interaction. |