CLA in complex contexts- the case from North Waziristan, Pakistan

WADAANA was implemented in one of the most conservative geographies i.e, North Waziristan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and it was evident from the design stage that there are various variables that will need to be considered and an agile and flexible approach would be needed.  This stemmed from the context in which the project operated as well as from institutional memory and comprehensive past experience of implementing in these locations. Matters were compounded further with the onset of COVID-19, which increased uncertainty and worsened access in the region. Women were the most impacted, and the approach needed to ensure that any response was predicated on their requirements. 

CLA was at the core of all implementation and the learning systems were set up in a way that enabled the project to adapt as required and achieve its outcomes. Collaboration with partners was critical and learning and reflection was done with them. Various assessments and monitoring visits were conducted in addition to accountability mechanisms, evaluations and reviews. A key feature was the incorporation of short feedback loops based on high-quality real time data. Furthermore, local partners collected data about participants and context changes that might impact operations, which translated in frequently updated contextual awareness.

Adapting WADAANA’s activities has led to a number of significant developmental impacts as well as the shift in organizational culture and has resulted in activities more in line with local realities. It was even able to push boundaries with respect to involvement of women in the activities which was not seen in these locations previously.