Final evaluation of the performance and impact of 
Community Mediation through Community 
Mobilization Project 
 December 2016
PERFORMANCE AND 
IMPACT EVALUATION:
FINAL PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT EVALUATION OF 
COMMUNITY MEDIATON THROUGH COMMUNITY 
MOBILIZATION PROJECT IMPLMENTED IN SIX TERAI DISRICTS 
OF NEPAL
December, 16, 2016 
CMCM Project implemented by Mandwi through USAID support 
DISCLAIMER 
This evaluation was undertaken by independent consultant Trilochan Bahadur Malla and the author’s views 
expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Mandwi and its implementation partners
TABLE OFCONTENTS
ACRONYMS........................................................................................................................................1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................2
PROJECT BACKGROUND .....................................................................................................................5
EVALUATION METHODS & LIMITATIONS.............................................................................................7
OBJECTIVES OF THE EVALUATION ................................................................................................................7
SCOPE OF THE EVALUATION ......................................................................................................................7
EVALUATION APPROACH ..........................................................................................................................8
USED EVALUATION METHODS AND METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................9
FINDINGS.........................................................................................................................................13
PERFORMANCE OF CMCM PROGRAM .......................................................................................................13
IMPACT OF THE CMCM PROGRAM ...........................................................................................................18
CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................................26
ANNEXES .........................................................................................................................................28
ANNEX I: DATA REGARDING DISPUTES REGISTERED AND RESOLVED BY COMMUNITY MEDIATION CENTERS (SOURCE: 
PROJECT DATABASE).............................................................................................................................29
ANNEX II: SUMMARY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR DATA (SOURCE: PROJECT DATABASE) ........................................31
ANNEX III: DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS ..............................................................................................33
ANNEX IV: INFORMED CONSENT FORMAT ..................................................................................................34
ANNEX V: SOURCES OF INFORMATION ......................................................................................................35
ACRONYMS
ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution 
CM Community Mediation 
CMCC Community Mediation Coordination Committee
CMCM Community Mediation through Community Mobilization 
DDC District Development Office 
FGD Focus Group Discussion 
GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion 
KII Key Informant Interview 
PNGO Partner Non-Governmental Organization 
RBA Rapid Based Assessment 
TAF The Asia Foundation 
ToC Theory of Change 
ToT Training of Trainers
USAID 
VDC 
WAP 
U.S. Agency for International Development 
Village Development Committee
Women Advocacy Platform
YAP Youth Advocacy Platform
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Conflict Mitigation through Community Mediation (CMCM), a two and half year project 
implemented by Mandwi in partnership with local NGO‟s1 in six terai districts (Saptari, Siraha, 
Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi and Rautahat) of Nepal with the objective to decrease conflicts that 
stem from issues of inclusion and access is a part of USAID/Nepal‟s larger Conflict Management 
and Mitigation (CMM) program. The project through preventive and proactive people-to-people 
approach has been found to have been implemented to achieve following objectives: 1) establish 
and mobilizes inclusive community mediation systems; 2) improve the relationship between 
marginalized groups and their local government; and 3) increase community awareness on 
conflict mitigation and management. 
CMCM project has been designed based on following theory of change 
(ToC):
If resilient systems for mediation
are built in an inclusive and
accountable manner
If targeted groups normally
excluded from community
processes are with dialogue skills
THEN
Conflict will be minimized at
the community level and a
more effective environment
for local development will
result.
And if the larger community is
aware of these issues and resources
1Save the Saptari; Samagra Jana Utthan Kendra (All Peoples Improvement Center); Community 
Family Welfare Association (CFWA); Aastha Nepal; Village Community Development Center 
(VCDC), And Community Power are the partner NGO‟s in Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, 
Mahottari, Sarlahi and Rautahat respectively 
2
As directed by the project review meeting, an evaluation to assess the performance and impact of 
CMCM project was undertaken. The evaluation findings and the report are a result of meticulous 
analysis and interpretation of the primary and secondary information gathered through; face to 
face interaction through 35 KII‟s and 6 FGD‟s involving 110 respondents from all 6 project 
districts which enabled the drawing of „Thick descriptions‟, then triangulated with the data and 
evidences generated by the project itself and the impressions from the participant observation 
during field work complementing the documentary analysis of project related documents, data 
and reports have been used to evaluate the performance and impact of the project.
The evaluation revealed that Community Mediation have been used to proactively resolve 
conflicts that boil to the surface, whilst relying on the Youth and Women community advocacy 
platforms to ensure inclusion of marginalized groups in decision making processes to prevent 
future conflict. Additionally, CMCM has made efforts to raise awareness amongst the larger 
community on conflict mitigation and management issues and resources.
Presence of functional Community Mediation (CM) Committees across the 24 VDC‟s in all 6 
districts and positive appreciation regarding their role and ability to mediate and resolve the local 
level conflicts before they become exacerbated by overwhelming number of respondents 
consulted during the evaluation exercise (in particular by women and marginalized) indicates 
that CMCM projects has been very much successful in making noteworthy contribution towards 
the goal level expected outcome of „decrease in conflict over resources stemming from issues of 
inclusion and access‟ reported as 40.57% change in target population that perceive conflicts
mitigated.
3
The key findings of the evaluation were; 
 CMCM project had trained more than 648 Community Mediators through the 36 Master 
Trainers and established Community Mediation as a credible approach to dispute 
resolution. 
 The project had been successful in creating 48 functional advocacy networks in the form 
of Women and Youth Advocacy Platforms and implementation of awareness raising and 
sensitization campaigns in local languages through local radio networks as well as 
production and dissemination of 12000 IEC materials reaching out to more than 37000 
beneficiaries.
 Resolution of 1006 out of 1043 registered cases of local disputes of diverse nature, is a 
testament of the effective impact of the CMCM project. 
Having verified progress made against the findings of the Rapid Based Assessment and in the 
backdrop of the above findings and evidences, the evaluation concludes that the project has been 
able to meet its stated objectives and prove that the theory of change adopted by it was valid; 
considering the fact that the Community Mediation centers established supported by the 
mobilization of the Women and Youth Advocacy Platforms and the awareness raising initiatives 
helped in resolution of disputes in the local level and indeed resulted in the minimization of the 
conflicts at the community level, which in turn created a more conducive environment for the 
local development.
4
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Conflict mitigation through community mediation (CMCM) is a two and half year project 
implemented by Mandwi with the objective to decrease conflicts that stem from issues of 
inclusion and access. The project‟s stated objective is aimed to have been achieved through a 
people-to-people approach that: 1) establishes and mobilizes inclusive community mediation 
systems; 2) improves the relationship between marginalized groups and their local government; 
and 3) increases community awareness on conflict mitigation and management. Mandwi has 
implemented CMCM in six terai districts of Nepal (Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi 
and Rautahat) in partnership with six local organizations as local implementing partners in each 
of the project districts respectively: Save the Saptari; Samagra Jana Utthan Kendra (All Peoples 
Improvement Center); Community Family Welfare Association (CFWA); Aastha Nepal; Village 
Community Development Center (VCDC), and Community Power.
CMCM project‟s theory of change (ToC) is:
If resilient systems for mediation
are built in an inclusive and
accountable manner
If targeted groups normally
excluded from community
processes are with dialogue skills
THEN
Conflict will be minimized at
the community level and a
more effective environment
for local development will
result.
And if the larger community is
aware of these issues and resources
The program as described in the project document has taken preventative and proactive approach 
to conflict where Community mediation have been used to proactively resolve conflicts that boil
to the surface, whilst relying on the Youth and Women community advocacy platforms to ensure 
inclusion of marginalized groups in decision making processes to prevent future conflict. 
Additionally, CMCM has made efforts to raise awareness amongst the larger community on 
conflict mitigation and management issues and resources.
The project has been implemented by Mandwi and its local partners over two and a half years, 
targeting 24 Village Development Committees (VDCs) in six eastern Terai districts where 
Mandwi had existing strong ties with the local communities and the local partner organization. 
With considerable presence of conflict affected persons, and indigenous groups like the 
Madheshi and Tharu, other marginalized populations in the selected project district; these 
groups, and the women and youth within these groups, have been reported as being historically 
discriminated against by the center and likewise fall below the national development averages in 
terms of poverty, literacy, child marriage, and gender based violence. 
CMCM is part of USAID/Nepal‟s larger Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM) program. 
CMM is funded by USAID/Washington‟s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian 
Assistance, Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation, via an Annual Program Statement 
(APS), and administered by USAID/Nepal.
EVALUATION METHODS & LIMITATIONS
A total of hundred and ten (110) individuals comprising of project beneficiaries, local 
government officials, community leaders, project staff and associates were engaged through Key 
Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) in the six project districts 
through a field work to undertake the evaluation. Thirty-five (35) KII‟s and Six (6) FGD‟s with 
more than hundred and ten respondents (Annex VI) and direct field observation in the localities 
of the beneficiary community were undertaken in the period of over one week complementing 
the documentary analysis of project related documents, data and reports have been used to
evaluate the performance and impact of the project. 
Objectives of the evaluation
As stated in the CMCM project review meeting, Mandwi, has conducted a formative light-touch 
evaluation to evaluate the CMCM project‟s activities. The specific objectives of the evaluation 
are; 
 evaluate the performance of the CMCM project 
 Assess the impact of the project interventions 
Scope of the evaluation
The overall scope of the evaluation is to assess the performance of the CMCM project and also 
assess the impacts generated by the project interventions from the target audiences. They are 
envisioned but not limited to; 
 Mandwi
 Community mediation committee
 Youth advocacy committee 
 District advisory committee 
 Beneficiaries along with other local people 
 Local Partner Organization (PNGO)
 Government line agencies and actors 
This evaluation covered the CMCM project areas, where by the field work conducted in the 
project‟s working project districts. In close coordination and consultation with Mandwi team, 
selection of respondents for the KII/FGD‟s will be done and field work and data collection 
conducted within in the field taking place in December of 2016.
Evaluation approach
A Theory-Based Approach to Evaluation the evaluation will adapt the 'Theory-Based 
Approach' to formative evaluation to examine the assumptions underlying the causal chain from 
inputs to outcomes and impact. This approach covered both process and impact evaluation; and 
had an emphasis to: a) understand the context, b) assess the logic of the programming, c) 
examine relevance, effectiveness, usage and efficiency of the program, d) establish rigorous 
factual analysis; e) involve participatory process; and f) use of mix-methods.
Assessment of theory of change: an assessment of theory of change is the central to the idea 
of theory-based approach to evaluation. Thus the evaluation made a rigorous assessment of the 
project logic of the CMCM project and its anticipated contribution to the targeted families in 
eastern Terai districts of Nepal. As such an analysis of ToC set a context to for the evaluation, 
that followed the following evaluation criteria.
Evaluation criteria and design Drawing on the theory-based approach to evaluation, the end
line evaluation done by examining the project‟s ToC as discussed above as well as 
considering OECD-DAC criteria for evaluation of development programs to assess performance 
and impact of the project.
The performance of the project has been assessed by reviewing the accomplishment of the goals
against the target for the key project objectives and related activities such as (Establish and
mobilize inclusive community mediation systems: Community Mediators Centers Established
and Services Provided); as well as by analyzing the perceptions of the respondents with regards 
to the ability of the project and its activities to address the issues being targeted such as volume 
of cases registered and mediated by the CM committees.
In order to measure the impact evaluation looked at the achievement towards the projects
stated outcomes in particular the outputs such as (Inclusive community mediation systems
established and mobilized: Number of cases resolved by established mediation systems); and 
cross checked them with feedbacks of the community members in particular the beneficiaries 
regarding the socio-cultural and behavioral changes brought about by project interventions and
by analyzing the level of success being achieved through the activities such as the diversity of 
cases mediated from those registered at the community mediation centers etc. The findings are
drawn from interpretation of qualitative data (narratives/perceptions) compiled through field
work as well as analysis of quantitative data (numerical statistics) compiled by project partners. 
Used evaluation methods and methodology
Overarching approach of the evaluation: A formative light-touch base methods using 
qualitative tools were used to be employed, comprising of the following qualitative tools to 
qualify the information generated through (i) documentary analysis/literature review (ii) field 
observation (iii) key informant interviews and (iv) Focus Group Discussions 
Key data collection techniques:
Phase 1 – Desk Research – To inform and complement the evaluation, the evaluation under took 
documentary analysis and review of project related documents and information including the 
following: 
 Project document 
 The Rapid Base-line Assessment report 
 The project M&E plan, strategies and indictors 
 M&E reports
 District reports
 Annual reports 
Phase 2 –Participatory research tools such as Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group 
Discussion (FGD) were employed during the field work to collect qualitative primary data for 
the evaluation purpose.
Key Informant Interview (KII): The KII‟s were conducted with the relevant district and 
VDC level government authorities, project staffs, beneficiaries and community leaders. At least
6 KII‟s (except for Saptari) were under taken in each of project implemented district.
S.N. Respondents Quantity
1. VDC secretary/partner PC 1
2. Mediator (one male and one female) 2
3 Members of Youth and Women advocacy forum (one each) 2
4 CM Coordination committee member at district level 1
Total 6
Focus group discussion (FGD): Focus group discussion (FGD) with project stakeholders was 
another tool for data collection that has supplemented the data collected through KII and 
field observation. Potential FGD participants were identified in consultation with the project 
team members and stakeholders in districts. While doing so the evaluation team ensured that the 
participants came from a variety of backgrounds to ensure gender equality and social inclusion 
(GESI). FGDs were conducted in small groups and in participatory manner to ensure that 
comprehendible insights, concerns and feedback from the participants were documented. At least
1 FGD was conducted with community mediation committee in each of project implemented 
districts. 
Using the checklist of questions to be used for KII‟s and FGD‟s (Annex IV), the field work was 
conducted to reach out to the pre-selected categories of respondents considered key for 
evaluation purpose as agreed with Mandwi. The KII‟s and FGD‟s were conducted in the places 
most convenient for the respondents such as the community gathering places in the villages i.e. 
local eatery (tea-shop), school premises and village center, VDC office and partner agencies 
office etc. Prior to every meeting or discussion, care was taken to explain the purpose of the
meeting and informed consent (Annex V) was sought with the each and every respondent 
engaged during the evaluation exercise prior to and after interview/discussions. 
Position of the consultant/interviewer could be considered a limitation for the conduct of the 
interview/discussion that has been tried to be addressed by being as fair and transparent as 
possible in the approach. Other limitations worth mentioning applicable for the evaluation 
exercise and field work were the time period in which field work was conducted and the 
geographical and climatic adversities affecting the exercise both addressed to the extent possible 
through planning and coordination in advance with Mandwi and its local partners. 
The evaluation findings and its report are a result of meticulous analysis and interpretation of the 
primary and secondary information gathered through; face to face interaction through KII‟s and 
FGD‟s with the respondents which enabled the drawing of „Thick descriptions‟, then triangulated 
with the data and evidences generated by the project itself and the impressions from the 
participant observation during field work.
FINDINGS Performance of the CMCM program (GESI, local knowledge and 
skills on resolving conflicts, # of conflicts resolved, formation of 
local mechanisms to resolve local conflicts)
Performance of CMCM program
Presence of functional Community Mediation (CM) Committees across the 24 VDC‟s in all 6 
districts and positive appreciation regarding their role and ability to mediate and resolve the local 
level conflicts numbering 1006 before they become exacerbated during the program 
implementation phase by overwhelming number of respondents from the concerned communities 
consulted during the evaluation exercise (in particular by women and marginalized) indicates 
that CMCM projects is very much successful in achieving its goal; to decrease the local level 
conflicts stemming out of the issues of inclusion and access through its proactive approach of 
taking preventive measures, advocacy and awareness raising. 
This was evident from the claim by the participants in the FGD
at Siraha; 
It was learnt during the evaluation that following the 
formalities of the program launching such as the contractual 
arrangements including with local partners identified, 
coordination established with key and concerned district line 
agencies/stakeholders and a Rapid Baseline Assessment 
“Earlier people used 
to approach 
Panchayats, then 
Police stations, now 
after the initiation of 
CM program- people 
come to CM centers. 
There is a case every 
2-3 days”
conducted in 36 VDC‟s of 6 districts, 4 VDCs in each district and 24 VDCs in total appears to 
have been finalized for CMCM project implementation through coordination with the District 
Development Committees (DDC) from each implementing districts.
Projects aim of institutionalizing and steering the Community Mediation at the district level 
through a coordination mechanism s is successful owing to the fact that Community Mediation 
Coordination Committee (CMCC) were found existing in each district constituted as a loose 
group with representation from district line agencies, judicial, quasi/semi judicial bodies and 
civil society organizations. District level CMCC members interviewed confirmed that the 
Committee had worked effectively to monitor the program, guide and provide feedback for 
streamlining the Community mediation work as envisioned. 
The performance of the CMCM program with regards to the set objectives were found as 
following; 
Objective 1: Establish and mobilize inclusive community mediation systems
The project successfully achieved its first objective; Establish and mobilize inclusive community 
mediation systems as a total of 36 (female 12, Dalit 4 and Janajati 2) Master Trainers were found 
prepared following 8 days Masters Trainers Training imparted by Mandwi using The Asia 
Foundation (TAF)‟s technical support in ensuring quality of the training with Mediation 
Council‟s authority and approval to conduct training Mediation in accordance with the Mediation 
law. The Master Trainers under the supervision and support of Mandwi reportedly imparted
basic Mediation training to would be community mediators numbering 648 (female 263, Dalit 
100, Janjati 100 and Muslims 29) (27 per VDCs in 24 project VDCs) selected in close 
consultation 
with VDC authorities
Objective 2: Improve the relationship between marginalized groups and the local 
government
In order to increase the participation of youth and women in the process of community 
mediation, local resources mobilization and planning processes. The 24 Youth Advocacy 
Platform (YAP) and 24 Women Advocacy Platform (WAP) appear to have been established at 
VDC level by PNGOs. The interviewed members of YAP and WAP reported having received 
project orientation including their roles and responsibilities as platform members. Both YAP and 
WAP reportedly engaged through monthly meeting to share local problems to link with 
mediation services as well as advocacy strategy to engage in local planning processes. 
A total of 1043 cases of 20 different categories such as physical assaults, dispute over land 
boundary bender based violence etc(details in Annex II)appears to have been registered at the 24
Community Mediation committees established by the project in the 24 VDC‟s selected for 
CMCM project implementation through coordination with the District Development Committees 
(DDC) from concerned districts
Registration of the Cases at a Mediation Center
Objective 3: Increase community awareness on conflict management and mitigation.
In order to increase the awareness of the community on conflict management and mitigation, 
Mandwi has developed Information, Education Communication IEC materials i.e. brochure and 
pamphlets with the information on community mediation related services, benefits, mediation 
centers and contact persons. These IEC materials were reportedly disseminated in the project 
VDCs through PNGOs, mediation centers, community mediators, YAP, WAP and local level 
other institutions. 
Community members reported having benefitted from radio programs and Public Service 
Announcement (PSA) on community mediation including in local language Maithili and Bajjika 
helping local people to receive and learn about mediation services. Based on the responses of the 
community members especially women and the elderly, local people were found well sensitized 
on the benefits of community mediation and thereby motivated to resolve the conflict using the 
services of the local CM committee/centers established in their VDC‟s to resolve the 
disputes locally as elaborated by a respondent in Saptari. 
Sensitization and engagement of the elders who played a 
role in the “panchayats‟ of the local communities such as the 
„Pradhans‟ and „Mukhiya‟s and leaders and representatives
“It‟s best to resolve local 
issues at local level, which 
also helps to maintain 
harmony and peace in 
communities” (KII-SAP-05)
of the political parties from the early on phase of project implementation have been effective in 
minimizing the resentment and obstruction to the work of the CM committees to an extent. It 
was also noted from response of people interviewed that some of the mediators selected in some
VDC‟s for the CM committees were the individuals working earlier as members of panchayat; 
evident from a CM Committee coordinators complaint about these individuals occasionally 
trying but filing to discredit the CM work. Whilst there were claims by PNGO‟s of having 
sensitized the police, responses of many of the CM committed coordinators and WAF/YAF 
members indicated that coordination and sensitization could have done more to get better support 
and buy in from local police units, who often were seen influenced by the estranged middlemen 
and former pancha‟s who had lost their influence and role to benefit from local disputes as stated
by a CM coordinator of VDC in Dhanusha;
“Political party reps feel undermined and are trying to discredit the CM centers” adding further 
on inquiry about the CM selection that “Political cadres are also selected who are defaming the 
CM work”(KII-DHA-02) 
Inclusion: 
The fact that women comprised of a third of the Mediators working in the CM committees as 
well as the data showing high number of cases being addressed associated with Dalits, Janjatis‟s 
and Muslims; indicates the program was gender and socially inclusive.
Sustainability: 
Active involvement of the VDC officials in supporting the work of the CM committees and 
evidence of all 24as opposed to original target of 12 VDC‟s taking initiatives for continuing to 
support the CM committees work beyond program support phase by providing space to work and 
some funds, demonstrated the fact that project had a very good local engagement and it was able 
to achieve a degree of success towards sustainability. 
A VDC office with well-established Community Mediation Center 
Impact of the CMCM program
Whilst assessing the actual impact of the project was understood to be beyond the scope of this 
particular evaluation, the efforts were made to examine the extent to which the project outputs, 
achievements contributed towards achievement of the stated project outcomes. 
Evidence of significant numbers of disputes registered and resolved locally before they became 
exacerbated into bigger conflicts by the Community Mediation Centers established in the Project 
implemented VDC‟s indicates that the project has made noteworthy contribution towards the 
goal level expected outcome of „decrease in conflict over resources stemming from issues of
inclusion and access‟ reported as 40.57% change in target population that perceive conflicts 
mitigated. 
The achievement with regards to the specified expected outcomes by the project are as 
following; 
Expected Outcome 1: inclusive community mediation systems established and mobilized
Record shows that out of 648community mediators selected by Mandwi and partners for training 
on Community mediation, 263(40.58%) were female, 100(15.43%) were from Dalit community, 
100(15.43%) were from Janjati, 29 (4.47%) were from Muslim, 48(7.40%) were from Brahman 
Chhetri and 369(56.94%) were from other community. Similarly, 43(6.63%) participants were 
from Hill Migrants community. It was found that in total 75.91% participants were selected from 
marginalized population i.e. Women, Dalit, Muslim and Janjati. Some of those selected 
candidates were experienced (some of them) in Panchayat (a traditional alternative dispute 
resolution method) and committed to pursue their responsibilities effectively. 
Evidence that a total of 1006 local disputes being resolved out of 1043 disputes registered at the 
CM committees which have one third women as mediators indicates that inclusive community 
mediation systems have been established and are being mobilized. Appreciation of the CM 
committee‟s work in helping to diffuse the local level disputes exacerbating further into bigger 
conflict is a strong evidence of the above as indicated by response from a woman who also 
happened to be a member of the Women Advocacy Forum mobilized to strengthen the 
Community Mediation mechanism;
“Being myself a victim and embroiled in land issue with my brother in law, I got served justice 
through the CM center”(KII-RAU-02)
It was reported that handover workshops were organized by Mandwi in collaboration with its 
PNGO‟s in all 24 VDCs and municipalities from the six CMCM project districts with the 
objective of signing the handover MOUs with concerned VDCs and municipalities. Record 
shows a total of 578 (100 Dalit, 108Janjatiand 216female in attendance) relevant government 
stakeholders along with YAP, WAP members, community mediators, local political leaders, 
mother groups members, representative from health posts, VDC secretary, technician and school 
representatives took part in the handover workshops 
Expected Outcome 2: improved relationship between marginalized groups and local 
government
The project was found to have created a Youth Advocacy Platform and an Advocacy Platform 
established in each of the 24 VDC‟s of project districts which were mobilized in the community 
to increase the access of the marginalized community people to the mediation centers. There 
were in total 462youth advocacy platform of which 114 (24.68%) were female, 97 (21.00%) 
Dalit, 77 (16.67 %) Janjati, 15 (3.25%) Muslim and 319 (69.05%) Madhesi. Likewise, from 
amongst the 448 women advocacy platform members in 24 VDCs 113 (25.22%) dalit, 72 (16.07 
%) Janjati, 16 (3.57%) Muslim and 310 (69.20%) Madhesi. 
It was also learnt that joint WAP and YAP meetings with the VDC secretary/technician were 
organized by local project implementing partners in all 24 project VDCs in August 2016 to 
strengthen the relationship between the marginalized groups and local government authorities.
Meeting between members of mediation center and VDC official 
Expected Outcome 3: Community awareness on conflict management and mitigation 
increased
As part of the awareness raising and sensitization, radio programs were reported to have been 
produced and broadcasted in Maithili (for Dhanusha, Mahottari, Saptari and Siraha) and Bajjika 
(for Rautahat and Sarlahi) languages with the close coordination with local FM radio.The main 
focus of the radio program reportedly was to sensitize the marginalized community about the 
community mediation program, its significance and how the program was helping the saving of 
time and money of people but also promoting peace and harmony in the community. Experience 
sharing of the success community mediation in the community had encouraged people to attend 
the mediation centers if any disputes (including gender based violence and disputes related to 
women and marginalized communities) occurring in the community. The significance and value 
of the mediation through CM center was being well understood as one VDC CM coordinator 
from Rautahat explained. 
“Mediation is challenging but achievable when parties are made aware about the costs involved 
and the hassle of the court/kacheri”(KII-RAU-06) 
Further, a total 12000 pieces of Community Mediation IEC materials i.e. Brochure and 
Pamphlets were reported to have been produced in local language and distributed to key 
community stakeholders in the CMCM project area through youth and women advocacy 
platform members, community mediators and female child health volunteers etc. to sensitize 
people on community mediation services.
As a distinct impact of the above, most of the respondents consulted during the evaluation 
especially the community members claimed that being fully aware of the troubles they were no 
longer going to the police or courts to settle the disputes as one WAP member in Sarlahi 
remarked; 
“Police forces parties to reconcile and takes fee, the issue is resolved temporarily but “man 
mutab‟ remains” (KII-SAR-06) 
Notice at a local police unit barring engagement of middlemen and brokers
Comparative analysis of RBA and Evaluation findings:
In addition to the above, following were the updates/changes noted against some of the relevant 
findings of the Rapid Based Assessment undertaken by the project, which may be helpful in 
indicating the impact of the CMCM project implementation.
RBA findings Evaluation findings
1 Most of VDC officials as well as DLAs
were unaware about community mediation 
program, community mediation act 2068 
and community mediation regulation 2070. 
So, they are not implementing it at their 
institutions and for community
All the VDC officials consulted expressed
positive appreciation for the CM program and 
some VDC‟s were found allocating office 
space and resources
2 In most of the district there were no any
Coordination and Communication Bodies, 
Committee and Network existing at district 
level. In some district there was presence 
of local peace committee touching some 
part of conflict resolution, peace and 
harmony but there was no any specific 
intervention on community mediation.
All 6 Project districts had Community
Mediation Coordination Committee (CMCC) 
constituted as a loose group with 
representation from district line agencies, 
judicial, quasi/semi judicial bodies and civil 
society organizations and were reportedly 
monitoring the program, guiding and had 
provided feedback for streamlining the 
Community mediation
3 Most of the people were not satisfied with
the existing mechanism of dispute 
resolution in the community because of 
biasness, political interference, no trust 
among each other, conservative, caste and 
gender based discrimination, expensive, 
complex, time taken, no fair decision and
Majority of the respondents consulted through
KII/FGD‟s reported the same feeling
punishment etc
4 Most of the people were not ready for the
existing dispute resolution at community 
level because of expensive, time 
consuming, biasness, politically 
influenced, punishment and discrimination.
Almost all respondents preferred CM
committees over the other mechanisms for 
dispute resolution
5 Most of the people expressed there were no
participation of women in dispute 
resolution. The causes behind no 
participation of women in dispute 
resolution mechanism were social control, 
tradition, conservative thought, illiteracy; 
gender based discrimination, patriarchal or 
male dominant society, humiliation, 
hesitation, no access in services, lack of 
awareness, leadership, information and less 
priority to female.
It was noted that at least a third of the
mediators of the CM committees were women 
and there was presence of a Women 
Advocacy Forum in each of the project VDC.
6 Cases like kidnapping, land, beating,
school, line of control, caste based 
violence, land, women violence, road, 
migration and beating were not resolved at 
community level and become injustice and 
referred to police and court due to political 
hindrance, polarization, lack common 
understanding, disagree, biasness from 
mediator, not convinced, no environment 
of trust.
Whilst cases of serious nature and demanding
legal action were being dealt by the Police and 
Courts, respondents especially the CM 
Committee Coordinators claimed that 
majority of minor disputes were being 
reportedly resolved at the community level by 
the CM committees.
7 People who knew about community
mediation expressed that community 
mediation means mediation in the 
participation of both parties in dispute and
People consulted were found to be very much
aware and sensitized about the significance 
and value of Community Mediation as a tool 
for alternative dispute resolution. There was
keep dispute far from court, mediation that 
held at community level, mediation 
between both conflicting parties, and 
mediation by respecting the views of both 
parties, solving problems rampant in 
community, bonding people in the 
community, mutual cooperation, conflict 
managed at local level and mediation at 
low cost. 
evident trust and belief in the CM mechanism 
and its contribution towards promoting of 
social harmony in the communities.
CONCLUSIONS
It is safe to argue that the CMCM project was well grounded from the onset based on the fact 
that the project managed to conduct a Rapid Baseline Assessment early on in the project 
implementation phase and form a Community Mediation Coordination Committee (CMCC) in 
each district to ensure proper coordination, effective guidance and stakeholder buy in for the 
project implementation in the targeted districts. Project is also effective in establishing the 
required local structure and conducive environment as well as producing required human 
resources capacity to implement the community mediation work by having; 
 Trained more than 648 Community Mediators through the 36 Master Trainers prepared 
for Community mediation. Its performance to establish the Community Mediation as a 
credible approach to dispute resolution was also noteworthy. 
 The project‟s ability in creating 48 functional advocacy networks in the form of Women 
and Youth Advocacy Platforms and implementation of awareness raising and 
sensitization campaigns in local languages through local radio networks as well as 
production and dissemination of 12000 IEC materials reaching out to more than 37000 
beneficiaries. By largely meeting the specific stated outcomes, the project has 
demonstrated its success in achieving the immediate impacts envisioned. 
 Resolution of 1006 out of 1043 registered cases of local disputes of diverse nature, 
successful mobilization of significant number of marginalized and disadvantaged 
community members in the Women and Youth Advocacy platforms as well as 
overwhelming belief and trust of the community members to seek resolution of disputes 
through the Community Mediation centers is a testament of the effective impact of the 
CMCM project.
To conclude, the evaluation finds that the project has been able to meet its stated objectives and 
prove that the theory of change adopted by it was valid; considering the fact that the Community 
Mediation centers established supported by the mobilization of the Women and Youth Advocacy 
Platforms and the awareness raising initiatives helped in resolution of disputes in the local level 
and indeed resulted in the minimization of the conflicts at the community level, which in turn 
created a more conducive environment for the local development. 
ANNEXES
Annex I: Data regarding disputes registered and resolved by Community Mediation
Centers (Source: Project Database)
Nature of Disputes
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Abuse 136 13.0 13.0 13.0
Allocation of Property 25 2.4 2.4 15.4
Border/boundary of land 271 26.0 26.0 41.4
Compensation for damage 
of crops
7 .7 .7 42.1
Construction of Houses 38 3.6 3.6 45.7
Deposits except those 
under No. 5 of that Chapter
5 .5 .5 46.2
Except those cases referred 
to in Annex-1 and Annex-2 
of the Government Cases
Act, 2049 (1993)
6 .6 .6 46.8
Physical Assaults 177 17.0 17.0 63.8
Forced labor or Wage 11 1.1 1.1 64.8
Gender based violence 36 3.5 3.5 68.3
Interpersonal Conflict 39 3.7 3.7 72.0
Missing and finding of
Quadrupeds
5 .5 .5 72.5
Money Transaction 96 9.2 9.2 81.7
Partition 35 3.4 3.4 85.0
Pasture land, grass, fuel 
woods
122 11.7 11.7 96.7
Resource based conflict 19 1.8 1.8 98.6
Uses of water bank and 
security of public property
7 .7 .7 99.2
Entering into, staying in or 
attempting to enter in or 
stay in other's house
forcefully
3 .3 .3 99.5
Kalyan Dhan (hidden 
and unclaimed properties)
1 .1 .1 99.6
Quadrupeds other than the 
killing of cow
4 .4 .4 100.0
Total 1043 100.0 100.0
Sex of First Party
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid
M 877 84.1 84.1 84.1
F 166 15.9 15.9 100.0
Total 1043 100.0 100.0
Sex of Second Party
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid
M 911 87.3 87.3 87.3
F 132 12.7 12.7 100.0
Total 1043 100.0 100.0
Sex * Successfully Mediated Cases
Count
Follow Month 1 Total
Settled On process Pending
Sex
M 846 0 31 877
F 160 1 5 166
Total 1006 1 36 1043
Successfully mediated local level disputes among women=160
Ethnicity * Successfully Mediated Cases
Count
Follow Month 1 Total
Settled On process Pending
Ethnicity
Dalit 210 0 4 214
Janjati 101 0 3 104
Brahman/Chhetri 59 0 2 61
Muslim 30 0 0 30
Others 606 1 27 634
Total 1006 1 36 1043
Successfully mediated local level disputes among marginalized community=341
Dalit-210 
Janjati-101 
Muslim-30
Annex Ii: Summary Performance Indicator Data (Source: Project Database)
S.N. Indicator Target for 
Project 
Period
Result Contributing Factors
1 % change in conflicts stemming 
from issues of inclusion and 
access
52% 40.57% Awareness of community people 
increased and they are living 
together in the community with 
social harmony in peaceful 
environment.
2 % change in target population 
that perceives a reduction in 
conflicts over resources 
stemming from issues of 
inclusion and access
79% 93.93% Access of marginalized 
community people increased to 
the CMCs. The local level 
disputes resolved by community 
mediators at local level.
3 Number of successfully 
mediated local level disputes 
among women, youth or people 
from marginalized groups as a 
result of USG assistance
736 874 Disputes facilitated by the trained 
community mediators adopting 7 
steps of community mediation
4 % change in target population 
that perceive conflicts mitigated
31% 33% The maximum number of local 
level disputes resolved by 
community mediators at local 
level
5 # of conflict issues identified in 
the working VDCs with an 
objective of addressing those 
conflicts
1050 
including 
women 357, 
dalit 214, 
janajati171, 
Muslim 128
907 including women
142, dalit191, janajati
95, Muslim 26
With the mobilization of 
community mediators, youth and 
WAPs and in coordination with 
concerned VDC
6 % of established mediations 
centers continued by local 
government at project close
12 24 With close coordination with 
concerned VDCs and 
Municipalities
7 # of new groups or initiatives 
created through USG funding, 
dedicated to resolving the 
conflict or the drivers of conflict
72(CMC-24, 
YAP-24, 
WAP-24)
72 (CMC-24, YAP-24, 
WAP-24)
Functional and regular 
coordination by PNGOs with 
VDCs, district line agencies and 
stakeholders like Bar Association,
District Administration Office,
and district court etc.
8 # of local women participating in 
a substantive role or positions in
a peace building process 
supported with USG assistance
474 479 Facilitation of local project 
implementing partners on 
importance of participation of 
women and their mobilization for 
their rights to community 
stakeholders and VDCs
9 # of advocacy platforms 
established and functional
48 48 (YAP-24, YAP-24) Functional and regular 
coordination by community 
mediator coordinator with
VDCs, and local stakeholders like 
youth and women etc
10 % of annual VDC budget 
allocated to community 
mediation and marginalized 
community
10% NA In the first year, VDC council has 
been completed before the 
establishment of CMC. In the 
second year, there was agitation
S.N. Indicator Target for 
Project 
Period
Result Contributing Factors
by Madhesi Morcha and VDCs 
has documented the VDC council 
and reported to DDC without 
intervening. Therefore, there is no 
any significant achievement seen.
However, VDCs allocated target 
groups amount to youth and 
women. Such data will be 
collected during end line and 
reported.
11 Number of people from 
marginalized groups 
participating in a substantive 
role or position in a peace 
building process supported with 
USG assistance
NA 71 Facilitation of local project 
implementing partners on 
importance of participation of 
marginalized groups and their 
mobilization for their rights to 
community stakeholders and 
VDCs
12 Number of host national 
inhabitants reached through
USG-assisted public information 
campaigns to support peaceful 
resolution of conflicts
37000 37200 IEC materials like brochure and 
pamphlets production and 
distribution as well as community 
mediation program designed, 
produced and broadcasting in 
local languages i.e. Maithili and 
Bajjika.
13 Number of stories disseminated 
with USG support to facilitate 
the advancement of
reconciliation or peace processes
2  2 (Radio program, 
PSA production)
Radio program, jingle production, 
and broadcasted in local
languages i.e. Maithili and
Bajjika.
14 #of USG-funded events, 
trainings, or activities designed 
to build support for peace or 
reconciliation on a mass scale
38 37
 OCA-1
 MTOT (Mater 
Training of 
Trainers) -1
 Basic Mediation
Training -24
 CMCC Formation￾1
 CMCC Review-4
 CM yearly sharing 
meeting-2
 Advocacy
Platform Meeting￾3
 Project partners 
trained on ME-1
Master Trainers mobilized by 
PNGOs in respected districts 
Functional and regular 
coordination by PNGOs with 
VDCs, district line agencies and 
stakeholders like Bar Association, 
District Administration Office,
and district court etc
Strictly follow the selection 
criteria of community mediators 
and focus on gender and 
inclusion, people to people and 
do no harm strategies
Annex Iii: Data Collection Instruments
A. Potential Participants/Respondents
a) FGD
FGDs with CM members- 8-10 (women and men) 
b) KII
 KIIs with VDC secretary/partner PC 
 KII with Mediator (one man and one women) 
 KII with members of Youth and Women advocacy forum (one from each forum) 
 KII with one CM Coordination committee member at district level 
B. Illustrative questions to be used for KII and FGD
1. Where do you (people) normally go when you have a conflict at the local level? (place 
for conflict resolution) (Community elders (panchayat / VDC authorities / Community 
Mediation Centers / Paralegal committees/ Police Stations / Courts) 
2. What are the major actions taken by them to resolve local conflict when they are 
reported? (actions taken) 
3. How do you (people) resolve the GBV or DV related conflicts in your community? 
(GBV/DV related issue resolution) 
4. What and How do you (people) feel when you (they) go to and engage with court or 
police station to get justice? Please explain (Perception of justice delivery mechanism) 
5. Are you (people) happy with the court or police decisions made in instances of local 
conflict? Please explain (satisfaction level)
6. What has been the learning with regards to future implementation of CMCM? (learning 
and recommendations)
Annex IV: Informed Consent format
Informed Consent before Key Informant Interview/FGD
Namaste! My name is …………................ We are here to get information related to Mandwi/USAID 
project on Community Mediation through Community Mobilization. We will be asking you questions about 
CMCM projects and where required will seek to see various records too. This information will be used to 
conduct evaluation of CMCM project with a view to document the lessons learnt and provide 
recommendation for future implementation of similar programs.
Annex V: Sources of Information
Respondent database- CMCM project evaluation
S.N Coding Date Name Organisation/ occupation Gender Address
Note￾taking 
(Y/N)
KIIs
1 KIISAP01 27.11.2016
Sabita Gautam Koirala Women Advocacy Platform Coordinator/ 
CM trainer F Rajbiraj-8 Y
2 KIISAP02 27.11.2016 Sadhana Karn Trainer (ToT) on CM F Rajbiraj-5 Y
3 KIISAP03 27.11.2016
Narendra Yadav
CM District Coordination committee M Boriya VDC-5 Y
4 KIISAP04 27.11.2016
Ruby Yadav
Community Mediator F
Narghu VDC (Currently
Farset VDC) Y
5 KIISAP05 27.11.2016 Shiv Kumar Yadav Youth Advocacy Forum Coordinator M Fulkati VDC Y
6 KIISIR01 28.11.2016 Gajendra Prasad Yadav CMCM Prog Coordinator M Mahdewa VDC Y
7 KIISIR02 28.11.2016 RenuKarn Trainer (ToT) on CM F Bhagwatipur VDC Y
8 KIISIR03 28.11.2016
Bali Ram Yadav
VDC secretary, Badaharamal VDC M Siraha- 6 Y
9 KIISIR04 28.11.2016 Kaushal Shrestha Youth Advocacy Forum Coordinator M Sitapur VDC-6 Y
10 KIISIR05 28.11.2016 Shiv Kumar Yadav Youth Advocacy Forum Coordinator M Fulkati VDC Y
11 KIISIR06 28.11.2016 Sunil Kumar Shah
District CM Coordination Committee 
member M Lahan Municipality-10 Y
12 KIISIR07 28.11.2016 Krishna Shahi Youth Advocacy Forum Coordinator M Lahan Municipality-22 Y
13 KIIMAH01 29.11.2016 Nitu Mishra CM WAP coordinator F Ekrahiya VDC-2 Y
14 KIIMAH02 29.11.2016 Yasudhin Sheikh CM YAP coordinator M Sisuwakatariya-4 Y
15 KIIMAH03 29.11.2016 Hira Devi Jha Community Mediator F Ekrahiya VDC-1 Y
16 KIIMAH04 29.11.2016 Dulari Devi Barahi CM WAP coordinator F Ekrahiya VDC-1 Y
17 KIIMAH05 29.11.2016 Radhesahyam Tiwari CM Committee coordinator M SisuwaKataiya VDC-9 Y
18 KIIMAH06 29.11.2016 Chndan Kumar Mishra CMCM Program Coordinator M Jaleshwor-13 Y
19 KIIDHA01 30.11.2016 Babita Sharma Community Mediator F Baniniya-2 Y
20 KIIDHA02 30.11.2016 RasilalPandit CM committee Coordinator M MithileshworMuhai Y
21 KIIDHA03 30.11.2016 Fulgen Yadav CM committee Coordinator M Baniniya-2 Y
22 KIIDHA04 30.11.2016 Ram Babu Shah CM committee Coordinator M Mithileshwor Nikas-7 Y
23 KIIDHA05 30.11.2016 Amindra Shah CM YAP coordinator M Mithileshwor Nikas-7 Y
24 KIIRAU01 1.12.2016 Manoj Prasad Yadav DC Technical assistant M Jhunkuwa -1 Y
25 KIIRAU02 1.12.2016 SunitaKumari Devi Community Mediator F Jhunkuwa -2 Y
26 KIIRAU03 1.12.2016 SagarPati Yadav Community Mediator F Jhunkuwa -2 Y
27 KIIRAU04 1.12.2016 Wakil Ray Yadav Ward Community Mediator M Jhunkuwa -1 Y
28 KIIRAU05 1.12.2016 Mukesh Kumar Yadav CM YAP coordinator M Jhunkuwa -1 Y
28 KIIRAU06 1.12.2016 BinodYadav VDC CM coordinator M Jhunkuwa -2 Y
29 KIISAR01 2.12.2016 Gita Dahal CM WAP coordinator F Rajghat -9 Y
30 KIISAR02 2.12.2016 Gita Upendra Chaudhary VDC CM coordinator M Sundarpur Chowraha- 8 Y
31 KIISAR03 2.12.2016 RuhitaAdhikari CM trainer F Rajghat -9 Y
32 KIISAR04 2.12.2016 NirojDahal CMCM Program coordinator M Haripur- 8 Y
33 KIISAR05 2.12.2016 Mithun Chaudhary CM YAP coordinator M SundapurChworaha- 8 Y
34 KIISAR06 2.12.2016 Dhauri Devi Ray Yadav CM WAP coordinator F Harkunuwa-5
35 KIISAR07 2.12.2016 Sukhkumar Yadav CM YAP coordinator M Harkutuwa-1
FGD
1 FGDSIR01 28.11.2016 FGD with mixed group
CM's, Political party rep, VDC offcials, 
Community members Mixed
Badaharamal VDC, 
Siraha Y
2 FGDSAP01 27.11.2016 FGD with mixed group CM's and Community members Mixed Sakarpura VDC, Saptari Y
3 FGDMAH01 29.11.2016 FGD with mixed group
Mixed Group (CM’s & Advocacy Forum 
coordinators)) Mixed Jeleshwor Y
4 FGDDHA01 30.11.2016 FGD with mixed group
Mixed Group (CM’s & Advocacy Forum
coordinators) Mixed Janakpur Y
5 FGDRAU01 1.12.2016 FGD with mixed group
Mixed Group (CM’s & Advocacy Forum
coordinators) Mixed Jhunkhuwa VDC Y
6 FGDSAR01 2.12.2016 FGD with mixed group
Mixed Group (CM’s, WAF/YAF & Program
staff) Mixed VCDC office, Haripur VDC Y