1. A case in Cao Thuong commune, Ba Be district Bac Kan province
Bridging the gaps between local government and community in development process
A case in Cao Thuong commune, Ba Be district Bac Kan province

2. Back ground
Helvetas and major focus in Cao Bang – Bac Kan since 1996
Intensive support to commune level with strong attention to community development
Target groups are only ethnic people

3. The context The ongoing decentralization process in Vietnam
A appropriate level to handle local development
The commune officials and farmers have basic understanding of participatory methods in planning, implementation and monitoring development activities
However, the responsibility and necessary funds are not yet handed down

4. What happen
300’000’000 VND each year for the commune development plans for 4 years
A commune management board is formulated and the commune is free to use the fund for activities which are not covered by the commune budget provided by the government
All the yearly activities are planned in participatory approach

5. What cont.
A local auditing and monitoring group to be formulated to ensure a transparency and participatory process
The commune negotiate and make contract with service providers (district officers, private enterprises) to meet their needs
Initial support with participatory method, planning and monitoring tools by Helvetas; frequent backstopping

6. Result Annual plans reflecting the real needs of local people
The planned activities are more feasible
Initial activities have helped easier local community’s lives: suspended bridge, drinking water system (irrigation scheme in Cao Bang)… and improvement of several local crops, livestock
Technical trainings have reached the most remote villagers

7. Result cont.
Improvement of administration (some office equipments) and technical services (extension house and equipment)
The commune is more confident, active and independent in their own work
The commune is selected to pilot the decentralized 135 programme
District extension service providers respond positively towards demands due to the direct payment they get from the commune

8. Challenges There is not any commune staff with planning skill
Participatory approach, transparency and accountability have been respected but not yet fully applied or in other word, have been applied very formally (lack of skill and knowledge)
Unclear tasks and responsibilities among the carders