Concept Paper Nr. 3: Mappings and Civil Society Assessments

This capitalisation study has been prepared by Beatriz Sanz Corella as part of the ‘Programme and project cycle  management’ (PPCM) programme. The process was coordinated by the unit dealing with civil society and local authorities  within DG Development and Cooperation — EuropeAid. 

The study contains three parts. The first provides a review of past and current trends in civil society mappings, illustrated  with specific examples (7), and explores alternative and emerging systems and tools designed by other donors  and institutions and organisations (including CSOs themselves). 

The second is forward looking, with a view to providing generic guidance to the community of users of mapping studies,  the final goal being to further fine-tune and streamline future mapping exercises so as to better suit the needs  and national contexts of EUDs. It is thus intended to serve as a resource that can be drawn upon when preparing,  commissioning and/or conducting future CS mappings.

The third part includes a set of methodological tools, including a checklist with issues to be looked at when drafting  ToR, civil society definitions, types, levels of structuring and role of CSOs and a list of bibliographic references. 

The study has been conducted from an evidence-based perspective and has benefited from the involvement of  several units at headquarters level, as well as several EUDs. EUD engagement has been possible thanks to the two  seminars on strategic engagement with CS organised in May and June 2012. The study was also posted on capacity4dev   in June 2012 for comments and feedback.    

This concept paper is available in English and is currently beeing translated into French.

The French version will be posted here as soon as it is available.