[{"bbox": [82, 147, 1156, 833], "category": "Table", "text": "<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>adjustments of the programme and/ or additional support via ECHO.</td></tr><tr><td>Planning, Processes and Systems</td><td>A key challenge in the National Statistics System is the absence of coordination among key stakeholders, which may impact on the effectiveness of proposed activities</td><td>Low</td><td>Medium</td><td>The programme will assist beneficiary institutions to organise or improve coordination mechanisms, in relation to technical issues obstructing the smooth functioning of the National Statistics System.</td></tr><tr><td>People and the Organisation</td><td>Resistance to change in the coordination legal framework and structure of the National Statistical System by Governmental ministries and institutions</td><td>Low</td><td>Medium</td><td>The programme will closely involve relevant ministries and institutions at every stage of the programme implementation and will closely monitor the impact of changes in the legal framework. The programme design is in line with draft National Strategy for Development of Statistics II (to be approved by Cabinet in March 2022).</td></tr></table>"}, {"bbox": [92, 835, 252, 859], "category": "Section-header", "text": "Lessons Learnt:"}, {"bbox": [92, 879, 1147, 1308], "category": "Text", "text": "The action builds on the ongoing *Strengthening Governance of Social Protection in Lesotho: Building an Integrated Social Protection System* (EUR 21 300 000), implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development until the end of 2022. The cornerstone of the programme is the NISSA database. Its development was launched in 2010, with EU support. NISSA represents a “mini census” of Lesotho with precious information on vulnerability and socio-economic indicators. It was first rolled out in rural areas and later in urban districts too. NISSA currently includes 477 563 households (2022 data) with the objective of covering all households, i.e. 540 000, by the end of 2022 under the 11th EDF-funded programme. In 2020, the *Mid-term Review* highlighted the challenge to sustain, manage and update the database after development partner funding ceases. The action directly addresses the Mid-term Review with Output 2. Further, the action aims to provide additional services, related to nutrition and access to electricity, so called cash-plus. The *World Bank Social Protection Sector Review 2021* in Lesotho showed how the child grant programme has positive impacts beyond immediate consumption. However, positive outcomes in relation to nutrition lag behind. Therefore, the action aims directly at nutrition, among others. Lastly, research, outside Lesotho, by UNICEF and other international development partners has shown the benefits of integrating cash transfers with other components. This has led to address non-financial structural barriers and improved child well-being."}, {"bbox": [92, 1321, 1147, 1577], "category": "Text", "text": "In addition, the action builds on lessons learnt from the *Lesotho Data for Sustainable Development Project* funded by the EU under the 11th EDF (EUR 1 000 000) and implemented over 18 months (2016-2018) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The *Final Evaluation* in 2019 stated that the project was highly relevant to the needs of Lesotho to develop data and statistics. However, it was only moderately effective. According to the final evaluation, the resources and time allocated to the project did not match the ambitious objectives. This was partly due to contracting deadlines and financial envelopes that did allow for more resources or extended deadlines. The current action aligns its objectives to the available resources and planned timeframe. In addition, the evaluation recommended to enable the National Statistical System through revised legal frameworks and policies and to establish a coordination mechanism. These lessons learnt directly inform the design of this action."}, {"bbox": [1026, 1679, 1142, 1704], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 11 of 23"}]