1. Introduction
CSDA was established to enhance the delivery of social and environmental infrastructure, the Niger State Community and Social Development Agency (NGS-CSDA) continues to promote inclusive development under the NG-CARES Programme and other interventions. This report presents an overview of the Agency’s achievements, operations, and impact in 2024, with a specific focus on its innovative dual implementation model—leveraging both community-driven initiatives and technical interventions. The report captures the activities of the past year, highlighting key results, challenges encountered, and forward-looking recommendations.

2. Background and Context
Traditional top-down poverty reduction strategies in Nigeria yielded limited results, often excluding beneficiaries from meaningful participation. To address this, Nigeria adopted a Community-Driven Development (CDD) model with World Bank support, formally embedded in national policy via the Country Partnership Strategy (2005–2007). The Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) was launched in 2008 to operationalize this model.
In Niger State, the CSDA was established in 2009 to manage CSDP implementation and was later designated as the delivery platform 1.4 in Result Area 1 of the NG-CARES Programme, focusing on improving social and environmental infrastructure outcomes for poor and vulnerable communities.

3. Legal and Institutional Framework
Legal Backing:
CSDA was established through Niger State Legal Notice No. 26 of 2009.
Institutional Structure:
• Federal Level: Federal Project Steering Committee (FPSC), Federal Project Support Unit (FPSU)
• State Level: State Agency Board, CSDA Management, Niger State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU), Niger State Ministry for Community and Rural Development
• LGA Level: Local Government Review Committees (LGRCs), Desk Officers
• Community Level: Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs), Group Project Management Committees (GPMCs), Sub-committees
This structure supports transparency, participatory planning, and effective supervision.

4. Strategic Objectives
The CSDA seeks to:
• Expand access to basic social services in underserved communities.
• Promote the inclusion of women, youth, and vulnerable populations in development.
• Enhance the capacity of LGAs and communities to manage their own development.
• Integrate community-led and technically managed implementation models for efficiency and reach.

5. Project Implementation Strategy
CSDA employs a dual-track implementation approach:
A. Community-Driven Implementation
• Communities/Groups submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs).
• Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) and Needs Assessments are conducted.
• Communities establish CPMC/GPMC to lead project planning and implementation.
B. Technically Managed Implementation (under NG-CARES)
• For projects requiring specialized expertise or large-scale execution (e.g., erosion control, construction of level II PHCs, construction of metal boats and provision of both solar and hand pumps boreholes), CSDA directly engages competent technical teams.
• Funds are disbursed in tranches based on milestones.
• Projects are executed following strict procurement and monitoring procedures, with quality control and community involvement throughout.
• This approach ensures timely delivery and high-quality outcomes for complex interventions.
Both modalities are underpinned by accountability, value for money, and transparency principles.

6. Implementation Highlights and Results
CSDP I & Additional Financing (2009–2020)
• Over 367 communities/groups reached.
• Sectors: Education, Health, Water, Transport, Environment, Electrification.
• Fully implemented through community-led mechanisms.
NG-CARES Programme in 2024 only
• 101 communities/groups supported in 24 LGAs.
• 204 micro-projects executed:
• 199 completed
• 5 near completion

7. Achievements
• Improved access to schools, health centres, clean water, water transport, erosion control structures, and nutrition support.
• Strengthened social accountability and transparency mechanisms.
• Increased community resilience and ownership of development.
• Timely delivery of technically demanding projects through effective oversight and execution.

8. Challenges and Mitigation Measures
Challenge Mitigation
High demand vs limited resources Prioritized poorest and most vulnerable communities using objective criteria
Rising cost of materials Revised budgets and used local alternatives where feasible
Insecurity in parts of the state Strengthened partnerships with local actors for safe access

9. Lessons Learnt
• Combining community-led and technically managed implementation ensures both sustainability and scalability.
• Ownership and transparency are greater when communities are directly involved.
• Complex projects benefit from structured execution while retaining community oversight.
• Inclusion of youth and women enhances cohesion and long-term sustainability.

10. Conclusion
The Niger State CSDA has demonstrated effectiveness in improving social infrastructure and resilience through a participatory implementation model. By combining grassroots ownership with technically sound project delivery, the Agency has optimized impact and ensured inclusiveness. Continued support from government and development partners will consolidate gains and expand outreach to underserved populations.