ITAR Consultants conducted a two-month evaluation of the “Pathways for Peace” project, implemented by Search for Common Ground from October 2020 to December 2021 in the Middle East. The project aimed to strengthen local-level cohesion by enabling local leaders (traditional, non-traditional, formal, and informal) to analyse conflict dynamics and facilitate cooperation across dividing lines to reduce and prevent violence.
The initiative focused on two key objectives:
- Capacity Building for Local Leaders – Enhancing the ability of formal and informal leaders to conduct conflict analysis, dialogue, and conflict mitigation through training sessions and coaching activities.
- Community Collaboration for Conflict Resolution – Promoting local-level dialogue and conflict mitigation initiatives to address sources of inter- and intra-communal tensions through shared-interest projects.
Using the OECD DAC criteria, ITAR’s evaluation assessed the impact, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project, providing lessons learned and recommendations for future peacebuilding initiatives in conflict-affected communities.
