The priority areas were identified during a one day retreat held on 28 October 2009 and organised to help DAG prepare for the 10th High Level Forum with the government. Prior to the Retreat the DAG Secretariat had distributed a copy of the latest Annual Progress Report prepared by the government on PASDEP I as well as briefing notes from each DAG Technical Working Group on lessons learned from PASDEP I and recommendations for PASDEP II .
Following a lively group work exercise the HoAs were able to map out the following 8 key areas that DAG could engage the govern-ment of Ethiopia on under PASEP II in order to improve aid effec-tiveness in the country:
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Food Security
- Strengthening Inclusive Governance
- Gender
- Climate Change
- Strengthening Growth and Employment Creation
- Sound Macro Framework
- Participatory Process and Partnerships
While commending Ethiopia‟s progress over the past few years, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and access to social services, the HoAs stressed the importance of reliable information and data as well as clear indicators in order to monitor and evaluate the impact of all development activities supported by DAG.
The importance of reviewing Ethiopia‟s performance within a com-parative framework with successful African countries was also high-lighted.
The importance of reviewing Ethiopia‟s performance within a com-parative framework with successful African countries was also high-lighted.