- enterprise development (formal and informal sectors)

-entrepreneurship

- safe-water provision

-sanitation

-wastemanagement and treatment

- decentralization

-human resources and leadership development

-institutional reform

-partnership development

Level of Activity : City/Town

Ecosystem: Tropical/Sub-Tropical

In Abidjan, given the hardships caused by structural adjustment, the Mayor of Adjame has opted to focus on unemployment, poverty and environmental degradation. Neighborhood committees (CDQs) were established to engage the energies and resources of local communities and channel efforts towards improving their living conditions and economic situation. CDQ activities range from environmental improvements that provide a sanitary setting for housing to the building and operation of community facilities and services. By building up the capacity of CDQ's, the municipality promotes individual self improvement initiatives and economic self-reliance among its communities. The CDQs are involved in many different activities including street cleaning and garbage collection; security services; and operating commercial enterprises. They also undertake some infrastructure improvements such as road maintenance, cleaning of drains and street lighting. In 1994, the Commune launched two new CDQ initiatives. The first aims to create a health center in each of the 19 quarters, managed by a health CDQ. The first center opened in April 1995. The second initiative combines micro-incubators and training programs to encourage young Ivorians to start commercial enterprises. The first stores operated by the trainees were opened in May, 1995.