Background and objectives
The objective of this programme is to test and validate new approaches to local development based on partnerships involving local authorities, elected officials, municipal technical staff and civil society.  The programme is being implemented in three selected pilot sites in three large urban agglomerations in the kingdom.  The programme aims at developing and strengthening national capacities, particularly at the local level, to elaborate and implement integrated action plans for alleviating urban and peri-urban poverty. 

Activities
To attain these objectives the programme will identify local actors involved in the reduction of urban poverty, create a committee of partnerships in each location and development and implementation of specific operational actions to tackle poverty alleviation.  Planning and organizing consultations, the formulation of action plans, their implementation through local partnerships and organization of funding and resource mobilization meetings are among the activities designed to illustrate how poverty alleviation activities could be realized.  The capacities of local actors will be built through parallel training so as to enhance their roles in dealing with poverty alleviation issues.  Various approaches will be designed to integrate vulnerable groups; including awareness-building campaigns and specifically designed programmes. 

Results
The three sites selected to illustrate poverty alleviation approaches are Tangier, Marrakech and Casablanca.  During 1998, a consultation was convened in each city involving a large participation of various actors in the poverty reduction scene, including a large number of local NGOs and members of the civil society.  These consultations resulted in the identification of priorities and the development of action plans.  Implementation of the action plans is under way.  Priority axes of intervention include: income generation; improvement of housing and access to basic services; and, protection of vulnerable groups and their integration in society.  The 2000 consultation for mid-term review conducted in each city demonstrated the positive impact on the strengthening local capacities for participatory strategic planning, the systematic building of confidence and partnerships among local actors and the mobilisation of local, national and international financial resources for extensive poverty reduction activities.