USAID programs seek to empower Malians to play an important role at the local level of a decentralized government system. The approach consists of developing partnerships with a range of actors—local elected authorities, civil society, and the private sector—to find solutions to local development issues. The aim is to strengthen the capacity of elected communal leaders to be effective in providing basic services to their constituencies and to provide them with technical assistance in financial management and budget preparations in order to improve accountability and transparency in the commune management system. USAID also trains civil society organizations (with a focus on women and youth) in management, advocacy, and civic education so they can contribute to and monitor the work of elected leaders and commune council members.