R4D Fragile States

Beyond Conflict: Reconfiguring approaches to the regional trade in minerals from Eastern DRC

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:03:00 GMT

Miscellaneous H. Mitchell and N. Garrett 2009 86 pp. This report first provided an overview and analysis of the regional trade in minerals from Eastern DRC, including a baseline assessment of its links to conflict and development dynamics. This assessment explains the on the ground realities, which are at the very heart of the authors scepticism towards the potential success of interventions in the economic domain. The assessment of the trade also provides an overview of the important poverty reduction contribution, such as the trades fiscal linkage and employment function, which it currently provides and which can be expanded with the right strategies.

Secondly, the report expands on a regional perspective of the trade and introduces how successfully the DRCs neighbours, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania, have leveraged their own mineral production and trading sectors in various ways for development. This regional assessment of the development impact, but more importantly the regional development potential of a reformed trade leads us to believe that processes of regional economic integration, which are strengthening in East Africa, provide an increasingly important analytical perspective of the trade, rather than the loot thy neighbour strategy that was seen to prevail during the past two Congolese wars.

This report aims to further advances the debate around the mineral sector in Eastern DRC. The authors urge stakeholders to take action to end the insecurity in the region and to implement strategies to maximise the mining sectors impact on poverty reduction and development through positive engagement.

Working Paper No. 58. The Quandaries of Coding and Ranking: evaluating poor state performance indexes

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:50:00 GMT

Miscellaneous F. Gutierrez Sanin 2009 Working Paper No. 58 (series 2), London, UK; Crisis States Research Centre, 31 pp. This paper discusses and evaluates definitions and indexes of 'poor state performance' (PSP). The author suggests that most of these exhibit poor conceptual definition, huge conceptual dispersion and confusion between causes and definitions. Moreover, they contain an intrinsic ambiguity and a lack of awareness of the problem of order. By undertaking a detailed analysis of methods of coding and ranking countries according to poor state performance, the author concludes that such indexes can only provide a useful resource for researchers if their assumptions are carefully discussed and if they can express critical aspects of the concept which they seek to codify.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform: A Multi-Agency Project

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:35:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2008 22 pp. This presentation introduces the UN-led humanitarian reform programme, and gives an overview of the NGOs and humanitarian reform project which seeks to engage NGOs in the overall process.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform: Mapping Study Inception Report

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:03:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2008 10 pp. This inception report is one of the outputs for the Mapping Study on humanitarian reform. It outlines the methodological approach to be used in the five case studies in Afghanistan, DRC, Ethiopia, Sudan and Zimbabwe and the key questions to be addressed. It is important to adopt a common approach in the case studies in order to ensure comparability across them.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Mapping Study: Sudan Report

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:47:00 GMT

Miscellaneous J. Cosgrave 2009 70 pp. Sudan is at the heart of the whole humanitarian reform process. It was perceptions of poor performance by the humanitarian community here that drove the Humanitarian Reform initiative. Sudan was the first country to have a large Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF). This report examines NGO engagement with the three pillars of the humanitarian reform: funding; coordination; and leadership; as well as the overall enabler of partnership.

In Sudan, NGO engagement with the humanitarian reforms has been mainly limited by the lack of reform. Key elements of the humanitarian reform have not been implemented: pooled funds have not been used as a strategic tool; the cluster coordination approach is clusterised in name only; NGOs are not treated as equal partners; and the Humanitarian Coordinator does not have a humanitarian background. All of these issues are linked. Particularly critical is the lack of strong humanitarian leadership. The humanitarian reforms can only succeed when all elements of the reform are in place. This is not happening in Sudan.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Mapping Study: Zimbabwe Report

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:27:00 GMT

Miscellaneous R. Otto 2009 36 pp. Zimbabwe is heavily dependent on humanitarian aid in response to food shortages and events such as the recent cholera epidemic. This report examines the process by which humanitarian assistance is funded and given, under the headings of coordination, funding, leadership and partnership, discusses the experiences of NGOs, and makes a number of recommendations for humanitarian reform.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Mapping Study: Afghanistan Report

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:16:00 GMT

Miscellaneous A. Donini 2009 41 pp. This report highlights key challenges and dilemmas that the humanitarian community in general, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in particular, are facing in Afghanistan today. The report concludes with two overarching recommendations. The first is that in order to enhance the perception of neutrality, independence and impartiality of their humanitarian activities, particularly in those areas of the country where working with legitimate local authorities is no longer possible, NGOs should establish a Humanitarian Consortium that would distinguish itself from other actors on the ground by a recognizable symbol (e.g. pink vehicles or a particular logo) and by a set of principled, clear and transparent operational guidelines. The second relates to the urgent need to launch a communications strategy aimed at the general public and all belligerents to explain the principles, objectives and modus operandi of consortium agencies. This should include efforts to ensure that the vernacular media provide a balanced presentation of humanitarian activities, a campaign to sensitise decision-makers at the sub-national level (provincial councils, governors, leading mullahs), including efforts directed at influencing the leadership of the insurgency on humanitarian access and the rights of civilians caught up in conflict.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Mapping Study: Democratic Republic of Congo Report

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:09:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Tasneem Mowjee 2009 36 pp. This report is based on a 12-day visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from the 19th to the 30th of January 2009. The report begins by outlining the elements of the context in the DRC that have direct relevance for humanitarian response. It then presents findings under the three pillars of humanitarian reform coordination, funding and leadership as well as under the project themes of partnership, accountability to beneficiaries and effect of the reforms on humanitarian response. To maintain a direct link between findings and recommendations, it presents the latter at the end of each section. It also draws out some cross-cutting conclusions and recommendations at the end.

Review of the engagement of NGOs with the humanitarian reform process: Synthesis report

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:10:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2009 52 pp. This report analyses the current state of global humanitarian reform efforts from an NGO perspective by synthesising a series of mapping studies carried out between November 2008 and February 2009 that looked at humanitarian reform in five different countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Sudan and Zimbabwe. Lessons from other contexts are also brought in to strengthen the analysis and provide an overview of humanitarian reform.

Many of the findings of the mapping studies are not new to those who have been following the UN-led humanitarian reform. They do, however, provide field-based evidence to support previously expressed views and emphasise the areas where improvements must be made. This report is intended both to provide a constructive, evidence-based critique of the state of reform and to set out clear recommendations and ways forward in finding solutions to the weaknesses and challenges inherent in the humanitarian community. Many of these challenges existed well before the reforms, and they still confront us today.

The research was commissioned by a consortium formed by six NGOs ActionAid, CAFOD, CARE, International Rescue Committee, Oxfam and Save the Children together with the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) as part of the three-year NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Project, funded by DfID. The project aims to strengthen local, national and international humanitarian NGO voices in influencing policy debates and field processes related to the humanitarian reform and to propose solutions so that humanitarian response can better meet the needs of affected populations. This report represents a baseline for the project.

NGOs and Humanitarian Reform Project

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Current The overall goal of the project is to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian response, by improving the way that NGOs are able to engage in pooled-funding mechanisms at the county level. NGOs, together with the UN and the Red Cross, constitute of 3 pillars of an international humanitarian response. However, the engagement of NGOs in coordination and financing reforms has faced multiple challenges and obstacles.

Improve NGO participation in coordination mechanism in 4 countries.
Improve NGO access to reformed humanitarian funding in 4 countries.
Improved participation of crisis affected people in needs assessments in 4 countries.
Good practice and lessons learnt are effectively disseminated.
Field generated knowledge impacts global policy formulation.

The recent Synthesis Report Review of the engagement of NGOs with the humanitarian reform process comprising the first phase of the project was recently presented at the Ditchley conference. The report analyses the current state of global humanitarian reform efforts from an NGO perspective by synthesizing a series of mapping studies carried out in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, DRC and Sudan between November 2008 and February 2009.

The project is now in phase 2. Humanitarian Reform Officers (HROs) have been appointed in each of the focus countries. (Sudan has been dropped from the list after international NGOs were expelled earlier this year), There are also 5 secondary countries, Haiti, Indonesia, Palestine, Mozambique and Pakistan.

Wars, Guns and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:42:00 GMT

Miscellaneous P. Collier 2009 ISBN: 9780061479632; ISBN10: 0061479632. Harper Collins. 272 pp. Paul Collier investigates the violence and poverty in the small, remote countries at the lowest level of the world economy. Collier argues that the spread of elections and peace settlements in the world's most dangerous countries may lead to a brave new democratic world. In the meantime, though, nasty and long civil wars, military coups, and failing economies are the order of the day - for now and into the foreseeable future.

Kenyan Flower Exports during the Violence: a Quantitative Assessment

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:16:00 GMT

Miscellaneous C. Ksoll, R. Macchiavello, and Ameet Morjaria 2009 Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. April 2009. 31 pp.

Guns and Roses: The Impact of the Kenyan Post-Election Violence on Flower Exporting Firms.

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:41:00 GMT

Miscellaneous C. Ksoll, R. Macchiavello and Ameet Morjaria 2009 CSAE Economics Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. CSAE WPS/2009-06, 35 pp. This paper analyses the impact of the Kenyan post-election violence on a hugely successful export oriented industry, the Kenyan flower industry. Using export information on all Kenyan grower-exporters, it shows that the conflict reduced Kenyan flower exports by 24% overall. It finds that the conflict reduced exports by 38% for firms located in conflict areas, mainly through displacing workers. The displacement of semi-skilled workers is also shown to have had impacts substantially beyond the duration of the conflict. Research also suggests that exporters in non-conflict areas reacted to the increased insecurity by transporting larger, more secured shipments to the airport less frequently.

Votes and violence in Nigeria

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Miscellaneous K. Loudon 2009 CSAE Economics Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. iiG Briefing Paper 06, 3 pp. Results from a nationwide field experiment during the 2007 elections in Nigeria reveal that a range of dirty tactics, some illegal, were used by both government and opposition politicians. The tactics used differed depending on the situation of the politicians. Using violence to intimidate voters was the strategy used by the opposition politicians. Incumbent politicians tended to use vote buying and fraud. This Briefing reports on strategies developed by ActionAid International Nigeria (AAIN) to counteract the use of violence to intimidate voters.

Working Paper No. 55. Indigenous Institutions, Traditional Leaders and Elite Coalitions for Development: the case of Greater Durban, South Africa.

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:13:00 GMT

Miscellaneous J. Beall and M. Ngonyama 2009 Working Paper No. 55 (series 2), London, UK; Crisis States Research Centre, 35 pp. South Africa was not atypical in having to accommodate indigenous institutions in its new political order when the country made its transition from minority rule to a non-racial democracy in 1994. In many parts of the world, and especially post-colonial states, customary forms of governance remain salient, being deeply rooted in local institutions. Indigenous institutions are not immutable and have connected with, and been engaged by, colonial powers and western states in a range of ways and to varying effect over many decades. Yet it is increasingly recognised that institutional multiplicity and competing claims to social and political legitimacy need to be taken seriously within hybrid political orders.

State making and peace building in post-apartheid South Africa was made possible by the creation of an administrative machinery that could contain customary authority structures within a broader polity, political structures and processes that channelled the ambitions and grievances of traditional leaders, and a system of local government that drew on the presence and experience of chieftaincies to bring development to hard-to-reach areas. This was a contested process that is by no means over and it has had mixed results. Yet pockets of success have emerged out of the transitional period, especially in the city of Durban, where inclusive elite coalitions have promoted developmental outcomes. The key ingredient for success was the commitment to development of influential political leaders with local links into ubukhosi, the institution of chieftaincy, as well as strong connections to the ruling African National Congress (ANC) both locally and nationally. From this core they were able to forge broader coalitions that included traditional leaders, elected councillors, businessmen, social activists and the church. In some instances they were successful in breaking down political boundaries and antagonisms in the interest of inclusive developmental strategies.

The Development of Civil Society in Central Asia.

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:32:00 GMT

Miscellaneous J. Giffen, L. Earle and C. Buxton 2006 143 pp. This book is based upon a series of research studies undertaken by local research institutes, academics and NGOs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan between 1999 and 2003. The studies had a dual aim: firstly, to deepen understanding of the dynamics of civil society development in these countries, and secondly, to strengthen local institutions research capacity in data collection and analysis. Drawing on the findings of these studies and placing them within the wider body of programmatic experience and research undertaken by INTRAC and its local partners since 1994, this book will provide insight into the way in which civil society has developed during the period of Central Asian independence to date. Maintaining a critical stance and acknowledging the complexity of Central Asian realities, it examines how civil society has been shaped, hindered and enriched by internal and external forces, both contemporary and historical. Combining findings from empirical case studies with analysis of relevant literature, this book is both an investigation into the specificities of Central Asian civil societies and a broader examination of the emergence of civil society in transition countries.

Guarding the State or Protecting the Economy? the economic factors of Pakistan's military coups

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Amina Ibrahim 2009 Occasional Paper No. 8, London, UK; Crisis States Research Centre, 25 pp. Many scholars have debated the causes of the coups d'etat in Pakistan since the mid-twentieth century. A recent set of theories have linked the risk of military coups d'etat in a country with the state of its economy. This paper applies these economic theories to the case of Pakistan, which has experienced five coups since its independence but has received very little empirical attention. This paper tests four economic variables - GDP, income per capita, defence spending and export values - against the incidences of coups in Pakistan and finds that low growth rates of these variables are related to the incidence of coups d'etat in Pakistan.

Access to education in sub-Saharan Africa: patterns, problems and possibilities.

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:16:00 GMT

Miscellaneous K. M. Lewin 2009 Comparative Education (2009) 45 (2) 151-174 [doi: 10.1080/03050060902920518] The numbers of children with access to basic education in sub-Saharan Africa have increased substantially over the last two decades but many still remain out of school. Some fail to enrol at all, especially in fragile states, and many more start school but do not complete the basic cycle. Education for All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have generated commitments to improve greatly access to education. This paper first develops an expanded vision of access. Second, it analyses participation by grade and identifies five different country patterns. Third, changes in enrolments over time are explored which show that in some countries progress has been very uneven and that overall expansion may conceal large increases in lower grades and little change in completion rates. Fourth, data on age in grade are used to show that many children are overage and this may have consequences for attempts to lower dropout and improve completion rates. Fifth, participation by household income remains very uneven, especially at secondary level and wealth remains the most powerful determinant of progression to higher educational levels. Sixth, there has been good progress on some other sources of inequality, e.g. gender disparities, but much remains to be achieved, especially in fragile states. Concluding remarks draw out some policy related conclusions for future EFA priorities.

Eldis dossier: Health and fragile states

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:02:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Eldis; Health and Fragile States Network; IDS Health and Development Information Team 2009

Fragile states have some of the worst health indicators and least adequate health services in the world. Providing health services and rebuilding health systems in fragile states is a complex undertaking.

This Dossier is an online, dynamic guide providing policy makers and decision makers with access to current thinking on issues related to health and fragile states. The dossier will be kept up-to-date with the incorporation of new debates, case-studies and research papers

The Dossier comprises the following sections:

Introduction: health in fragile states
Delivering health services in fragile states
WHO health systems building blocks
Aid effectiveness in fragile states
Health and the governance agenda

Each section provides information on recommended resources and key websites.

Identity, Grievances, and Economic Determinants of Voting in the 2007 Kenyan Elections.

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:56:00 GMT

Miscellaneous M. S. Kimenyi & R. Gutierrez Romero 2008 University of Connecticut, Department of Economics Working paper 2008-38, 2008. 43 pp. What might have caused the post-2007 election violence in Kenya? Was it election irregularities as widely claimed or could it have been simmering ethnicrivalries waiting to spill over? While not directly focusing on the post-election violence, we investigate a number of issues that divided Kenyans in the 2007 Presidential election. Following a rational choice framework and using survey data of voter opinions, we find that Kenyan voters are strategic, seeking to maximize their well-being and influenced by a number of factors that go beyond their ethnicity such as their absolute and relative living standards, access to public goods and also grievances arising from perceptions of discrimination. The evidence suggests that Kenyan voting behavior is economically motivated, with retrospective interests, thus contrasting other studies that consider Kenyans to be wholly identity voters. The study also reveals significant heterogeneity depending on the voters' primary loci of identification either in terms of their ethnicity, occupation or nationalistic terms (Kenyans). The apparent ethnic divisions have resulted in a polarized society with consequential weakening of the institutional base for economic development. The study points to the necessity of institutional reforms that can better harmonize ethnic claims and avert conflicts in the future.

Tribalism as a Minimax-Regret Strategy: Evidence from Voting in the 2007 Kenyan Elections.

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:51:00 GMT

Miscellaneous M. S. Kimenyi & R. Gutierrez Romero 2008 University of Connecticut, Department of Economics Working paper 2008-35, 2008. 12 pp. Although many studies find that voting in Africa approximates an ethnic census in that voting is primarily along ethnic lines, hardly any of the studies have sought to explain ethnic voting following a rational choice framework. Using data of voter opinions from a survey conducted two weeks before the December 2007 Kenyan elections, we find that the expected benefits associated with a win by each of the presidential candidates varied significantly across voters from different ethnic groups. We hypothesize that decision to participate in the elections was influenced by the expected benefits as per the minimax-regret voting model. We test the predictions of this model using data of voter turnout in the December 2007 elections and find that turnout across ethnic groups varied systematically with expected benefits. The results suggest that individuals participated in the elections primarily to avoid the maximum regret should a candidate from another ethnic group win. The results therefore offer credence to the minimax regret model as proposed by Ferejohn and Fiorina (1974) and refute the Downsian expected utility model.

Scoping a long-term research programme on conflict, state fragility and social cohesion

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:20:00 GMT

Completed The purpose of this scoping study is to provide evidence on the need for research on conflict, state fragility and social cohesion and to provide recommendations on the scope and focus of a long-term research programme in this area. It builds on the consultation for DFID's research strategy (2008-2013) undertaken in 2007 as well as initial consultations undertaken in August 2008 with DFID staff and partners. These consultation processes suggested that there was demand for further research in two key areas:
(i) The drivers and sustainers of conflict and fragility - looking at the relevance of different structural factors to different forms of conflict and fragility and well as the relationship between state and non-state sources of power; and
(ii) Prevention and recovery - looking at levels of resilience within states and societies with an explicit focus on state building, social cohesion and the impact of global dynamics, and considering key policy key trade-offs.

Communication for Governance and Accountability (CommGAP)

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:37:00 GMT

Current

CommGAP, a global program at the World Bank, promotes the use of communication in governance reform programs and supports the building of democratic public spheres. Through its three program areas: Research and Advocacy, Training and Capacity Building, and Support to Development Projects and Programs, CommGAP is demonstrating the power of communication in promoting good and accountable governance and hence better development results.

This program, launched in September 2006, is funded through a 5-year Multi-Donor Trust Fund and administered by the Development Communication Division, External Affairs Vice-Presidency. The UK's Department for International Development is the founding donor of this Trust Fund.

Key policy - and decision-makers recognize Communication as a pillar of effective development and therefore integrate it into development policy and programs.

1. CommGAP set up and operating
2. Strengthened donor policy coherence for communication interventions esp. in weak/fragile states, around work of oversight institutions & access to information
3. Research and advocacy: body of research, methodology on communications in development produced and made available to managers in the field
4. Capacity building for programme planners and for multi-stakeholders in governance reform programmes via mixed training platforms, technical assistance

An independent Output to Purpose Review in May 2009 found "effective management and leadership and excellent networking" and that "the position of CommGAP within the Bank has provided good convening power and enables it to generate work with academic and incentivise collaboration from respected policy centres/organisations".

It found that CommGAP's 'operations' workstream has made a good start in providing seed funding in 8 World Bank country programmes 'to support communication programs that apply and test innovative communication approaches.' The research outputs have received high peer-reviewed assessment and the programme has built good advocacy and networking relationships with key actors. The capacity-building training programme has good content and receives high assessments from trainees.

Evidence from a wide range of stakeholders and peers confirmed the quality of CommGAP's strategic planning and products which have generally been well-designed and delivered.

The OPR of May 2009 found that 'in two years CommGAP has achieved a great deal and has made a good start in meeting its objectives. However, there is an urgent need to mobilise additional funds for the Trust to ensure achievement of purpose level change; at present CommGap is underinvested.'

Policy and Research Programme on the Role of Media and Communication in Development (BBC WST)

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:50:00 GMT

Current

The role of information and communication is crucial in empowering communities and individuals to take control of their lives. Accessible and relevant information allows people to take advantage of opportunities in terms of their livelihoods, education and health, as well as improve their engagement with government and other service providers. This programme aims to promote the role of communication and information to policy makers through research and policy engagement.

The project aims to catalyse demand amongst development actors for better engagement with the role of media and communication in enabling democratic development and efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals It will focus on two over-arching themes:
-The role of media in governance, with a specific focus on media and democracy in fragile states and on media and development effectiveness (principally media and accountability);
-The information and communication needs of people living in poverty;

To ensure that senior level policy makers within multilateral and bilateral donor organisations recognise that Information and Communication for Development interventions are fundamental for effective development strategies.

1. Greater understanding established among policy makers and influencers on the development policy implications of rapidly changing communication environment.

2. Increased recognition among development actors and influential research bodies on the importance of research into the role of media and communication in democratic development.

3. Analysis promoted of appropriate guidance for development agencies to engage with, assess and support media and communication in developing countries and fragile states

4. Greater strategic coordination of media and communication support at the international, country and UK levels

Independent baseline study completed in February 2009 and used to create a "perception index" score of the current importance attached to the issue of media and communication by policy makers.

Programme Director helped to design high-level Salzburg Seminars on Strengthening Independent Media in July 2008, organized in cooperation with the Global Forum for Media Development. Helped to ensure participation by Lord Mark Malloch Brown on media and fragile states and of Professor Paul Collier on the media in bottom billion countries

Co-organised a conference on Media and Democracy in December 2008 with the Ditchley Foundation which was attended by cabinet ministers and senior civil servants, top level newspaper editors (e.g. of the Guardian Newspaper, publisher of the Financial Times, editor of the Daily Star in Bangladesh and director of Global News Division of the BBC) through to African academics and US new media pioneers. One of three themes focused on by the conference was media and development.

In early 2009, the programme began to research an important new policy briefing provisionally entitled Media and Democracy in Fragile States. It will examine how and under what conditions media underpins democratic and sustainable political settlements in fragile states, and how and under what conditions it undermines them.

Public debates and associated activities broadcast via BBC World Service (in relevant languages) on the role of the media and society/democracy from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Burundi, China, Georgia, Kyrgyztan, Niger and Rwanda, as well as BBC Debate on Public Service Broadcasting in Kenya (broadcast on BBC Africa Service) and BBC World Debates on linked themes at World Bank and Clinton Global Initiative

Collaboration with the World Bank CommGAP project in their production of a media development toolkit for governance staff.

A strong partnership has been forged with the Communication Initiative to provide an online space where practitioners and policy makers can find news, analysis and debate issues around the role of media and communication in development. Undertook a policy initiative on the role of media and communication in the Kenya Crisis which has significantly contributed to a reassessment of media as a policy issue in situations such as Kenya and which received widespread coverage and praise.

In response to demand, established an 'Advisory and Response Facility' for DFID Governance advisers on the role of media in elections- initial policy briefings produced for Angola, Burma, Cote DIvoire, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Yemen and Zimbabwe. These and other country analyses on a Wiki site are exclusively available to DFID Governance and Conflict advisers.

In 2008/9, the programme played an important role in ensuring that the Accra Agenda for Action included a commitment to support the media in its role of enabling more robust local accountability, and its capacity to generate informed public debate of development policy which can result in enhanced and broader ownership of development policy.

Strong evidence that this programme is perceived as a major source of policy advice by key bilateral and multilateral actors. Specific requests received from Sida, DFID, UNDP Oslo Governance Centre, Salzburg Seminar, UNESCO, Netherlands Foreign Ministry, Swiss Development Cooperation, Wilton Park, Ditchley Park, Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, IDS CARG and others.

Policy and Research Programme on the Role of Media and Communication in Development (BBC WST)

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:50:00 GMT

Current

1. Greater understanding established among policy makers and influencers on the development policy implications of rapidly changing communication environment.

2. Increased recognition among development actors and influential research bodies on the importance of research into the role of media and communication in democratic development.

3. Analysis promoted of appropriate guidance for development agencies to engage with, assess and support media and communication in developing countries and fragile states

4. Greater strategic coordination of media and communication support at the international, country and UK levels

Independent baseline study completed in February 2009 and used to create a "perception index" score of the current importance attached to the issue of media and communication by policy makers.

Collaboration with the World Bank CommGAP project in their production of a media development toolkit for governance staff.

Crisis States Research Centre - Phase 2

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:59:00 GMT

Current Continuation of Phase 1 To examine and provide an understanding of processes of war, state collapse and reconstruction in fragile states, and to assess the long-term impact of international interventions in these processes. Ultimately, to advance understanding of the processes of state collapse that are at the heart of problems of insecurity and poverty. To examine and provide an understanding of processes of war, state collapse and reconstruction in fragile states and to assess the long-term impact of international interventions in these processes. Through rigorous comparative analysis of a carefully selected set of states and of cities, and sustained analysis of 'global and regional axes of conflict', to identify the symptoms of state collapse, why some fragile states collapse while others do not, and the ways that war affects future possibilities of state building. It is planned to distil the lessons learned from past experiences of state reconstruction to inform current policy thinking and planning.

Crisis States Research Centre - Phase 2

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:59:00 GMT

Centre for the Future State - Phase 2

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:26:00 GMT

Current The primary purpose of the Development Research Centre for the Future State is to harness the ideas and the research skills of applied social science researchers, in both developing and developed countries, to assist in finding ways of achieving the Millennium Development Goals by increasing the accountability and effectiveness of public authority in the South. The secondary purpose is to contribute to enhancing the capacity of researchers to perform this role by (a) helping to upgrade research and communication skills, especially for younger researchers from developing countries, and (b) strengthening an institutional framework that permits and encourages researchers from South and North to work together to share resources and collectively to define and implement applied research programmes. To harness the ideas and the research skills of applied social science researchers, in both developing and developed countries, to assist policymakers and citizens to find ways of increasing the accountability and effectiveness of public authority in the South. Policy-relevant research. This is the core activity, and constitutes the intellectual and organisational framework around which the other activities will be organised.

Dissemination and policy-influencing activities. The project has a very good record in this field and has begun to invest more heavily in these activities, in particular in the activities of the Synthesis Task Force.

Capacity Building. The approach and plans are that the major investments in this area will be on increasing the capacity of younger Southern researchers to undertake high quality policy-relevant research, and to communicate their findings to various audiences.

Centre for the Future State - Phase 2

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:26:00 GMT

Gender sensitive programme design and planning in conflict affected situations

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed The project will document case studies of ACORD programmes operating in conflict affected situations, using a range of research methods and informed by a variety of analytical approaches, and will develop from this enhanced frameworks for gender sensitive conflict research and project design.

Regulating transitional corporations during armed conflicts

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed The purpose of the project is to assess the responsibility of transitional corporations in sustaining wars and to identify practical regulatory means that can be used to further socially responsible business during armed conflicts.

Centre for the Future State

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed A research programme which will focus on what are the factors that are changing the capacity and willingness of Southern states to respond to the needs of the poor and what kinds of policy interventions might make southern states more responsive to the needs of the poor. To undertake a research programme focused on the key questions relating to the conditions for the effective exercise of public authority in the context of globalisation.

Improving Institutions For Pro-Poor Growth in Africa and South Asia (iiG)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current A programme of research on Improving Institutions for Pro-Poor Growth that will contribute to a new body of policy-relevant research on institutional reforms needed to promote pro-poor growth in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that by 2015, nine out of ten of the world's poorest people will live in Africa and South Asia. There is growing evidence that the impediments to generating pro-poor growth in these regions are institutional in nature. Social, legal, economic and political institutions powerfully affect the pattern of investment and growth and the extent to which the poor participate in that growth.

Goal: The production and uptake of technologies and policies that will contribute to poverty reduction and the achievement of the MDGs.

Purpose: To provide governments, civil society in Africa and Asia, and development agencies with usable and useful knowledge on how institutions can be redesigned to be more conducive to growth and empowerment.

1. New comparative and context specific quantitative data sets on institutions.
2. Country-specific research insights on links between institutions, growth and poverty, quantitatively validated and with specific recommendations for institutional and policy design.
3. Lessons from comparative research across countries, quantitatively validated, on the links between institutional design, development policies, growth and poverty, with specific recommendations on institutional design issues.
4. Strengthened capacity of partner institutions in RPC in analysing the role of institutions and their reform for growth and poverty.
5. An accessible body of research output for skilled policy makers on the themes of the RPC.
6. Accessible, non-technical output based on the research on institutions, growth and poverty.
7. Web-based accessible information on the research of the RPC as a platform for user-friendly engagement with media, policy-makers and civil society.
8. An up-to-date research agenda reflecting changing policy priorities on institutions and development.

Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity Research Centre DRC (CRISE)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current The purpose of the Centre is to investigate relationships between ethnicity, inequality and conflict, with the aim of identifying economic, political, social and cultural policies which promote stable and inclusive multi-ethnic societies.

It is crucial to shed light on these issues, since in many countries conflicts linked to ethnicity have become major elements in impoverishment, undermining human security and sustainable development. Ethnicity - often seen in terms of racial, religious or tribal belonging - is of pervasive and growing significance, particularly in the context of declining authoritarian rule and increasing democratisation. Yet it has been relatively neglected in development research.

Through in-depth comparative country studies, the Centre investigates why ethnic divisions become entrenched in some societies, but are of less significance in others, analyzing the political and economic circumstances which lead people to use ethnicity to achieve their objectives, and exploring the role of unequal access to economic and political resources in provoking ethnic mobilization. It will investigate why some multicultural societies achieve inclusive stable political and economic systems, while elsewhere ethnic divisions lead to violence and forced migration, undermining development and causing abysmal poverty. To investigate relationships between ethnicity, inequality and conflict, with the aim of identifying economic, political, social and cultural policies which promote stable and inclusive multi-ethnic societies.

Below is a list of policy documents which draw on and use the concept of Horizontal Inequalities.

UNDP Crisis Prevention and Recovery Report 2008: Post-Conflict Economic Recovery - Enabling Local Ingenuity. The report says that "successful post-conflict recovery requires not only sustained economic growth, but also a pattern of growth that is likely to reduce the risk of conflict recurrence. As such, growth must be accompanied by employment expansion and must address horizontal inequalities where these are severe."

DFID White Paper 2006 - Preventing Violent Conflict acknowledges that social exclusion and ethnic discrimination are major causes of conflict.

2006 GTZ Germany - Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Elements of PSD/SED Programmes explores how their programmes can reduce the risk of conflict in cooperating countries. Reduction in horizontal inequalities is mentioned several times.

2005 Human Development Report - International Cooperation at a Crossroads: Aid, trade and security in an unequal world explicitly mentions horizontal inequalities as a cause of conflict and a major challenge of conflict-prone countries.

2005 World Bank - Toward Conflict-Sensitive Poverty Reduction Strategy: Lessons from a retrospective analysis (Report No. 32587) mentions horizontal inequalities as cause of conflict and notes they must be taken into account.

2004 Afghanistan Human Development Report Security with a Human Face: Challenges and Responsibilities warns that "horizontal inequalities could renew deep-rooted conflicts."

The upcoming Nepal national human development report will rely heavily on CRISE work on horizontal inequalities.

Other evidence of impact:

During the launch of the CRISE book on Horizontal Inequalities and Conflict: Understanding Group Violence in Multiethnic Countries (Palgrave) DFID Permanent Secretary Minouche Shafik described how CRISE research led to a fundamental change in DFID's aid programmes in Nepal. Video/audio of the launch can be accessed here.

Three CRISE working papers have been included in a CD-Rom of Essential Reading on Conflict, compiled by the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, which will be distributed to development practitioners working on conflict around the world.

Centre for the study of responses to crisis and breakdown in developing countries - Phase 1

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current The aim of the project is to provide new understanding of the causes of crisis and breakdown and the processes of avoiding or overcoming them. It will investigate whether processes of globalisation have precipitated or helped to avoid crisis and social breakdown and why some political systems and communities have collapsed into conflict and violence while others have not. To provide new understanding of the causes of crisis and breakdown and the processes of avoiding or overcoming them. The project will examine the causes and consequences of crises and social disintegration in poor and middle income countries and the policy responses to them. This will address four of DFID's key concerns:
*Developing sustainable pro-poor strategies and sustainable livelihoods in situations of chaos and social disintegration.
*Managing humanitarian responses in crisis situations.
*Creating a rights-based approach to development.
*Managing the large investments in institutional change required to create the conditions for successful reconstruction.

Improving Institutions For Pro-Poor Growth in Africa and South Asia (iiG)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Goal: The production and uptake of technologies and policies that will contribute to poverty reduction and the achievement of the MDGs.

Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity Research Centre DRC (CRISE)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Below is a list of policy documents which draw on and use the concept of Horizontal Inequalities.

DFID White Paper 2006 - Preventing Violent Conflict acknowledges that social exclusion and ethnic discrimination are major causes of conflict.

2004 Afghanistan Human Development Report Security with a Human Face: Challenges and Responsibilities warns that "horizontal inequalities could renew deep-rooted conflicts."

The upcoming Nepal national human development report will rely heavily on CRISE work on horizontal inequalities.

Other evidence of impact:

Centre for the study of responses to crisis and breakdown in developing countries - Phase 1

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Civil Society in Central Asia

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current To continue and strengthen current INTRAC efforts to map, monitor and analyse the emergence of civil society in Central Asia over time, in order to understand better the dynamics of civil society organisations (CSOs) in a number of transitional states in Central Asia. *Contextual Overview
*Analysis of Institutional Development
*Analysis Organisational Development
*Improve CSO Research Capacity

Institute of Development Studies (IDS) - mobilising knowledge for development - integrated support to ID21, ELDIS, BLDS and BRIDGE (MK4D)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current The project funds a co-ordinated package of work from IDS's most prominent knowledge sharing activities: ID21 - a fast track reporting service summarising the findings and policy implications of the latest UK-based development research. BLDS - the British Library for Development Studies, a specialist development library based at IDS. Eldis - a broad-based gateway to development information, providing easy access by web and email to a wide range of high quality online resources. BRIDGE - a specialist service supporting gender mainstreaming efforts by bridging the gaps between theory, policy and practice with accessible gender information. Livelihoods Connect - a service facilitating knowledge sharing and networking to enable the practical implementation of sustainable livelihoods approaches as a tool for poverty reduction. To mobilise knowledge for development. The aim of these services is to reduce global poverty and injustice by supporting more informed decision making by those in a position to influence change. The project also funds some cross-cutting activities that will strengthen and co-ordinate efforts in marketing, monitoring and evaluation, research, capacity building and system development. Several of these are brought together in the Strategic Learning Initiative whose purpose is to build understanding about the role information, especially research-based information, plays in stimulating positive social change and to help to apply that understanding in practical ways to strengthen knowledge, information and communication programmes, at IDS and across the sector. Knowledge gaps bridged between research, policy and practice.

IDS Knowledge Services effectively managed to maximise their combined impact and effectiveness.

A widespread awareness of the collection of IDS Knowledge Services amongst development actors, especially in the South, through marketing and relationship-building.

IDS Knowledge Services are able to demonstrate how they have contributed towards bridging knowledge gaps between research, policy and practice and are able to apply this learning to their collective future practice.

Enhanced capacity of Southern organisations to improve their stakeholders' access to, and use of, development knowledge through information and communication interventions.