R4D Tajikistan

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.

Working Paper No. 46. The Perils of Emerging Statehood: civil war and state reconstruction in Tajikistan.

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:55:00 GMT

Miscellaneous A. Matveeva 2009 Working Paper No. 46 (series 2), London, UK; Crisis States Research Centre, 61 pp. This paper presents an analytical narrative of the process of civil war and state formation in Tajikistan. The purpose of the study is to assist in identifying causal mechanisms for the civil war and state breakdown. The paper provides a brief historical account of the establishment of Tajikistan during Soviet times, then proceeds to assess how political contestation unfolded when the Soviet system fell apart and how this has changed over time. It analyses why the violence started and how the state managed to survive, how it responded to crises, and how it was actively engaged in their creation. Lastly, it discusses the factors contributing to and hindering state reconstruction after the war.

The study does not attempt to cover all aspects of the modern political history of Tajikistan and concentrates on internal developments, providing a brief account of the roles of external powers to put events into context. This is consistent with the main argument of the paper that internal factors were largely responsible both for the crisis and subsequent recreation of the state, while external forces played mitigating or exacerbating roles. The study is based on a review of the existing literature in English and in Russian, and identifies any gaps in current research. It is supplemented by field interviews conducted by the author in Tajikistan between 2003 and 2007.

Crisis States Research Centre. Annual Report Oct 2007 Sept 2008

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2009 38 pp. Progress on outputs and impact is reported.

Working Paper No. 39. The SCO: a regional organisation in the making.

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:22:00 GMT

Miscellaneous A. Matveeva and A. Giustozzi 2008 Crisis States Working Papers Series No.2, No. 39, 32 pp. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was established in 2001, comprises six Eurasian states (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and covers territory hosting a quarter of the world's population. This article examines the rapid growth of the SCO. The study is structured in the following way: it first assesses the recent history of violence and potential for conflict in the region, and then outlines the SCO mandate, balance of power and internal and external dynamics. It discusses the SCO's shared values, and how they facilitate or impede the development of common action. It then proceeds to outline the SCO's main activities in the security sphere and its 'alternative model' of statehood and covers the role of observers and other actors in the region vis-à-vis the SCO. Finally it concludes with reflections on the SCO's effectiveness. Some of our judgements are tentative because the SCO is a new organisation. It might well become a major player in Central Asia and beyond but it could also limp along with little impact if Sino-Russian relations deteriorate.

Crisis States Research Centre Annual Report Oct 2006 - Sept 2007

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:52:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2007 42 pp. The Crisis States Research Centre's 2006-2007 Annual Report covers the second year of the Centre's second 5-year research phase funded by DFID. Progress towards both outputs and impact is reported.

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.

Privatisation/transfer of irrigation management in Central Asia.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Technical Report Onno Schaap, Jon Pavey, Andrew Kirby 2004 The overall purpose of the research is to provide guidelines for irrigation management transfer (IMT) applicable to the conditions which currently prevail in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan was excluded from the study owing to problems obtaining information in the country).

While focusing on these four countries, it is anticipated that these guidelines will provide insight into what may be suitable practices for implementing IMT in other locations.

This report summarises the in-country surveys undertaken, identifies relevant experience obtained in other countries, analyses the conditions affecting IMT in Central Asia and presents guidelines aimed at improving the

IMT process.

This report has five purposes:

To describe briefly the approach and methodology employed in this investigation.

To summarise the in-country surveys undertaken.

To identify relevant experience obtained in other countries.

To analyse the conditions affecting IMT in Central Asia.

To present guidelines aimed at improving the process of IMT in Central Asia and to help sustain irrigation management recently transferred out from state operation.

Overall, the research's intended purpose is to provide guidelines and models for irrigation management transfer appropriate to the conditions prevailing in Central Asia, based on experience to date, meeting a demand for such

information from development professionals engaged on IMT in the region. It is not intended that this document is a step by step general manual on how to implement IMT as this is covered in other references described in the

Literature Review. It is intended that these guidelines are non-prescriptive and are capable of adaptation to differing physical, political and institutional conditions, reflecting the variety of farming systems and differing

national approaches (and speed of change) to IMT.

Crisis States Research Centre Annual Report Oct 2005 - Sept 2006

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Annual Report Crisis States Research Centre 2006 Crisis States Research Centre Annual Report Oct 2005 - Sept 2006, Crisis States Research Centre, London, UK, 2006, 21 pp. + annexes The Crisis States Research Centre's 2005-2006 Annual Report covers the first year of the Centre' second 5-year research phase funded by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID). Progress towards the planned outputs is reported. Annexes attached include: 1. Logical Framework (Amended version); 3. Risk Assessment Matrix; 4.1 Crisis States Research Centre Publications; 5. Capacity Development.

Progress towards planned outputs and impacts has been considerable. Research in seven of the eight primary countries analysed in the Development as State Making component has started as has research in at least two of the secondary countries. The Cities and Conflict component has been rolled out successfully and the team of researchers associated with this component have initiated their research activities.

Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Briefing Gaskin, M. 2005 Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS, Emerging Markets Group (EMG) Ltd, London, UK, 2 pp.

The background and objectives of the commissioned study are presented, along with research findings, and main conclusions.

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) are being prepared by seven Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union and, of these, five countries have completed full PRSPs and have started implementation. The objective of this study is to identify the key challenges facing NIS governments in implementing full PRSPs and sets out recommendations for addressing them. The study also provides useful insights to be used by the EC in the policy dialogue with partner governments in the NIS on PRSPs, and as input for the preparation of the next generation of Indicative Programmes (2007-12) and for the development of Action Programmes from 2004 onwards.

Global experience with PRSP implementation.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Research Paper 2004 Global experience with PRSP implementation, EC-PREP, 47 pp.

The purpose of this report is to identify a set of findings and lessons learned from global experience with implementation of the PRSP process. The Synthesis Report will bring together the global experience identified in this document with the specific needs and issues related to the Newly Independent States (NIS).

This report uses the basic analytical framework set out in the study terms of reference. The ToR defines two sets of factors: Challenges and issues within a number of domains. Within this report, these challenges are examined in the sense of being good features of the PRSP. The challenges are therefore to achieve these good features of the PRSP. A valid question is whether these features are sufficient to ensure implementation of the PRSP or if there are other features or issues that would also need to be addressed. The report attempts to identify these other features or issues.

This particular document begins with an overview, then chapters including: PRSP implementation, key issues affecting implementation of the PRSP, implications/relevance for NIS, and annexes follow.

Working paper C11. Migration and Poverty Reduction in Tajikistan.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Working Paper L. Jones, R. Black, R. Skeldon 2007 Country Background Paper, WP-C11, Sussex, UK, DRC on Migration, Globalisation and Poverty, 30 pp. This paper provides an overview of migration and poverty in Tajikistan, as part of a review conducted by the Sussex Centre for Migration Research on migration and poverty in three regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia in 2006. The research included a review of available literature, and field-level discussions with policy-makers in Dushanbe in September 2006. The paper explores the context of poverty and development and general migration trends, before focusing on policies orientated towards migration management, and the broader impact of migration on poverty. It concludes with a number of policy recommendations.

Privatisation/transfer of irrigation management - Central Asia

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed The five Republics of Central Asia, as elsewhere in the former Soviet Union, have suffered considerable economic hardship following independence. Except in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, in 1999 GNP was lower than 10 years earlier (by over 10% in Tajikistan). Despite a 2.3% increase in GNP in the Kyrgyz Republic, GNP per head remains at US$300. Only in Kazakhstan is GNP/head above US$ 1,000.

In this situation, Governments cannot afford to keep the often-sophisticated irrigation systems operable and are transferring ownership, together with responsibility for operation and maintenance, to users and to quasi-private sector organisations.

At the same time, there is considerable other social change, including division, distribution and privatisation of farms whilst social services are strained by the ongoing transition. As large farming units are broken up, major modifications to the canal systems are required. In many areas, the rural population is ill-prepared for the changes; in the irrigation sector, for example, former farm operatives are having to learn both irrigation system and farm management. Considerable investment is required to keep the ageing irrigation systems operable. Without effective transfer of irrigation system management, investment in rehabilitation will fail to deliver reliable, sustainable water supplies - on which the vast majority of the 32.5 million rural population depend.

To date, the largely project-based approach to irrigation management transfer (IMT) has treated the rural populations as 'guinea pigs' in the search for a model for successful turnover. Such initiatives frequently include support to the newly established small farms in establishing water management organisations such as Water User Associations and Federations and institutional support to Government to create a suitable institutional framework. Governments and local institutions have been helped in this IMT by several donors, usually operating independently. The World Bank, Asian Development Bank and USAID are all involved in significant IMT projects, whilst NGOs and organisations such as Tacis have separately been obtaining valuable experience in more discrete assistance exercises.

Despite appreciable effort and financial support, there has been mixed success in such transfer of irrigation system management. Failed 'experiments' not only represent a waste of investment, but also set back the process of transfer to private management. This leaves communities dependent on limited Government funding, and fails to capitalise of the full potential human resources that could be available to keep the irrigation systems functioning. The rural poor can be left more vulnerable than before the 'experiment' took place.

After nearly a decade of change, there is a wealth of information potentially available for Governments, donors, local and foreign specialists to tap into and to help avoid the pitfalls of earlier transfer programmes. However this information is largely held either at project level or with individual development professionals. There is little easily accessible within the public domain.

Bringing together and disseminating this information, as guidelines, would give confidence to Governments and local institutes that their projects were building on best practice and were not part of continued experimentation. It would meet a specific need perceived by both foreign development professionals and government institutes as demonstrated by the support set out in Annex 3.3, and through this, reduce the vulnerability of rural communities' to inappropriate project design.

Although the research is aimed at the five Republics, it is anticipated that this will concentrate on generic lessons and thus will be applicable elsewhere. Indeed, for this reason the research's success is not contingent on obtaining good co-operation from Governments in all countries.

To raise awareness of best practice in applying appropriate institutional and operational changes to achieve irrigation management transfer, learning from regional experience in Central Asia. Better awareness of the successes and pitfalls in adopting irrigation management transfer to improve irrigation system functionality.

Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed This study identifies the key challenges facing NIS governments in implementing full PRSPs. This involves an assessment of the PRSPs of Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, and examination of the actions taken after launching the PRSPs and a comparison with the experiences of Moldova and Uzbekistan in developing PRSPs. In identifying the key challenges, the study assesses the depth of integration of the PRSP in the budget process; the existence of sector strategies/work plans with clear priorities in the PRSP framework; and the extent to which indicators, monitoring and feedback arrangements have been put in place and utilized effectively.

R4D Tajikistan

The Development of Civil Society in Central Asia.

Working Paper No. 46. The Perils of Emerging Statehood: civil war and state reconstruction in Tajikistan.

Crisis States Research Centre. Annual Report Oct 2007  Sept 2008

Working Paper No. 39. The SCO: a regional organisation in the making.

Crisis States Research Centre Annual Report Oct 2006 - Sept 2007

Crisis States Research Centre - Phase 2

Privatisation/transfer of irrigation management in Central Asia.

Crisis States Research Centre Annual Report Oct 2005 - Sept 2006

Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS

Global experience with PRSP implementation.

Working paper C11. Migration and Poverty Reduction in Tajikistan.

Privatisation/transfer of irrigation management - Central Asia

Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies in the NIS

Crisis States Research Centre. Annual Report Oct 2007 Sept 2008