[Microinsurancefocus] GSDRC Bulletin September 2009: Social Protection Research in Southern Africa

Fri Sep 18 13:51:53 CEST 2009

http://www.wahenga.net/index.php/views/in_focus_full/frontiers_of_social_pro
tection

Governance and Social Development Resource Centre 

Email Bulletin

Contents

News

*	New GSDRC topic guides
*	New website on constitutional design
*	Social protection research in southern Africa 
*	New UN data service
*	UNDP climate community

New Documents

*	Strengthening voice and accountability in the health sector
*	Rethinking patrimonialism and neopatrimonialism in Africa
*	Building accountable justice in Sierra Leone
*	IBSA regional security dimensions: the South African perspective
*	Radicalisation processes leading to acts of terrorism
*	Conceptualising empowerment and the implications for pro-poor growth

Research Helpdesk

*	Gender and growth in China
*	Peacebuilding and access to justice in Sri Lanka
*	Climate change and migration
*	Poverty and vulnerability monitoring

Consultancy Services

*	Monthly report

Issue No 72, 18th September 2009

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/topic-guides/fragile-states> New GSDRC Topic
Guides

The GSDRC has published a new
<http://www.gsdrc.org/go/topic-guides/fragile-states>  topic guide on
fragile states which introduces some of the best literature on the causes,
characteristics and impacts of state fragility, the challenges of aid
effectiveness and lessons learned from international engagement in fragile
contexts.

Meanwhile the Commonwealth Secretariat has published a
<http://www.thecommonwealth.org/document/213587/topic_guide_on_decentralisat
ion_and_local_governme.htm> topic guide on decentralisation and local
government written by GSDRC research fellow Zoe Scott.

 <http://www.constitutionmaking.org/default.html> New Website on
Constitutional Design 

The Comparative Constitutions Project (CCP) and the United States Institute
of Peace (USIP) have launched
<http://www.constitutionmaking.org/default.html> Constitutionmaking.org to
support those involved in constitutional reform. The website includes
reports on trends in constitutional design, a repository of historical and
contemporary constitutional texts and a discussion forum on the challenges
of constitutional reform.

<http://www.wahenga.net/index.php/views/in_focus_full/frontiers_of_social_pr
otection> Social Protection Research in Southern Africa 

The Regional Hunger and Vulnerability Programme (RHVP) has recently
published the first of a new set of studies entitled
<http://www.wahenga.net/index.php/views/in_focus_full/frontiers_of_social_pr
otection> 'Frontiers of Social Protection (FoSP)'. The studies aim to ensure
that policy analysis on hunger and vulnerability in southern Africa remains
relevant and reflects the latest thinking on social protection. The
<http://www.wahenga.net/uploads/documents/reba_studies/FOSP_Brief_1.pdf>
first brief in this series compares fertiliser subsidies and social cash
transfers as policy instruments for protecting chronically vulnerable people
from hunger.

 <http://data.un.org/Default.aspx> New UN Data Service 

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) has
developed a new internet based data service,
<http://data.un.org/Default.aspx> UNdata, which brings UN statistical
databases together through a single entry point. The service currently
comprises 23 databases and 6 glossaries covering a range of statistics
including population, industry, energy, trade and national accounts.

 <http://www.undpcc.org/> UNDP Climate Community 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently launched the
<http://www.undpcc.org/> UNDP Climate Community. The website is a knowledge
database for information on key climate change issues, with a focus on
analyses of international climate negotiations and the economic and policy
implications of climate change. It is part of a UNDP project to help enable
developing countries participate in international climate change
negotiations and to assess investment and financial flows to address climate
change in selected key sectors.

New Documents

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Voice and accountability 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3387&source=bulletin>
Strengthening Voice and Accountability in the Health Sector
How can greater voice and accountability for citizens bring about improved
health services? This technical brief from DFID reviews several voice and
accountability initiatives supported by the Partnerships for Transforming
Health Systems Programme (PATHS) in selected states in Nigeria. The creation
of formal mechanisms of voice and accountability can be effective in opening
space for citizen-state accountability and improving service responsiveness.
However, further work is needed from the government on strengthening
accountability mechanisms for these initiatives to be fully successful.

Governance 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3344> Rethinking
Patrimonialism and Neopatrimonialism in Africa
Is ‘patrimonialism’ really the source of Africa’s poor governance? This
article from the African Studies Review argues that contemporary conceptions
of patrimonialism and neopatrimonialism as negative regime types associated
with corruption, clientelism, and autocracy are based on a fundamental
misreading of theory. Weber’s ‘patrimonialism’ is, rather, a specific form
of authority derived from traditional sources of legitimacy and based on a
mutual understanding of responsibilities between the ruler and the ruled.
Casting aside these misconceptions will allow African scholars to better
analyse the character of African states, without falling back on the notion
of African exceptionalism.

Justice

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3501&source=bulletin>
Building Accountable Justice in Sierra Leone
What are the main challenges and opportunities in building more accountable
justice institutions in Sierra Leone? This Working Paper from the Fundación
para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE) analyses
five key components of accountability – access, equality, information,
oversight and participation. The primary challenge for the justice system in
Sierra Leone is capacity.
(Re-)building the capacity of justice institutions provides important
opportunities to strengthen their accountability by improving oversight and
information systems, addressing barriers to access and discriminatory
practices, and involving citizens in decision-making.

Conflict

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3471&source=bulletin>
IBSA Regional Security Dimensions: The South African Perspective
The India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) initiative can play a crucial role in
South-South cooperation in addressing conventional non-traditional security
threats in the contemporary global order. This paper, published by the
Centre for Policy Studies, Johannesburg, examines the challenges facing
South Africa in its efforts to secure regional security and as an IBSA
contributor. South Africa's future leadership role will depend on the
ability of regional political elites to balance international and regional
obligations with critical domestic issues.

Radicalisation

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3447&source=bulletin>
Radicalisation Processes Leading to Acts of Terrorism
Understanding the origins of violent radicalisation requires understanding
that terrorist groups consist of different types of disaffected individuals
who undergo different paths of radicalisation. This report, published by the
European Commission, analyses empirical facts on violent radicalisation,
recent academic literature and the link between external conflicts and
violent radicalisation. More research on terrorist recruitment,
indoctrination and training, and current radicalisation processes, would
inform future state response strategies.

Pro-poor growth 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3401&source=bulletin>
Conceptualising Empowerment and the Implications for Pro-Poor Growth

This Institute of Development Studies paper proposes a framework for how
empowerment of the poor can be conceptually understood and operationally
explored through the different facets of social, economic and political
empowerment. These are the conceptual tools for identifying complex and
mutually dependent processes that development actors can support and
facilitate for achieving pro-poor growth. However, international development
actors often lack awareness of much that is already known about these
issues.

Search the complete catalogue of over 2500 summaries of top quality research
publications and practical guidance at:
<http://www.gsdrc.org/go/document-library&source=bulletin>
http://www.gsdrc.org/go/document-library.

Document recommendations are welcome at  <mailto:enquiries at gsdrc.org>
enquiries at gsdrc.org

Research Helpdesk

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The Helpdesk research team is available to carry out two-day desk-based
research assignments at short notice at fixed daily rates, as well as more
in-depth literature reviews and issues papers. The following is a selection
of a few of the research questions we have answered recently. To request
research services, please contact  <mailto:helpdesk at gsdrc.org>
helpdesk at gsdrc.org

Gender 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Helpdesk&id=525&source=bulletin>
Gender and Growth in China

Question: Please provide literature on possible links between China’s growth
and gender equality. Please also include wider literature examining the
links between economic growth and gender equality.

Key findings: The first half of this report provides case studies examining
the links between economic growth and gender equality in China. Most
resources focus on the economic reforms associated with WTO accession and
examine their gendered impacts. They all find that China’s impressive
economic growth has failed to benefit men and women proportionately. Several
authors argue that growth has actually increased inequality, or has created
new gender inequalities. Women now generally occupy lower paid and lower
status jobs than men.

The second half of the report highlights resources on growth and gender in
other countries, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, this time focussing on
the impact of gender inequality on growth. They generally conclude that
gender inequality has a negative effect on growth. The following are
identified as particular barriers to African women fully participating in
economic activity:

*	high fertility rates
*	gender gaps in education
*	lack of access to formal employment
*	gender gaps in access to assets and inputs in agriculture.

Read the  <http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD615.pdf> full report. 

Peacebuilding 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Helpdesk&id=520&source=bulletin>
Peacebuilding and Access to Justice in Sri Lanka 

Question: Please identify key readings on peacebuilding and access to
justice in Sri Lanka.

Key findings: Since the signing of a ceasefire agreement in 2002, many
donors have sought to facilitate the peace process through peace
conditionalities. Much of the literature stresses, however, that diplomatic
processes and efforts to address structural causes of conflict are also
essential. Moreover, donors have had to recognise their responsibility to
provide aid to the worst conflict-affected areas, regardless of whether
conditionalities were fulfilled.

Much of the literature also finds that economic peace dividends were
generally lacking. This is attributed largely to a focus on neo-liberal
approaches by donors that centred on economic growth, rather than immediate
socio-economic relief.

The manner in which donors funded civil society has also been critiqued.
Most funding has been directed to NGOs in Colombo. This has marginalised
volunteer and lower class civil society workers in other geographic areas.
There is also concern that civil society activities are not sufficient for
conflict transformation and sustainable peace. Much of the literature
emphasises the need to include not just different ethnic groups, but also
different religious groups and classes, and women.

Another area essential for conflict transformation and peacebuilding is the
need to address the legacy of large-scale human rights violations. This has
been given scant attention thus far.

Read the  <http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD610.pdf> full report. 

Migration 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Helpdesk&id=523&source=bulletin>
Climate Change and Migration 

Question: How will climate change affect the movement of people living in
developing countries?

Key findings: Methodologically, it is very difficult if not impossible to
unpack the different environmental drivers and triggers of migration.
Nevertheless, empirical research does not support the claim that climate
change will trigger waves of South-North interregional migration. Most
displacements are likely to be within country borders. Cross-border
migration, where it does exist, is likely to happen within existing social
networks, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Initially the bulk of population movements is expected to be disaster
driven. These may become longer term in situations where either the
environment is no longer able to promote return or where other
vulnerabilities make return impossible.

A commonly held view is that those aspects of climate variability most
likely to affect migration are the ones which impact on environmentally
based livelihoods and are location-specific. However, those most vulnerable
to both climate change and forced migration have the least resources to
undertake long-distance migration, so are often left behind.

The extent to which new migratory trends are likely to emerge as a result of
climate change is still unclear. Some argue that, as a ‘threat-multiplier’,
climate change is more likely to exacerbate existing problems although it is
unclear is by how much. Others argue that new trends are likely to emerge
(e.g Alaska, Pacific islands) but there is currently only limited case study
evidence for this.

Read the  <http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD613.pdf> full report.

Monitoring and evaluation 

 <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Helpdesk&id=524&source=bulletin>
Poverty and Vulnerability Monitoring 

Question: What significant differences are there in the methodologies used
for ‘poverty monitoring’ and ‘vulnerability monitoring’? What are the
strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies?

Key findings: Whilst it is very difficult to compare the specific tools and
methodologies used for poverty monitoring (PM) with those used for
vulnerability monitoring (VM), it is possible to make some general
observations in relation to differences between them:

*	In essence, the 2 approaches are monitoring different concepts.
Poverty can be seen as a defined state. In contrast, vulnerability is often
viewed as a dynamic process. VM is therefore likely to entail the use of a
broader range of indicators than PM.
*	Poverty is measured historically, whereas vulnerability is an
assessment of the likelihood of poverty (or food insecurity, flooding etc.)
at some stage in the near future.
*	PM primarily uses quantitative research methods, whereas VM may be
more suited to incorporating qualitative methods.
*	PM occurs within the defined framework of a PRSP, or equivalent. VM
does not.

Nevertheless, there are similarities between PM and VM, and some experts
advocate combining the approaches. For example, PM could be improved by
‘taking a vulnerability approach’, incorporating indicators that show the
dynamic processes and relational aspects of poverty.

Read the  <http://www.gsdrc.org/docs/open/HD614.pdf> full report.

Consultancy Services

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The GSDRC's consultancy services provide governments, donors and other
organisations responsible for policy design and implementation across key
areas of pro-poor development with rapid access to a large pool of high
quality consultants and networks, enabling you to quickly mobilise
specialists when you need them. We handle all contract management and ensure
project delivery according to specification. For further details, please
visit the  <http://www.gsdrc.org/go/consultancy-services> GSDRC website or
contact the consultancy services manager, Bev Fletcher at:
<mailto:consultants at gsdrc.org> consultants at gsdrc.org or call +44 118
9566066.

Monthly report

Completed assignments

*	Cambodia: Evaluation of the Pilot on Performance Management and
Incentives Programme (PMIP) within Forestry, Fisheries and Land Subsectors
under the Natural Resources Management and Livelihood Programme
*	Pakistan: Civil Society Strengthening
*	Tajikistan: Zarafshan Valley Initiative Project: Independent
Evaluation
*	United Kingdom: iiG University of Oxford: Mid-Term Review and Annual
Review
*	Ethiopia: Design of a Monitoring and Evaluation System for the
Public Sector Capacity Building Programme

New assignments

*	Pakistan: Governance and Institutional Appraisal for Poverty
Reduction Budget Support Design
*	Ethiopia: Support to MoFA Planning, Consultation and Facilitation

Ongoing assignments

*	Bangladesh: Strategic Conflict Assessment
*	Montserrat: Design of the Next Phase of Public Service Reform
*	United Kingdom: Global Schools Forum - Impact Assessment
*	Turks and Caicos: TCI Disaster Recovery Fund Management
*	United Kingdom: EU Africa Mapping Work
*	United Kingdom: Development and Delivery of a Governance Training
Programme for DFID Advisers
*	United Kingdom: Learning Lessons on Research Uptake and Use - A
Review of DFID's Research Communication Programmes
*	United Kingdom: Short-term Governance Resource for CRD
*	Tajikistan: Zarafshan Valley Initiative Project: Independent
Evaluation
*	Uganda: Impact Assessment of DFID support to Civil Society in Uganda

About the GSDRC

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you find the information you need, when you need it. Our range of services
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