UK Orgs Mar 16th Final

Progress so far and plans for phase II : Progress so far and plans for phase II Civil Society Organisations Partnership Programme ODI 16th March 2005


Programme : Programme 1.00-2.00 Sandwich lunch 2.00-4.00 How CSOs use research-based evidence 4.00-4.30 Tea 4.30-5.30 Building Networks for Capacity development 5.30-6.00 How we could help you 6.00-7.00 Informal drinks


Slide3 : How CSOs use Research-Based Evidence


Overview : Overview Background to the CSPP (me) How CSO’s use reseearch-based evidence (Julius) CSO capacity to use research-based evidence (Naved) Your experience & discussion CSPP Phase 2 (me)


Slide5 : Background to the Civil Society Partnerships Programme


RAPID Programme : RAPID Programme Research Desk-based literature reviews Bridging Research and Policy Communications Knowledge Management GDN project: 50 summary + 25 detailed case studies ODI projects detailed case studies + work on HIV/AIDS Advisory work Workshops and seminars for further information see: www.odi.org.uk/rapid


An Analytical & Practical Framework : An Analytical & Practical Framework External Influences Socio-economic and cultural influences, donor policies etc


What you need to do : What you need to do Who are the policymakers? Is there demand for ideas? What is the policy process? What is the current theory? What are the narratives? How divergent is it? Who are the stakeholders? What networks exist? Who are the connectors, mavens and salesmen? Get to know the policymakers. Identify friends and foes. Prepare for policy opportunities. Look out for policy windows. Work with them – seek commissions Strategic opportunism – prepare for known events + resources for others Establish credibility Provide practical solutions Establish legitimacy. Present clear options Use familiar narratives. Build a reputation Action-research Pilot projects to generate legitimacy Good communication Get to know the others Work through existing networks. Build coalitions. Build new policy networks. Build partnerships. Identify key networkers, mavens and salesmen. Use informal contacts


Practical Tools : Practical Tools Overarching Tools - The RAPID Framework - Using the Framework - The Entrepreneurship Questionnaire Context Assessment Tools - Stakeholder Analysis - Forcefield Analysis - Writeshops - Policy Mapping - Political Context Mapping Communication Tools - Communications Strategy - SWOT analysis - Message Design - Making use of the media Research Tools - Case Studies - Episode Studies - Surveys - Bibliometric Analysis - Focus Group Discussion Policy Influence Tools - Influence Mapping & Power Mapping - Lobbying and Advocacy - Campaigning: A Simple Guide - Competency self-assessment


Civil Society Partnership Programme : Civil Society Partnership Programme Builds on ODI competence: Research-based evidence (Northern) Policy influence Established relationships Focusing on CSOs Capacity-development for: CSOs…to use research-based evidence ODI capacity… to work with CSOs Collaborative action


Log Frame : Log Frame Goal: Improved contribution by CSOs to pro-poor national and international development policies Purpose: CSOs have the capacity to contribute useful research-based to pro-poor policy processes Outcomes: CSOs understand how evidence can contribute to policy processes. Regional capacity to support CSOs established ODI’s knowledge on policy issues and how it can be used is easily accessible CSOs participate actively in Southern and Northern policy networks


Definitions : Definitions CSOs: = PRIs, TTs and Policy Depts. Of NGOs etc Policy: from agenda setting to implementation Research: any systematic learning process Evidence: a complicated concept!


Approach : Approach Learn more about how CSOs use research-based evidence Research Small-scale projects Determine niche & demand Mapping Consultations Improve ODI’s own information systems Identify long-term regional partners Collaborative partnerships to Learn more Develop capacity Work together on global development policy issues


Timeline : Timeline


Progress : Progress Preparatory work / establishment 4 background papers, 6 ODI & 15 external case studies, 4 research projects; >20 consultative WS with CSOs; “Learning by doing” through 10 small collaborative projects; Four larger global projects; ODI information user survey, web & intranet development, internal KM, materials redesign; Meeting series 2005, Communication Strategy 2005; Huge demand for training in Kenya, Bangladesh, Zambia (Pakistan, The Philippines, Tanzania; c.£40k additional funding, partners for DFID/ESRC proposals etc, IDRC scoping study.


The Big Think : The Big Think Management Team Workshop CSPP Project Holders Workshop Programme Team Workshop on Options Extended TT in ODI Southern Collaborators Workshop External Advisers Meeting Discussions with DFID Discussion with PPA-holders and other UK-based organisations E-Discussion with Southern Partners


Slide17 : How CSOs use research-based evidence to influence policy


Outcome 1: Objectives : Outcome 1: Objectives Generate & share knowledge so CSOs have: greater awareness of how policy processes work and the importance of using evidence; better understanding of what to do to use research-based evidence to influence policy; practical recommendations, guidelines and toolkits regarding how to do it.


Outcome 1: Achievements so far : Outcome 1: Achievements so far Literature reviews External case studies External consultation Specific studies (PRSPs; Budgets; campaigns; EBP in UK) Networks programme Survey Internal strategy / operational work


Outcome 1: Key Findings : Outcome 1: Key Findings Little systematic work on CSOs, evidence and policy influence. Significant changes in context in last 15 yrs. Evidence does matter for CSOs – legitimacy and effectiveness. Barriers Political contexts CSO internal functioning We know more about solutions to internal barriers and how to maximize chances.


Indicative Comments : Indicative Comments ‘In a largely corrupt political environment, evidence is still useful but reduced in effectiveness, as the motives of those with political responsibility are not always determined by evidence-based advocacy’ The NGO Forum on Cambodia, Cambodia ‘We have been moderately successful in influencing economic and monetary policies given continuity and professionalism of civil servants in these sectors. Less so in social sectors given volatility of staff and more ideological varied approaches.’ CIES, Peru Evidence use … ‘Depends on the audience (target) and the stage in the policy process cycle.’ CARPA, Kenya ‘Surveys and statistics are very effective in influencing policy … we like to use case studies as they provide facts but also give more extensive knowledge on the issues concerned.’ AAF, Bulgaria


CSOs, Policy, Evidence & Impact : CSOs, Policy, Evidence & Impact


Outcome 1: Plans & Next Steps : Outcome 1: Plans & Next Steps Synthesis & Report: CSOs, Evidence and Policy Influence Engagement – especially CIVICUS panel “How to do it” Guidelines Learning through on-going work, other programmes, action-research, systematic reviews, consultancy work and evaluations; Some new research (Topics TBC) What issues are you struggling with?


Slide24 : CSO capacity to use research-based evidence


Outcome 2 - Objectives : Outcome 2 - Objectives “Map” CSOs and support organisations Develop principles and approaches to partnership and capacity development Consultation with CSOs in North and South “Learning by doing” through small collaborative projects Support to UK-based (and southern) CSOs


Outcome 2 - Achievements : Outcome 2 - Achievements Global Consultation : Workshops in Africa (Southern, Eastern and West), Asia (South and South East) and Latin America ( Argentina and Bolivia) organized in partnership with local CSOs. Case studies: Budget Monitoring (Zambia), Community Participation in Waste Management ( Ghana), Rice pricing ( Bangladesh), Public participation ( Indonesia) etc. Projects: Water Policy (WaterAid), Sustainable Forest Management (Ghana),etc Training: CEF, CWA Research: AFREPREN Networking and Documentation: Latin America


Outcome 2 – Lessons : Outcome 2 – Lessons Strong diversity in engagement Understanding Policy process means understanding the politics Gradual erosion of research capacity in the South Capacity of government institutions also in question Credibility of CSOs is questioned Capacity to use and package research for policy influence is limited Donor influence is huge


Outcome 2 - Lessons 2 : Outcome 2 - Lessons 2 Focus….. Focus ( Too much with Too little!!) Indicators for monitoring Multiplier effect Multidimensional All partnerships may not be for development of capacity How to monitor ODIs capacity to engage with Southern CSOs?


Outcome 2 - New Partnerships : Outcome 2 - New Partnerships Equitable Long-term commitment Mutual Trust ODI needs to change ( Org and Staff) Invest time and resource Partnership to accommodate diversity of capacity Different modes of Partnerships ( research, networking, advocacy). Requests for: training, research collaboration, strengthening existing networks, funds for research, advocacy, dissemination, institutional development


Slide30 : CSOs participate in global policy networks


Slide31 : Outcome 3: “Doing it”


Outcome 3: Plans & Next Steps : Outcome 3: Plans & Next Steps Working with southern partners on global development policy issues Continue existing projects Develop partnerships through collaborative work Identify mutually interesting topics Develop collaborative projects


Slide34 : Plans for Phase 2:


General direction : General direction Reaffirm principles: Building ODI capacity & reach Partnership & collaboration Capacity development Reaffirm 4 outcomes, re-order, clarify + 1: CSOs Understand: how to use RBE Capacity: CSO’s can access support Global projects: CSO’s participate in global policy Information: ODI’s knowledge is accessible Change in ODI: ODI better able to work with CSOs Bilateral to network approach: Need additional funding for partners


An Action-Research Network : An Action-Research Network A network of northern and southern national, regional and global individuals and organisations learning about and helping others to use research-based evidence to promote pro-poor policy. Research National action-research (how to do it) Global action-research policy-advocacy Capacity development Information sharing


Slide37 : Tea!


Slide38 : Building a Research-Policy network


An Action-Research Network : An Action-Research Network A network of northern and southern national, regional and global individuals and organisations learning about and helping others to use research-based evidence to promote pro-poor policy. Research National action-research (how to do it) Global action-research policy-advocacy Capacity development Information sharing


Organization and Implementation : Membership: Members, Collaborators and Partners Interactive Network website Newsletter Capacity Development TOT ( Research methodology, policy analysis, etc). Facilitating exchange of information and knowledge (through the network) Support long term institutional development (HR, organizational development, etc) Action Research projects Staff Exchange and secondment Organization and Implementation


Organization and Implementation : Organization and Implementation Responsive “One-off” / Consultancy support on policy advocacy and engagement ( Ethiopia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malawi) Consultation in Francophone Africa Network with other similar orgs ( IIED, IDS etc)


Organization and Implementation : Organization and Implementation Initial coordination by ODI. Advisory Groups D-Groups Name of the network Medium Plan and Governance Structure (2007) Additional funding for the partners


Slide43 : Other experiences: IIED – The Ring INTRAC - PRAXIS


Issues we’re grappling with: : Issues we’re grappling with: How to build ownership Governance Funding: how to avoid being a “donor” Range of functions How to support capacity development through and for the network Measuring Impact Maintaining momentum Membership


How can we work together? : How can we work together? Research: What are the issues you’d like to know about? Capacity Development: What else could we do that would be useful? Information: What other information might be useful Policy engagement: What are the issues you are interested in? What else could we do?