This systematic review finds that both micro-credit and micro-savings can reduce poverty but do not in all circumstances, nor for all clients. Given these varied results, it is important to consider whether there is potential for harm in offering either of these services, or in not doing so. While the lack of financial services may limit the ability of the poor to withstand ...» more
Library
This e-library contains more than 4500 external publications on governance, social development, conflict and humanitarian issues. It includes academic and grey literature selected for its basis in good quality research and coverage of a range of perspectives. Policy-oriented summaries of each document are provided, plus links to the full text.
A Conceptual Analysis of Livelihoods and Resilience: Addressing the ‘Insecurity of Agency’
This paper suggests that humanitarian debates focus on reducing people’s vulnerability and enhancing their agency, rather than on building resilience. It finds that symptoms of resilience can too easily be misidentified, and that structural factors that prevent people from living with security about their futures can be missed. It notes the importance of the concept of agency – ...» more
Understanding Theory of Change in International Development
This paper reviews the concepts and debates within donor, agency and expert guidance ‘Theory of Change’ (ToC) documents. It finds confusion surrounding ToC definitions and use, but that ToC is commonly understood as an articulation of how and why a given intervention will lead to specific change. The paper identifies four main (overlapping) purposes of ToC – strategic planning, ...» more
Can Donors and Non-state Actors Undermine Citizens’ Legitimating Beliefs?
This paper analyses Afrobarometer survey data from 19 African countries to investigate associations between donor and non-state service provision and citizens’ sense of obligation to comply with tax authorities, the police and the courts. The findings suggest that service provision by donors and non-state actors strengthens, rather than undermines, the relationship between ...» more
From Conflict Analysis to Peacebuilding Impact: Lessons from the People’s Peacemaking Perspectives Project
This project used participatory approaches to produce analyses of 18 conflict situations around the world. Its final report recommends that, to use locally-led analysis more consistently and effectively, donors could: pay more attention to the process of analysis; encourage analysis to focus on potential solutions, not just describe the problem; prioritise the translation of ...» more