This report outlines the main findings of a workshop on the formation and functioning of successful coalitions. Findings from the Developmental Leadership Program, plus many other studies, show that coalitions are fundamental but poorly understood players in the politics of development. The report notes that coalitions are particularly important for overcoming collective action ...» 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.
Improving International Support to Peace Processes: The Missing Piece
This publication analyses the characteristics of today's violent conflicts, the factors that influence the success and failure of peace processes, and the current strengths and weaknesses of international support. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to peace processes, and for long-term international support that lasts well beyond the peace agreement. The ...» more
The Effects of Sector Characteristics on Accountability Relationships in Service Delivery
Why do different services encounter particular constraints and opportunities in their delivery? This paper outlines a set of characteristics that can be used to differentiate between services, and between functions within them. It finds that these defining or 'fixed' characteristics may influence key relationships of accountability and control. It suggests a framework for ...» more
Common Constraints and Incentive Problems in Service Delivery
There is growing recognition that, despite significant increases in resourcing, public service delivery is still failing in many developing countries. Political and governance factors may offer at least part of the explanation. A stronger evidence base is needed to address these factors, with greater cross-country analysis that identifies some of the most common political ...» more
The Politics of Social Protection
This Note is an initial exploration of the political economy of adopting public works programmes (PWPs) to promote social protection and employment in low-income and fragile states. It examines the reasons for the popularity of public works programmes and the assumptions that underlie this, reviews the (sometimes weak) evidence base for these assumptions and draws implications ...» more
Review of the Use of ‘Theory of Change’ in International Development
How is 'Theory of Change' (ToC) being used in international development? What are the areas of consensus, debate and innovation? This review notes that ToC can inspire and support programme improvement, helping to develop more realistic and feasible interventions that are responsive to dynamic contexts. It finds that ToC requires both logical thinking and deeper critical ...» more
What is the Track Record of Multi Donor Trust Funds in Improving Aid Effectiveness? An Assessment of the Available Evidence
The search results of this Systematic Review demonstrated a lack of scientifically rigorous studies in this area. After applying four rounds of inclusion / exclusion criteria, 24 documents remained. Further studies are needed of the effectiveness of MDTFs as an aid modality. These must examine MDTFs as a whole, rather than simply tracking the progress of individual projects ...» more
Development Aid and Access to Water and Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Net ODA disbursement to SSA has more than doubled in real terms since 1980, mostly during the last 10 years. However, the increase in aid has not been matched by commensurate progress in WSS provision. Key recommendations include improved monitoring and evaluation systems and capacity building, and longer project timelines.This book examines: the current level of water supply ...» more
Meeting the Urban Challenge: Adapting Humanitarian Efforts to an Urban World
This document provides an overview of current thinking and emerging good practice related to humani¬tarian action in an urban environment. It is based on the discussions held at the 27th Meeting of the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP) and on a review of recent literature on humanitarian responses to urban crises. It ...» more
Maximizing Mobile
This report notes that around three-quarters of the world's inhabitants now have access to a mobile phone. It examines the rise of data-based services delivered to handheld devices, including apps, and explores the consequences for development of the emerging 'app economy'. The report finds that mobile applications not only empower individuals but have important cascade effects ...» more
Political Settlements, Elite Pacts, and Governments of National Unity: A Conceptual Study
How should political settlements be defined and understood? How should elite pacts and governments of national unity (GNUs) be defined and understood? The concept of the 'political settlement' has been used in a variety of subtly, but significantly, different ways. Sometimes it has been used interchangeably with 'elite pacts', 'elite bargains' or 'peace agreements'. This paper ...» more
Learning to Tackle Climate Change
How can continuous reflection and learning help tackle climate change in the context of wider development challenges? This e-book shares the knowledge and insights from two years of shared learning among DFID staff, IDS and other external experts through the Learning Hub programme. It aims to support ongoing learning by those inside and outside DFID – no matter what their ...» more
The Evolving Art of Political Economy Analysis: Unlocking its Practical Potential Through a More Interactive Approach
This paper argues that a more interactive and flexible approach to Political economy analysis (PEA) is required if it is to realise its full potential. This involves combining analysis of the macro-politics of recipient country interests with the micro-politics of stakeholder relations, including more self-reflection on the part of donors and consultants. The paper situates PEA ...» more
The Law’s Majestic Equality? The Distributive Impact of Litigating Social and Economic Rights
Optimism about the use of laws, constitutions, and rights to achieve social change is high among practitioners. But the academic literature is sceptical that courts can direct resources toward the poor. Using data on social and economic rights cases in five countries, this paper finds that not all courts are the same. Countries and policy areas characterised by judicial ...» more
Towards Better Humanitarian Donorship: 12 Lessons from DAC Peer Reviews
This publication outlines the 12 most important humanitarian lessons from the DAC peer reviews. It profiles examples of good donor behaviour highlighted in the peer reviews, and outlines ongoing challenges. The lessons are grouped into four categories: the strategic framework; delivering effective funding; an organisation fit for purpose; and learning and accountability. The ...» more
Broadening the Range of Designs and Methods for Impact Evaluations
Investment in Impact Evaluation (IE) has focused on a narrow range of mainly experimental and statistical methods and designs. DFID has found, however, that these are only applicable to a small proportion of its programmes. This report presents the findings of a study that considered existing IE practice, reviewed methodological literatures and assessed how state-of-the art ...» more
From Vice to Virtue? Civil War and Social Capital in Uganda
What is the impact of civil war on social networks? How does violence affect trust? This paper explores the legacy of civil war by analysing the impact of the Ugandan armed conflict on social capital. Its findings indicate that both self-reported trust and associational membership decreased substantially during the conflict in the affected districts. However, it also finds ...» more
International Support to Post-Conflict Transition: Rethinking Policy, Changing Practice
This guidance suggests ways of improving the speed, flexibility, predictability and risk management of international support during post-conflict transition. It recommends: 1) assessing contextual risks jointly and managing specific risks collectively; 2) helping governments to prioritise their development plans; 3) using a mix of aid instruments; and 4) using flexible ...» more
A Peacebuilding Tool for a Conflict-Sensitive Approach to Development: A Pilot Initiative in Nepal
This paper introduces an analytical peacebuilding tool used by the Asian Development Bank in Nepal during 2010-2011, and outlines lessons learned. The tool consists of a series of questions designed to enhance project planning and implementation in fragile situations by identifying potential social conflict and opportunities for building peace and social cohesion. Lessons ...» more
World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development
This report examines how greater gender equality can enhance productivity, improve development outcomes for the next generation, and make institutions more representative. Markets, institutions, and households play a role in reducing inequality and globalisation can provide important opportunities. Domestic actors need to focus on reducing female mortality, narrowing education ...» more
