http://www.gsdrc.org Academic and policy-relevant publications on governance and international development. en-uk Copyright © 2012 Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:14 GMT Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:14 GMT http://www.gsdrc.org/rss/open george@gsdrc.org george@gsdrc.org http://www.gsdrc.org/images/logos/logo_gsdrc.gif http://www.gsdrc.org 205 90 GSDRC logo Achim Maas and Alexander Carius This paper reviews the options available for small island states to adapt to global environmental change, particularly climate change. Climate change may create new pressures for small island states (such as severe ocean acidification) and intensify others (such as sea-level changes) in a comparatively short, yet unpredictable, amount of time. Internal relocation and migration is a tested adaptation practice for such states, which already have well-established migration links. However, with greater access to financial resources – by increasing the extent to which island states profit from fishing or mining concessions, for example – and by investing in people and knowledge, states can reduce the need for future relocation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4205&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4205&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Barbara Nunberg et al. How is it possible to ensure that programmes are politically feasible? This paper documents findings from the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Region's pilot of the Agent-Based Stakeholder Model. The study finds that this model helped construct policy debate on civil service reform in Timor-Leste; helped identify key coalition partners in Mongolia; and underscored the need to tackle smaller reforms on which broad consensus could be achieved in the Phillipines. Mainstreaming the model as a regularly applied analytic instrument could significantly improve operations in supporting politically realistic reforms in client countries. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3974&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3974&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Jessica Mercer What are the similarities and differences between Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)? What can be learned from experiences of both approaches in Papua New Guinea (PNG)? This paper analyses the two approaches and draws on experience from PNG in recommending ways to integrate both in development policy. The research demonstrates the importance of a holistic response to all underlying vulnerability factors, as opposed to focusing on one hazard or factor such as climate change. It would appear most effective, financially and otherwise, to embed CCA within existing DRR tools. This is as opposed to developing tools and methodologies for CCA separately and integrating these with DRR at a later date. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3967&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3967&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Anna Gero et al. What are the challenges in integrating community-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA)? This research investigates the current situation and thinking on integrating DRR and CCA in community based projects in the Pacific. A key finding is the importance of agency and the significance of building and maintaining good relationships between DRR and CCA practitioners across sectors, including the government, NGOs and donors. A common barrier to integrating DRR and CCA is the multitude of organisations engaged in related initiatives. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3960&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3960&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Wouter van Ginneken Globalisation triggers the need for frequent adjustment to national production processes, jobs and life strategies, and there are vast gaps in income and security between countries. The International Labour Organisation suggests that establishing a global socio-economic floor would improve international development and security. This article investigates the impact of taking a rights-based approach to a core element of that floor, social security, concluding that it could make a significant impact on achieving the Millennium Development Goals of poverty eradication and development, and provide a framework for the future. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3956&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3956&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT OHCHR Of the Millennium Development Goals, Goal 5 on improving maternal health is the furthest from being achieved. This report discusses the human rights dimensions of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, reviewing the international and regional initiatives and programmes in place, and the current legal framework. It concludes that a collective commitment from the international community towards developing a systematic human rights based approach is crucial to advancing progress. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3955&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3955&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT UNDP Regional Centre for Asia Pacific How can legal systems in the Asia-Pacific region be reformed to ensure that men and women receive equal treatment under the law? This report argues that despite the region's success in legislating against gender discrimination, Asia-Pacific still lags behind in the many basic issues of gender equality. Reforms must address both the overt discrimination that characterises many legal systems and the unspoken norms that limit women's rights and access to justice. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3842&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3842&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Will Parks and David Abbott This report provides a synopsis of the food price rise and global economic crises together with their known and potential impacts on children and women. In outlining lessons and recommendations it argues that now is a critical time for government investment in social interventions, which when well-designed can boost economic growth and make growth more pro-poor. In particular, gender-based policies that build on women's roles as economic agents and their preference for investing resources in child well-being can help to mitigate the effects of economic crises. Child protection mechanisms should be integrated into expanded social protection programmes. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3812&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3812&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Fiona Howell What is social assistance and how should such programmes be designed? This chapter defines social assistance as government and non-governmental action to transfer resources to people whose vulnerability warrants some form of entitlement. Social assistance should be seen as a means to reduce poverty and to develop the capabilities of the most vulnerable, increasing social and economic participation and equality of opportunity. Programme design needs to balance the goals of: a) preventing shocks which will have a negative impact on the poor; b) reducing the impact of shocks; and c) helping vulnerable groups to cope with shocks. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3809&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3809&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT Derick W. Brinkerhoff with Peter J. Morgan What has been learned about capacity and capacity development (CD), and their relationship to achieving sustainable results? What are the implications for analysis and practice? This introductory article to a symposium on capacity and CD highlights: the benefits of viewing capacity and CD through systems lenses; the salience of politics; and the need for new approaches to the practice of CD. Outsiders may be able to assist in developing capacity, but sustained capacity results when endogenous actor-led processes stimulate the creation and strengthening of five core capabilities. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3788&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3788&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT UNDG/ECHA Working Group on Transition United Nations (UN) post-conflict responses should be based on standardised inter-agency analyses to help overcome structures that lead to violent conflict and to promote integrated peace. This report, published by the UNDG/ECHA Working Group on Transition (United Nations Development Group/Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs), outlines analytical components necessary to understand conflict causes and dynamics that support peace efforts in a transition situation. Application of such an analytical framework would help construct subsequent UN programming that incorporates context-specific factors and supports the achievement of lasting peace. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3415&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3415&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT Dennis Arroyo, Karen Sirker What can be learned from social accountability initiatives in the Asia and Pacific region? This World Bank report summarises a review of such initiatives. It finds that social accountability tools are not confined to the public expenditure management cycle, and that initiatives that use advocacy and information strategies are more successful than those that do not. While governments sometimes take the lead in promoting accountability, different groups involved in social accountability mechanisms can link together in advocacy chains to hold the state accountable for pro-poor service delivery. Ultimately, government and civil society must collaborate. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3363&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3363&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Mark Turner How can the design of decentralisation programmes be improved? This study published by the Australian National University argues that good decentralisation design processes that address fundamental questions and are fully aware of political realities can lead to developmental gains. Although the initial design is very important, it is only the first step in the process of decentralisation and the promotion of good governance at the local level. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3324&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3324&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT B Jones International actors face recurrent challenges coordinating their efforts to implement peace agreements to end civil wars. This InternationalPeaceAcademy paper identifies strategic coordination amongst third-party actors as a critical element of successful peace implementation. Incoherence and inconsistency in strategy can undermine the viability or the effectiveness of implementation efforts. Strategic coordination is a growing policy challenge due to the increasing proliferation of actors with overlapping mandates, competitive relations and minimal accountability. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2963&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2963&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT A Moser How can the use of gender analysis help improve post-conflict peace processes? This paper published in Gender and Development discusses the research methodology and results of the 2005 Peace and Conflict Gender Analysis (PCGA) conducted by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in the Solomon Islands. The use of gender analysis to shape peace processes could help solidify women's gains in status and contribute to economic and civil society development. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2888&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2888&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT K Mackay What lessons can be learnt from the successes and failures of government Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems? This paper from the World Bank Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) advises that there is no 'best' model. Rather it is helpful to start by assessing existing systems. M&E does not have inherent value. The bottom-line measure of success is whether information is used to improve government performance. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2830&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2830&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT G Lodge and S Kalitowski What are the challenges confronting civil services around the world? This paper from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) surveys several case studies from developed countries to identify a variety of international approaches to civil service reform. Some common challenges include: enhancing accountability; improving policymaking; developing institutional memory; building staff expertise; and promoting joined-up government. Meeting these challenges requires clarifying the roles of ministers and officials, opening up policymaking, capturing innovation and narrowing the gap between the centre and frontline delivery services. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2776&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2776&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT OECD-DAC How have aid agencies tackled the challenges of promoting gender equality since the beginning of the twenty-first century? How can the gap between policy and implementation be bridged? This report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) examines changes in the gender equality approaches of OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members. It argues that mainstreaming is a necessary but insufficient strategy to promote gender equality. Specific measures for women's empowerment must be reintroduced and financed. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2741&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=2741&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT S Shavell This PREM Note, produced by the World Bank, argues that economic analysis provides a rigorous framework for evaluating the tradeoffs policymakers face when reforming legal institutions. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=724&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=724&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT R Messick This PREM note, produced for the World Bank, argues that factors affecting legislative performance in industrial countries offer a framework for examining the issues facing reformers of legislatures in developing and transition economies. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=668&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=668&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Pacific Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT