The Drum Beat – Issue 535 – Fragile States
March 29 2010
This issue includes:
* Introducing our NEW FRAGILE STATES THEME SITE and DB Click!
* Fragile states: background and briefing papers from DFID.
* Priority area: CAUSES OF CONFLICT.
* Priority area: INCLUSIVE POLITICS.
* Join a DISCUSSION on fragile states.
* Priority area: PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS.
* Priority area: STATE FUNCTIONS.
From The Communication Initiative Network – where communication and media are central to social and economic development.
Subscribe to The Drum Beat: http://www.comminit.com/en/user/register
Access this issue online at http://www.comminit.com/en/drum_beat_535.html
Drum Beat Subscribers: 45,243
Number of Page Views on The CI site in the past month: 326,618
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This issue of the Drum Beat focuses on The CI’s new theme site, knowledge summaries, and discussion group related to communication and development in fragile settings and contexts, all supported by CI Partner the Department for International Development, United Kingdom (DFID). A series of recent interrelated DFID practice and briefing papers are highlighted, followed by knowledge from a variety of sources that correspond to the four areas delineated as priority by DFID: Causes of Conflict, Inclusive Politics, Public Expectations, and State Functions.
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FRAGILE STATES THEME SITE
http://www.comminit.com/en/fragilestates.html
Our new Fragile States Theme Site includes communication and media knowledge focused on fragile situations, conflict-affected contexts, and good governance issues and concerns.
It is presented with our standard knowledge sections as well as additional categories based on priority objectives outlined by DFID: Causes of Conflict, Inclusive Politics, Public Expectations, and State Functions.
From the Home Page of the site – http://www.comminit.com/en/fragilestates.html – you can:
* access the MOST RECENT KNOWLEDGE uploaded
* review resources that are specifically RECOMMENDED BY A MEMBER of the fragile states network
* access recent contributions to the FRAGILE STATES DISCUSSION GROUP
* access ALL KNOWLEDGE and ALL NEWS ITEMS related to a draft list of countries considered «fragile».
Please visit the new theme site – http://www.comminit.com/en/fragilestates.html – and let us know what you think:fragilestates@comminit.com
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If you’d like to receive the bi-monthly «DB Click: Fragile States», please send an email to fragilestates@comminit.com with «subscribe» as the subject.
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1. Building Peaceful States and Societies: A DFID Practice Paper
This 2010 paper outlines a new, integrated approach to achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and elimination of global poverty – one that puts state-building and peace-building at the centre of DFID’s work in fragile and conflict-affected countries. The approach aims to increase the impact of international assistance, while recognising that state-building and peace-building are primarily internal processes.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312056/3083
2. Working Effectively in Conflict-affected and Fragile Situations
This 2010 overview and series of 9 briefing papers consider the main issues that should, according to DIFD, be borne in mind when engaging in situations of conflict and fragility, based upon the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-Development Assistance Committee (DAC) «Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations». The collection constitutes an effort to help DFID’s country offices develop more effective responses to the challenges they face related to working in these situations. These papers, along with the practice paper listed above, bring together DFID’s current understanding of how to work more effectively in fragile contexts. DFID has included in the series (listed below) 2 additional papers that do not directly refer to the DAC principles – on risk management and on monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
Summary Note
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312158/3083
Briefing Paper A: Analysing Conflict and Fragility
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312063/3083
Briefing Paper B: Do No Harm
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312064/3083
Briefing Paper C: Links between Politics, Security and Development
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312122/3083
Briefing Paper D: Promoting Non-discrimination
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312127/3083
Briefing Paper E: Aligning with Local Priorities
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312131/3083
Briefing Paper F: Practical Coordination Mechanisms
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312135/3083
Briefing Paper G: Act Fast…but Stay Engaged
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312143/3083
Briefing Paper H: Risk Management
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312153/3083
Briefing Paper I: Monitoring and Evaluation
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312062/3083
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CAUSES OF CONFLICT
http://www.comminit.com/en/section2/3083/3083%2C3086
This priority area «highlights the importance of focusing on prevention, supporting positive capacities for peace (e.g. education systems that promote tolerance), working with both state and non-state conflict resolution mechanisms, and addressing regional dimensions of conflict and fragility.» – Building Peaceful States and Societies, DFID, page 7
3. Youth Exclusion, Violence, Conflict and Fragile States: Report Prepared for DFID’s Equity and Rights Team
by Lyndsay McLean Hilker and Erika McAslan Fraser
This 2009 report examines existing evidence and analysis on the links between youth exclusion, violence, conflict, and fragile states. Prepared by Social Development Direct, it highlights factors which can contribute to youth exclusion and increase the likelihood of youth engagement in violence, and makes recommendations for DFID’s work on youth exclusion and violence. The report complements work being conducted to develop a Youth Participation Guide for DFID staff, and is intended to inform a DFID Policy Briefing and a practical Guidance Note on addressing youth exclusion and unemployment.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311519/3083
4. An Assessment of the Role of Community Radio in Peacebuilding and Development: Case Studies in Liberia and Sierra Leone
This 2009 report details the results of an evaluation of 4 community radio stations in rural Sierra Leone and Liberia. The evaluation focused on areas still struggling to achieve meaningful development in a post-conflict setting and was designed to assess the relationships between drivers of development and community radio stations. The study found that community radio stations are significantly impacting development in their communities via relationships with local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The study included an analysis of current radio programming for its impact on local development processes, while an audience survey and focus groups were used to better understand audience perceptions and uses of local radio.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/310895/3083
5. Media in Pakistan: Between Radicalisation and Democratisation in an Unfolding Conflict
This document describes Pakistan’s media landscape in 2009, after 9 years of conflict, and focuses on the following: the political pressure and direct bans that media are sometimes subject to from the state; the relative independence and growth of media; the turn to sensationalism in print journalism as a result of competitive commercialisation; the slower growth of radio; the divide between English and Urdu media in this multi-linguistic, multi-ethnic, and class-divided society; and the effects of conflict on journalists. As stated here, though the Pakistani Constitution upholds the fundamentals for democracy and guarantees freedom of expression and the basic premise for media freedom, «the industry is subjected to many undemocratic and regressive laws and regulations…»
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312038/3083
6. Fambul Tok Reconciliation Project – Sierra Leone
Launched in 2008, Fambul Tok (Krio for «Family Talk») is a face-to-face community-owned programme that brings together perpetrators and victims of the violence in Sierra Leone’s civil war through ceremonies rooted in the local traditions of the villages that were affected. Fambul Tok is built on Sierra Leone’s tradition of discussing and resolving issues within the security of a family circle. Following the ceremonies, the programme continues to work with communities to organise activities to support and sustain the reconciliation process, such as radio listening clubs, football games, and creation of community farms.
Contact: John Caulker info@fambultok.org OR Libby Hoffman lhoffman@fambultok.org
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312008/3083
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INCLUSIVE POLITICS
http://www.comminit.com/en/section2/3083/3083%2C3087
This priority area is built around the understanding that political settlements «define how political and economic power is organised… Supporting inclusive settlements means understanding the incentives of the elites and identifying when and how to empower different actors to push for a broader settlement…» Addressing underlying power dynamics is important. «Support to democratic and political processes can help promote more inclusive decision-making.» – Building Peaceful States and Societies, DFID, page 7
7. Community-based Approaches to Peacebuilding in Conflict-affected and Fragile Contexts: Issues Paper
by Huma Haider
This 2009 paper explores community-based approaches (CBA) to peacebuilding in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, in order to answer: How can CBA foster resilience, providing survival and coping mechanisms for violence, insecurity, and fragility? The basic premise is that local communities are better placed to identify their shared needs and the actions necessary to meet them. Taking charge of these processes facilitates a sense of community ownership, which can contribute to the sustainability of interventions.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311815/3083
8. ICTs for Democracy: Information and Communication Technologies for the Enhancement of Democracy – with a Focus on Empowerment
This 2009 report examines the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for advancing democracy and empowerment, with a special focus on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study intends to offer evidence to Sida and other stakeholders in Swedish development cooperation – that is, to demonstrate that access to and strategic use of ICTs have the potential to help bring about economic development, poverty reduction, and democratisation – including freedom of speech, the free flow of information, and the promotion of human rights.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/308411/3083
9. CDD in the Context of Conflict-Affected Countries: Challenges and Opportunities
This 2006 paper from the World Bank reviews 13 case studies of countries affected by current or recent conflict that have specifically incorporated community-driven development (CDD) in their development efforts. Through semi-structured interviews with the managers of these CDD programmes, the report analyses the impact of CDD as a development option. It also extends current knowledge of the application of CDD approaches in conflict-affected environments by identifying common challenges and opportunities, drawing lessons learned from these operations, and disseminating the findings among donors and client governments.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311617/3083
10. The Kosovo Statebuilding Conundrum: Addressing Fragility in a Contested State
by Lucia Montanaro
This 2009 paper examines statebuilding in Kosovo, aiming to: deepen understanding of the factors and processes which have led to the fragilities in Kosovo; examine the role of international actors; and glean insights to improve international and local governance. The core message is that context needs to be taken as a starting point and that an inclusive, «bottom-up», conflict-sensitive approach is necessary. The paper argues that the consolidation of a resilient state requires «a deep bond between government and people, and that this in turn requires the explicit construction of basic social capital and enhanced political participation.»
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312257/3083
11. Citizens’ Voice and Accountability: Understanding What Works and Doesn’t Work in Donor Approaches
by Alina Rocha Menocal and Bhavna Sharma
This 2009 Policy Brief summarises the synthesis report from a project that looked at what works and what does not work – and why/why not – in donor support to citizens’ voice and accountability interventions. It shares insights from a project, Evaluation of Citizens’ Voice and Accountability, which was conducted from October 2006 through February 2009 in an effort to examine the relationship between the state and its people – in particular, the relationship between citizens’ capacity to express their voices and claim their rights and government accountability.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311231/3083
12. The Impact of the BBC World Service Trust’s Afghan Woman’s Hour: Results from a National Survey in Afghanistan
by Anurudra Bhanot and Emily LeRoux-Rutledge
This 2009 report is an evaluation of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service Trust (WST) radio project Afghan Woman’s Hour, which seeks to empower women by broadcasting programming on gender issues. Broadcast since January 2005, the weekly magazine format aims to help Afghan women explore new ideas, find solutions to their problems, and participate more fully in the rebuilding of their country. A group of 20 BBC-WST-trained female journalists from all over the country gather original stories, conduct interviews, and record folkloric songs.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/305109/3083
13. Mbariza Ntore – Burundi
Mbariza Ntore (Kirundi for «inform us so that we can vote») is a media support project of the Dutch NGO La Benevolencija, set up with a total of 18 different media houses in Burundi. The project is working to enhance the capacity of citizens to better understand the conditions in which they are being invited to fulfill their political rights. Goals include: assuring political space, avoiding political hostilities, and making elections understandable to citizens.
Contact: Johan Deflander labenevolencija@gmail.com
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311606/3083
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JOIN A DISCUSSION on FRAGILE STATES
http://groups.comminit.com/node/311446/fragilestates/
This is a space for people involved in Fragile States communication and media action and thinking to share experiences and review challenges and lessons learned in support of each others’ work.
JOIN by registering (if not already registered) and clicking «Join» at http://groups.comminit.com/node/311446/fragilestates/
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PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS
http://www.comminit.com/en/section2/3083/3083%2C3088
«International actors should be careful not to make assumptions about the expectations of different groups in society, and must recognise that public goods are often delivered in ways that maintain an exclusionary political settlement. Public expectations that are high priority in many fragile contexts include jobs and growth, delivery of basic services (including security and justice), human rights, and democratic processes.» – Building Peaceful States and Societies, DFID, page 7
14. Media and democracy in fragile states: the promises and problems of policy relevant research
by James Deane
In the words of blogger James Deane: «Earlier this month, we worked with the Institute of Development Studies in the UK to organize a research symposium on media and democracy in fragile states. The idea was to bring a small group of serious development thinkers and thinktanks from different disciplines together with some renowned media researchers – and practitioners like ourselves. Our aim was to discuss what a more serious and robust research agenda on media and democracy might look like. The focus was especially on developing countries where democracy and governance is fragile…»
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/284655/bbc
15. Monitoring the Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations
This website is dedicated to providing relevant tools, materials, and support for the «National Coordinators and International Focal Points» who are implementing the 2009 «Survey on Monitoring the Fragile States Principles», ten Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/310167/3083
16. Civil Society and Development: How DFID Works in Partnership with Civil Society to Deliver the Millennium Development Goals
This 2006 paper sets out DFID’s approach to working in partnership with civil society and aims to: 1) look at the role of civil society in development and identify the key areas where DFID is working with and through civil society to reduce poverty; and 2) set out the range of mechanisms for working with and supporting civil society in these areas. DFID works with civil society through: building voice and accountability; providing services and humanitarian assistance; and promoting awareness and understanding of development.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312447/3083
17. Governance and Citizenship from Below: Views of Poor and Excluded Groups and Their Vision for a New Nepal
by Nicola Jones
This Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Working Paper is a synthesis of a 2007 participatory governance assessment on governance and state-citizen relations as experienced by economically poor and excluded groups. It seeks to contribute by offering a window on grassroots citizens’ views on the key priorities to tackle in Nepal’s early post-conflict era, exploring economically poor and excluded groups’ vision for a new Nepal.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311463/3083
18. The Changing Face of Local Government? Community Development Councils in Afghanistan
by Hamish Nixon
This 2008 working paper from the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) explores the role that Community Development Councils (CDCs) play. Based on findings from research on subnational governance in Afghanistan, the report demonstrates that CDCs have made a significant contribution to the welfare and representation of community members. As explained here, the creation of CDCs under the National Solidarity Programme (NSP) has «introduced a dramatic change in the development resources available to many communities» in Afghanistan.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311660/3083
19. Radio for Peace, Democracy, and Development in Sudan – Sudan
Launched in 2006 by Internews, this project works to support the creation and development of community radio stations in South Sudan. The stations aim to provide news and information about the peace and reconstruction process and to give voice to thousands of Sudanese who live in remote areas of Sudan and who have little access to media following the end of the 22-year civil war in 2005. Through programming and journalist exchanges, the project also seeks to contribute to the reconciliation process.
Contact: Gordon Mangum info@internews.org
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/307966/3083
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STATE FUNCTIONS
http://www.comminit.com/en/section2/3083/3083%2C3089
«Security, law and justice, and financial and macroeconomic management are essential. States also need a minimum level of administrative capacity to deliver basic functions. This objective focuses on the importance of accountability within each function to ensure that states become responsive rather than repressive. Support for these core functions should involve working with both state and non-state actors, as appropriate.» – Building Peaceful States and Societies, DFID, page 7
20. Society in State-building: Lessons in Improving Democratic Governance: Synthesis Report
by Edward Bell
By directing attention to interactions between state and society, this 2009 report aims to help external agencies and fragile and conflict-affected states generate a culture of democratic politics. Drawing on analyses of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Georgia, and Pakistan, the paper recommends capitalising on the potential of development assistance to improve governance – in particular, by using the processes for defining development strategies to widen and deepen ownership by society as a whole.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311970/3083
21. Building the State and Securing the Peace: Emerging Policy Paper
This 2009 DFID policy paper sets out the strategic framework for its engagement in situations of conflict and fragility, and its operational implications. It outlines an integrated approach to state-building and peace-building, presenting the operational implications of this approach – with case study examples from emerging practice, preliminary results, and a summary of key lessons – based on the premise that «building peaceful states and societies is at the heart of achieving lasting poverty reduction in highly fragile environments.»
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/310513/3083
22. Peacebuilding and Statebuilding: An Invitation for Reflection – Interpeace’s Experiences
by Koenraad Van Brabant
This 2008 paper examines the experience of the organisation Interpeace in statebuilding – with a focus on state-society relations as the core concept of state formation. A key insight to emerge from Interpeace’s 15 years of experience in war-torn societies is that building democratic culture to support long-term socio-political negotiations is the most effective means of securing peace and building strong states.
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/311742/3083
23. Strengthening Women’s Citizenship in the Context of State-Building: The Experience of Sierra Leone
by Clare Castillejo
Based on field research in Sierra Leone, this 2009 working paper examines how processes of post-conflict state-building have redrawn the boundaries of authority between the formal state and customary governance systems, and provided new citizenship opportunities for women. The document concludes that: «[I]t is important that strengthening women’s rights and participation are explicit aims built into all governance policies and strategies from the initial stages of peace-building, through to democratisation and institution-building and strengthening…»
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/312521/3083
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This issue of The Drum Beat was written by Julie Levy.
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The Drum Beat is the email and web network of The Communication Initiative Partnership – ANDI, BBC World Service Trust, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Calandria, CFSC Consortium, CIDA, DFID, FAO, Fundación Nuevo Periodismo Iberoamericano, Ford Foundation, Healthlink Worldwide, Inter-American Development Bank, International Institute for Communication and Development, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs, MISA, PAHO, The Panos Institute, The Rockefeller Foundation, SAfAIDS, Sesame Workshop, Soul City, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, WHO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Chair of the Partners Group: Garth Japhet, Founder, Soul City garth@heartlines.org.za
Executive Director: Warren Feek wfeek@comminit.com
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The Editor of The Drum Beat is Kier Olsen DeVries.
Please send material for The Drum Beat to The CI’s Editorial Director – Deborah Heimann dheimann@comminit.com
The Drum Beat seeks to cover the full range of communication for development activities. Inclusion of an item does not imply endorsement or support by The Partners.
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