ID
21308

Title
Access to and governance of rural services

Subtitle
Agricultural extension and drinking water supply in Ethiopia

Author
Mogues, Tewodaj
Cohen, Marc J.
Birner, Regina
Lemma, Mamusha
Randriamamonjy, Josee
Tadesse, Fanaye
Paulos, Zelekawork

Place
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2009

Physical Description
4 p.

Record Type
Brief

Series
ESSP-II Policy Brief

LOC Descriptors
economic growth
Agricultural extension
rural water supply
Agricultural development
drinking water
growth options
Development strategies
service delivery
accountability
Water resources

Abstract
This study investigated access to agricultural extension and rural water supply and assessed strategies to improve the provision of these services by strengthening accountability. The study paid special attention to the gender dimension of service delivery. The research was conducted in eight districts located in seven administrative regions of Ethiopia, combining quantitative surveys with a qualitative case study approach. Empirical findings show that access to safe drinking water is rather low: 32% of the surveyed households use safe drinking water sources, and the average time to fetch water from safe sources during the dry season ranged from 29 minutes to 82 minutes. Agricultural extension services were relatively accessible, but there were differences in access between men and women, and particularly stark differences across the survey sites in different regions. Farmers’ satisfaction with extension services was very high, but only 8 percent of the sampled farmers had adopted any new practices in the past two years.

When Cataloged
12/15/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
ESSP
DSGD
GRP-32
GRP-22

Record Created
12/15/2009

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/access-and-governance-rural-services

AgroVoc Descriptors
ETHIOPIA
EAST AFRICA
AFRICA
AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA

Date Modified
12/16/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

Download Size
272K

Series Number
1

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/essppb01.pdf




ID
20975

Title
Achieving inclusive agricultural growth

Author
Birner, Regina
Mogues, Tewodaj
Akramov, Kamiljon T.
Cudjoe, Godsway
Asante, Felix Ankomah

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2007

Physical Description
6 p.

Record Type
Brief

Series
Discussion Brief

LOC Descriptors
Agricultural growth
Smallholder production
Decentralization

Abstract
Agriculture is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, and this sector needs to play a key role if Ghana is to achieve the goal of becoming a middle income country by 2015. Despite its impressive progress in economic growth and poverty reduction, Ghana—like many other African countries—has had rather limited success in increasing smallholder agricultural production by enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Why? Like other countries, Ghana has to meet three challenges in selecting and implementing policies and programs for inclusive agricultural growth: the political feasibility challenge, the administrative feasibility challenge, and the fiscal feasibility challenge. This brief discusses options for overcoming these three challenges, and the role that current decentralization reforms can play in this regard.

When Cataloged
5/11/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
GSSP
DSGD
Theme 6
Subtheme 6.2
GRP-32

Record Created
5/11/2009

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/achieving-inclusive-agricultural-growth

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/themes/gssp/pubs/gsspbrief02.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
GHANA
WEST AFRICA
AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA

Date Modified
12/18/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

Download Size
164K

Series Number
2

RelatedPub URL
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/smallholder-agriculture-ghana
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/aiming-middle-income-country-status

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gsspbrief02.pdf




ID
20723

Class
IFPRIDP00844

Title
Agricultural strategy development in West Africa

Subtitle
The false promise of participation?

Author
Resnick, Danielle
Birner, Regina

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2008

Physical Description
16 p.

Record Type
Discussion paper

Series
IFPRI Discussion Paper

LOC Descriptors
Agricultural and rural development strategies
Policy process
Participation
Representative democracy
Governance

Abstract
"Participatory approaches are an increasingly prominent technique for designing agricultural strategies within Sub-Saharan Africa. However, such approaches are frequently criticized for either not involving enough stakeholders or limiting the scope of their participation. By analyzing the role of stakeholder participation in the formulation of agricultural and rural development strategies in West Africa, this paper finds that a lack of broad-based participation in these strategies was not a major problem. Rather, the real challenge lies in transforming the outcomes of participatory processes into policies that can be feasibly implemented. The paper highlights why an emphasis on participatory processes can sometimes result in disappointment among stakeholders and discusses a range of measures to help overcome this dilemma. " --from authors' abstract

Notes
Effective January 2007, the Discussion Paper series within each division and the Director General’s Office of IFPRI were merged into one IFPRI-wide Discussion Paper series. The new series begins with number 689, reflecting the prior publication of 688 discussion papers within the dispersed series. The earlier series are available on IFPRI’s website at www.ifpri.org/pubs/otherpubs.htm#dp.
Theme 5 and Sub-theme 5.2

When Cataloged
1/8/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
DSGD
GRP-37

Bar Code
IFPRIDP00844

Record Created
1/8/2009

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/dp/ifpridp00844.asp

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/dp/IFPRIDP00844.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
WEST AFRICA
AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA

Date Modified
9/10/2009

Last Updated By
iyerramareddy

Download Size
106K

Series Number
844

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp00844.pdf




ID
21326

Title
Agricultural strategy development in West Africa

Subtitle
The false promise of participation?

Author
Resnick, Danielle
Birner, Regina

Source
Development Policy Review 28(1): 97-115

Pub Date
2009

Record Type
Journal article

LOC Descriptors
Agriculture
agricultural strategy
Development

When Cataloged
12/18/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-3
PR
ISI
FCND

Record Created
12/18/2009

Date Modified
12/18/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.2010.00476.x




ID
13149

Class
EPTD DP 140

Title
Analysis for biotechnology innovations using Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Author
Nicholas A. Linacre
Gaskell, Joanne
Rosegrant, Mark W.
Falck-Zepeda, Jose´ Benjamin
Quemada, Hector
Halsey, Mark
Birner, Regina

Place
Washington, D. C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2005

Physical Description
39 p.

Record Type
Discussion paper

Series
EPTD Discussion Paper

LOC Descriptors
Risk
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Genetically modified organisms
Living modified organisms
biotechnology
Environmental risk

Abstract
" Meeting the food needs of the world’s growing population while reducing poverty and protecting the environment is a major global challenge. Genetically modified crops appear to provide a promising option to deal with this challenge. However there is a need to make strategic decisions on how to spend limited agricultural research funds in order to achieve a maximum impact with regard to finding sustainable solutions to end hunger and poverty. In international development institutions, there is growing interest in the potential use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as part of a research based Environmental Management System (EMS) to promote mainstreaming of environmental considerations in policy development. SEA was developed as an approach to integrate environmental considerations at a policy level, where alternatives environmental policies can be evaluated. In this paper, we propose using SEA in a policy research and priority setting process regarding new technologies, taking the development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) as an example. We propose that this method would be a useful tool for the international agricultural research centers of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), streamlining business processes, strengthening accountability, sharpening the research agenda it supports, fostering broader partnerships, and increasing the relevance and impact of CGIAR research in achieving international development goals. Currently international law requires only Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) of specific biotechnology projects. The incorporation of environmental considerations only at the level of specific projects precludes the adoption of alternative environmental policies. In this review, we outline an SEA approach currently being considered at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) for use in evaluating biotechnology policies. SEA may be a useful tool to inform the evaluation of biotechnology policies and priorities by taking account of information on the economic, social, and environmental benefits, cost and risks of adopting those policies." -- Authors' Abstract

When Cataloged
8/18/2005

When Approved
9/2/2005

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
EPTD
PBS
Theme 10
GRP-34
Subtheme 10.3

Bar Code
EPTDDP140

Record Created
8/18/2005

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/analysis-biotechnology-innovations-using-strategic-environmental-assessment-sea

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/eptd/dp/papers/eptdp140.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
CROPS
RESEARCH
SUSTAINABILITY
POVERTY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
BIOTECHNOLOGY

Date Modified
11/23/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

IFPRI Theme
Pro-poor science and technology policies

Download Size
357K

Series Number
140

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/eptdp140.pdf




ID
18966

Title
Better public sector governance through partnership with the private sector and civil society: the case of Guatemala’s forest administration

Author
Birner, Regina
Wittmer, Heidi

Source
International Review of Administrative Sciences 72(4): 459-472

Pub Date
2006

Record Type
Journal article

LOC Descriptors
Public sector
Governance
Civil society
Forest administration
Public-private partnerships

When Cataloged
1/11/2007

IFPRI Descriptors
PR
ISI
DSGD
IFPRI-3

Record Created
1/11/2007

AgroVoc Descriptors
ADMINISTRATION
GUATEMALA
CENTRAL AMERICA

Date Modified
1/11/2007

Last Updated By
EDUMONT




ID
13431

Class
CAPRi WP37

Title
Between conservationism, eco-populism and developmentalism

Subtitle
discourses in biodiversity policy in Thailand and Indonesia

Author
Wittmer, Heidi
Birner, Regina

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2005

Physical Description
29 p.

Record Type
Working paper

Series
CAPRi working paper

LOC Descriptors
south east asia
East and Southeast Asia
Protected areas
Environmental management

Abstract
"The present paper analyzes the role of discourse in conflicts concerning nature conservation in tropical countries. We focus on the contested question as to whether and to which extent local communities should be allowed to live and use resources inside protected areas. Applying the concepts of belief-systems, story-lines and discourse coalitions, we analyze two empirical case studies dealing with this conflict: The first case study is concerned with a policy process at the national level that aimed at passing a community forestry law in Thailand to make the establishment of community forests in protected areas possible. The second case study deals with the proposed resettlement of a village from the Lore Lindu National Park in Sulawesi, Indonesia. In both cases, three discourses could be observed: a conservationist discourse, an eco-populist discourse, and a developmentalist discourse. The case studies show that the conservationists and the developmentalists were able to form a discourse coalition, which was challenged by the proponents of the eco-populist discourse. The analysis also demonstrates that establishing story-lines in the discourse can lead to the neglect of facts and problems that do not fit in either discourse. The paper draws attention to the role of science in the different discourses and concludes that scientists should become more aware of the role they play in the different discourses." -- Author's Abstract

When Cataloged
9/7/2005

When Approved
10/4/2005

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-2
EPTD
CAPRi

Bar Code
CAPRiWP37

Record Created
9/7/2005

HTML
http://www.capri.cgiar.org/wp/capriwp37.asp

PDF_OLD
http://www.capri.cgiar.org/pdf/capriwp37.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
ASIA
INDONESIA
THAILAND
NATURAL RESOURCES
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
COMMUNAL FORESTS
NATIONAL PARKS
RURAL SETTLEMENT
BIODIVERSITY
GENETIC RESOURCES

Date Modified
11/23/2007

Last Updated By
IYERRAMAREDDY

OCLC Number
61213920

IFPRI Topic
Environment and Natural Resource Management

Download Size
294K

Series Number
37




ID
10734

Class
CAPRi WP13

Title
Between market failure, policy failure and “community failure”

Subtitle
property rights, crop-livestock conflicts and the adoption of sustainable land use practices in the dry zone of Sri Lanka

Author
Birner, Regina
Gunaweera, Hasantha

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2001

Record Type
Working paper

Series
CAPRi working paper

Abstract
Using the case of the semi-arid zone of Southern Sri Lanka as an example, the paper shows that crop damages caused by grazing livestock can constitute an important obstacle to the adoption of available technologies for more sustainable land use. The paper considers crop damages as an externality problem and shows that the classical solutions to externalities — the neo-liberal, the interventionist solution and the communitarian solution — cannot be applied in the Sri Lankan case due to market failure, government failure and “community failure.” The paper discusses collective action and bargaining between organized interest groups as an alternative solution and analyses the conditions which make such a solution work. The paper concludes that - in the Sri Lankan case - a decentralized system of government, a preferential voting system creating incentives for politicians, an institutionalized negotiation platform, and the facilitating role of intermediaries favored this solution.

When Cataloged
11/27/2002

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-2
CAPRi
EPTD

Bar Code
CAPRi WP 13

Record Created
11/27/2002

HTML
http://www.capri.cgiar.org/wp/capriwp13.asp

PDF_OLD
http://www.capri.cgiar.org/pdf/capriwp13.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
SRI LANKA
SOUTH ASIA
SEMIARID ZONES
CROP LOSSES
LIVESTOCK
GRAZING
LAND USE
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
COLLECTIVIZATION
DECENTRALIZATION
STATE INTERVENTION

Date Modified
11/23/2007

Last Updated By
IYERRAMAREDDY

OCLC Number
55223841

IFPRI Topic
Environment and Natural Resource Management

Download Size
191K

Series Number
13




ID
20007

Title
Biofortified foods and crops in West Africa

Subtitle
Mali and Burkina Faso

Author
Birner, Regina
Kone, Sanibé Abel
Nicholas A. Linacre
Resnick, Danielle

Source
AgBioForum 10(3): 192-200

Pub Date
2007

Record Type
Journal article

LOC Descriptors
General Biofortification
Genetically modified crops
Micronutrient deficiencies

When Cataloged
2/14/2008

IFPRI Descriptors
HarvestPlus
IFPRI-3
DSGD
PR
ISI
GRP-37
Theme 5

Record Created
2/14/2008

HTML
http://www.agbioforum.org/v10n3/v10n3a09-birner.htm

PDF_OLD
http://www.agbioforum.org/v10n3/v10n3a09-birner.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
BURKINA FASO
MALI
WEST AFRICA

Date Modified
9/10/2009

Last Updated By
aarora




ID
18691

Class
A-0438

Title
Capturing the complexity of water uses and water users within a multi-agent framework

Author
Berger, Thomas
Birner, Regina
McCarthy, Nancy
Diaz, José
Wittmer, Heidi

Source
Water Resources Management Online. 29 September 2006

Pub Date
2006

Record Type
Journal article

Abstract
"Due to the hydrological and socio-economic complexity of water use within river basins and even sub-basins, it is a considerable challenge to manage water resources in an efficient, equitable and sustainable way. This paper shows that multi-agent simulation (MAS) is a promising approach to better understand the complexity of water uses and water users within sub-basins. This approach is especially suitable to take the collective action into account when simulating the outcome of technical innovation and policy change. A case study from Chile is used as an example to demonstrate the potential of the MAS framework. Chile has played a pioneering role in water policy reform by privatizing water rights and promoting trade in such rights, devolving irrigation management authority to user groups, and privatizing the provision of irrigation infrastructure. The paper describes the different components of a MAS model developed for four micro-watersheds in the Maule river basin. Preliminary results of simulation experiments are presented, which show the impacts of technical change and of informal rental markets on household income and water use efficiency. The paper also discusses how the collective action problems in water markets and in small-scale and large-scale infrastructure provision can be captured by the MAS model. To promote the use of the MAS approach for planning purposes, a collaborative research and learning framework has been established, with a recently created multi-stakeholder platform at the regional level (Comisión Regional de Recursos Hidricos) as the major partner. Finally, the paper discusses the potentials of using MAS models for water resources management, such as increasing transparency as an aspect of good governance. The challenges, for example the need to build trust in the model, are discussed as well." -- Publisher's Abstract

Notes
Diaz, José DCA Chile

When Cataloged
10/13/2006

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-3
EPTD
DSGD
Theme 3
Subtheme 3.1
DCA
PR

Bar Code
A0438

Record Created
10/13/2006

Date Modified
3/2/2007

Last Updated By
EDUMONT

DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11269-006-9045-z

IFPRI Theme
Managing natural resources




ID
19913

Title
Choosing policy instruments to reduce poverty and hunger

Subtitle
Is it possible to overcome the feasibility dilemma?

Author
Birner, Regina

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2007

Physical Description
4 p.

Record Type
2020 Vision Focus
Brief

Series
2020 Vision Focus Brief

LOC Descriptors
Poverty reduction
Hunger
Public investments
infrastructure
Feasibility challenges

Notes
2020 Focus Briefs on the World's Poor and Hungry People

When Cataloged
1/11/2008

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
2020
DSGD

Record Created
1/10/2008

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/2020Chinaconference/pdf/beijingbrief_birner2.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
ASIA
AFRICA
LATIN AMERICA

Date Modified
8/27/2009

Last Updated By
PSHELTON

Download Size
420K

Series Number
Special Edition

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/beijingbrief_birner2.pdf




ID
20831

Title
Co-management of protected areas

Subtitle
A case study from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Author
Birner, Regina
Mappatoba, Marhawati

Source
In Conserving and valuing ecosystem services and biodiversity: Economic, institutional and social challenges, ed. K. N. Ninan. Chapter 13.

Place
London

Publisher
Earthscan

Pub Date
2008

Record Type
Book chapter

LOC Descriptors
Ecosystem management
Biodiversity

When Cataloged
2/27/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
PR
DSGD
IFPRI-4

Record Created
2/27/2009

HTML
http://www.earthscan.co.uk/?TabId=34100&v=431023

AgroVoc Descriptors
INDONESIA
SOUTH EAST ASIA
SULAWESI

Date Modified
2/27/2009

Last Updated By
IYERRAMAREDDY




ID
20099

Class
IFPRIDP00754

Title
Decentralization, local government elections and voter turnout in Pakistan

Author
Akramov, Kamiljon T.
Qureshi, Sarfraz
Birner, Regina
Khan, Bilal Hasan

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2008

Physical Description
40 p.

Record Type
Discussion paper

Series
IFPRI Discussion Paper

LOC Descriptors
Decentralization
local government elections
political participation
voter turnout
Public service provision
Governance

Abstract
"Decentralization has the potential to improve the accountability of government and lead to a more efficient provision of public services. However, accountability requires broad groups of people to participate in local government. Thus, voter turnout at local government elections is an important component of government accountability. This study used survey data on the 2005 local government elections in Pakistan to analyze the impact of electoral mechanisms, the credibility of elections, and voters’ socioeconomic characteristics on voter turnout. The rational-choice perspective is applied to develop the specifications of the empirical model. The empirical analysis is based on a series of standard and multilevel random-intercept logistic models. Our important findings reveal that (1) voter turnout is strongly associated with the personal and social gratifications people derive from voting; (2) the preference-matching ability of candidates for local government positions is marginal; and (3) the introduction of direct elections of the district nazims—a key position in local government—might improve electoral participation and thus create a precondition for better local government accountability. The findings also suggest that less educated people, farmers, and rural people are more likely to vote." -- Authors' Abstract

Notes
Effective January 2007, the Discussion Paper series within each division and the Director General’s Office of IFPRI were merged into one IFPRI-wide Discussion Paper series. The new series begins with number 689, reflecting the prior publication of 688 discussion papers within the dispersed series. The earlier series are available on IFPRI’s website at www.ifpri.org/pubs/otherpubs.htm#dp.
Sarfraz Qureshi, DCA Pakistan
Bilal Hasan Khan, DCA Pakistan

When Cataloged
3/10/2008

IFPRI Descriptors
DCA
IFPRI-1
DSGD
Theme 5
Subtheme 5.2
GRP-37

Bar Code
IFPRIDP00754

Record Created
3/10/2008

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/decentralization-local-government-elections-and-voter-turnout-pakistan

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/dp/IFPRIDP00754.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
PAKISTAN
SOUTH ASIA
ASIA

Date Modified
12/4/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

OCLC Number
316982410
311864512

Download Size
368K

Series Number
754

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp00754.pdf




ID
14064

Class
DSG DP30

Title
Does good governance contribute to pro-poor growth?

Subtitle
a review of the evidence from cross-country studies

Author
Resnick, Danielle
Birner, Regina

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2006

Physical Description
54 p.

Record Type
Discussion paper

Series
DSGD Discussion Paper

LOC Descriptors
Governance
Pro-poor growth
Cross-country studies
Growth-poverty linkages
Poverty reduction
Inequality
Decision-making
Monitoring development outcomes

Abstract
"Even though both “good governance” and “pro-poor growth” have become important concepts in development thinking and practice, studies that assess to which extent and how good governance contributes to pro-poor growth are still relatively scarce. After reviewing the two concepts, this paper develops a conceptual framework that specifies the linkages between different aspects of governance and pro-poor growth. Using this framework, the paper reviews a range of quantitative cross-country studies that include measures of governance as independent variables and focuses on the dependent variable in at least two of the three dimensions of pro-poor growth: poverty, inequality, and growth. The review shows that governance indicators that capture a sound decision-making environment for investment and policy implementation, such as political stability and rule of law, are associated with growth but provide mixed results in regard to poverty reduction. On the other hand, governance indicators that refer to transparent political systems, such as civil liberties and political freedom, tend to be conducive for poverty reduction, but the evidence is rather mixed, and the relationship of these variables with growth remains unclear. The paper discusses the methodological challenges inherent in this literature and suggests areas for future research." -- Authors' Abstract

When Cataloged
3/24/2006

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
DSGD
ReSAKSS

Bar Code
DSGDP30

Record Created
3/24/2006

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/dsgd/dp/dsgdp30.asp

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/dsgd/dp/papers/dsgdp30.pdf

Date Modified
8/27/2009

Last Updated By
PSHELTON

IFPRI Theme
Governance structures and policy processes

IFPRI Topic
Poverty Reduction

Download Size
409K

Series Number
30

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/dsgdp30.pdf




ID
21094

Class
IFPRIDP00878

Title
The effects of political reservations for women on local governance and rural service provision

Author
Raabe, Katharina
Sekher, Madhushree
Birner, Regina

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2009

Physical Description
75 p.

Record Type
Discussion paper

Series
IFPRI Discussion Paper

LOC Descriptors
Gender
Decentralization
Local governance
Rural service provision
Affirmative action
Governance
Women

Abstract
"In 1993, India introduced quota-based political reservations for women in rural areas with the objective to promote gender equality in human development by making rural service provision and local governance inclusive and responsive to the needs of women. Recent evidence shows that reservation policies for women (1) stimulate the political participation of women in rural areas, (2) shift rural service provision to public goods that reflect gender preferences, and (3) improve the access to and the quality of public services. Despite the suggested positive effects of women’s reservation policies on service provision and local governance, the gender bias in human development is still pronounced. This casts doubt on the effectiveness of reservation policies as an instrument for making rural service provision and local governance more gender equitable and raises questions about the nature and direction of the major constraints.
This paper aims to qualify and quantify the role of political reservation policies for women as a determinant of rural service provision and local governance and seeks to identify the social, economic, and institutional factors that constrain effective local governance and rural service provision beyond the women’s reservation effect. Our empirical sample consists of 80 Gram Panchayats (GP) and 966 households in 12 districts in Karnataka in 2006. In contrast to the main existing literature, the empirical evidence from (non-)linear probability models lends weak support to the existence of gender effects of reservation policies on local governance and rural service provision. The local governance and service delivery outcomes are predominantly determined by social, economic, and institutional factors that are unrelated to women’s reservation requirements. For example, (1) individual characteristics such as literacy, household institutional and political linkages, or the household location in the GP and (2) GP-specific factors such as the degree of community involvement in service provision and the fiscal devolution of activities are more likely to have a significant effect on service provision and governance than reservation policies for women.
These results suggest that women’s reservation policies per se are insufficient means for making rural service provision and local governance more inclusive and gender equitable. In addition, it appears that gender-integrated policy approaches that are targeted at both women and men are needed." --from authors' abstract

Notes
Effective January 2007, the Discussion Paper series within each division and the Director General’s Office of IFPRI were merged into one IFPRI-wide Discussion Paper series. The new series begins with number 689, reflecting the prior publication of 688 discussion papers within the dispersed series. The earlier series are available on IFPRI’s website at www.ifpri.org/pubs/otherpubs.htm#dp.
Theme 5 and Sub-theme 5.2
Madhushree Sekher, Associate Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai

When Cataloged
7/20/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
DSGD
GRP-37

Bar Code
IFPRIDP00878

Record Created
7/20/2009

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/dp/ifpridp00878.asp

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/dp/IFPRIDP00878.pdf

Date Modified
9/10/2009

Last Updated By
iyerramareddy

Download Size
440K

Series Number
878

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp00878.pdf




ID
19141

Title
Emergence, adoption, and implementation of collaborative wildlife parnerships in Kenya

Subtitle
A look at conditions for success

Author
Mburu, John
Birner, Regina

Source
Society and Natural Resources 20(5): 379-395

Pub Date
2007

Record Type
Journal article

LOC Descriptors
Incentives
Kenya
africa
East Africa
Wildlife
Wildlife partnerships
Conditions for comanagement

Abstract
"This article explores the factors that contribute to the emergence and adoption of wildlife partnerships in Kenya. This is a management approach based on the concept of collaborative management (comanagement). In addition, the article analyzes two case studies and examines how successful the implementation of partnership projects has been in terms of stewardship, distributional aspects, and fulfilling conservation interests. The key factors found to favor wildlife partnerships include enabling policies, the presence of organizational capacity within user groups, and the access of local communities to benefits from wildlife through land ownership. Furthermore, it was found that the approach has had mixed success because important challenges emerged from its implementation. The article concludes by highlighting several implications for the future of wildlife partnerships in Kenya." -- Authors' Abstract

When Cataloged
4/17/2007

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-3
DSGD
PR
ISI

Record Created
4/17/2007

PDF_OLD
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a773458769~db=jour~order=page

Date Modified
2/26/2008

Last Updated By
ASEGOVIA

DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08941920701211645




ID
20008

Title
Empirische erfahrungen mit der organisation interdisziplinärer umweltforschung [Empirical experience with the organization of interdisciplinary environmental research]

Author
Schuchardt, Bastian
Birner, Regina
Osthorst, Winfried
Bildstein, Tim

Source
Zeitschrift für Angewandte Umweltforschung (ZAU) / Journal of Environmental Research 18 (2): 172-186

Pub Date
2007

Record Type
Journal article

LOC Descriptors
Research

When Cataloged
2/14/2008

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-3
DSGD
PR
GRP-37
Theme 5

Record Created
2/14/2008

HTML
http://www.zau-net.de/zau_aktuell/zau_aktuell.html

PDF_OLD
http://www.zau-net.de/ZAUarchiv/laufende_ausgaben/zusammenfassungen/ZAU_Jg18_schuchardt-birner-osthorst-bildstein_EmpirischeErfahrungen.pdf

Date Modified
2/14/2008

Last Updated By
IYERRAMAREDDY




ID
14096

Title
From "best practice" to "best fit"

Subtitle
a framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services

Author
Birner, Regina
Davis, Kristin
Pender, John
Nkonya, Ephraim
Anandajayasekeram, P
Ekboir, Javier
Mbabu, Adiel N.
Spielman, David J.
Horna, Daniela
Benin, Samuel
Kisamba-Mugerwa, Wilberforce

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2006

Physical Description
4 p.

Record Type
Brief

Series
Research Brief

LOC Descriptors
Agricultural extension work
Pro-poor growth
Capacity strengthening
Land management

Abstract
"Agricultural advisory services play an important role in supporting the use of the agricultural sector as an engine of pro-poor growth and enabling small farmers to meet new challenges, such as accessing export markets, adopting environmentally sustainable production techniques, and coping with HIV/AIDS and other health challenges that affect agriculture...There is now renewed interest in agricultural advisory services in many countries.... The questions under debate include: What should be the roles of the public sector, private sector, and civil society? How can we ensure that agricultural advisory services are demand-driven and meet the diverse information needs of farmers? How can advisory services be made efficient and financially sustainable? How can we ensure that female farmers, the poor, and other marginalized groups have access to agricultural advisory services?" -- from Authors' Summary

Notes
This brief is based on the paper, “From Best Practice to Best Fit: A Framework for Analyzing Agricultural Advisory Services Worldwide,” which was presented at an IFPRI seminar on December 15, 2005.
The Research Brief (1-12) series name has been changed to IFPRI Note in 2008.
IFPRI Note has been reverted to Research Brief in 2008 except IFPRI Note 13 and IFPRI Note 14.

When Cataloged
4/11/2006

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
ISNAR
Addis
DSGD
EPTD
CRO
Theme 5

Record Created
4/11/2006

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/PUBS/ib/rb04.asp

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/ib/rb04.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
EVALUATION
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Date Modified
9/1/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.2499/BestFitIBRB04

IFPRI Theme
Governance structures and policy processes

IFPRI Topic
Capacity Strengthening

Download Size
61K

Series Number
4

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/rb04.pdf




ID
17705

Class
EPTD DP 155

Title
From "best practice" to "best fit"

Subtitle
a framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services worldwide

Author
Birner, Regina
Davis, Kristin
Pender, John
Nkonya, Ephraim
Anandajayasekeram, P
Ekboir, Javier
Mbabu, Adiel N.
Spielman, David J.
Horna, Daniela
Benin, Samuel
Cohen, Marc J.

Place
Washington, D.C.

Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Pub Date
2006

Physical Description
121 p.

Record Type
Discussion paper

Series
DSGD Discussion Paper
EPTD Discussion Paper
FCND Discussion Paper
ISNAR Discussion Paper

LOC Descriptors
Agricultural extension work
Pro-poor growth
Capacity strengthening
Land management

Abstract
The paper develops a framework for the design and analysis of pluralistic agricultural advisory services and reviews research methods from different disciplines that can be used when applying the framework. Agricultural advisory services are defined in the paper as the entire set of organizations that support and facilitate people engaged in agricultural production to solve problems and to obtain information, skills and technologies to improve their livelihoods and well-being... To classify pluralistic agricultural advisory services, the paper distinguishes between organizations from the public, the private and the third sector that can be involved in (a) providing and (b) financing of agricultural advisory services. The framework for analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services presented in the paper addresses the need for analytical approaches that help policy-makers to identify those reform options that best fit country-specific frame conditions. Thus, the paper supports a shift from a “one-size-fits-all” to a “best fit” approach in the reform of public services... Based on a review of the literature, the paper presents a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches derived from different disciplines that can be applied when using the framework in empirical research projects. The disciplines include agricultural and institutional economics, communication theory, adult education, and public administration and management. The paper intends to inform researchers as well as practitioners, policy-makers and development partners who are interested in supporting evidence-based reform of agricultural advisory services.

Notes
The framework was presented at the annual meeting of the Neuchâtel Initiative in Berlin on November 8-10, 2005; an IFPRI seminar on December 15, 2005; a meeting on agricultural extension in Africa organized by the World Bank and the Natural Resources Institute (University of Greenwich) in London on January 6, 2006.
Also available at:
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/eptd/dp/eptdp155.asp;
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/fcnd/dp/fcndp210.asp;
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/isnar/dp/isnardp05.asp

When Cataloged
8/10/2006

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-1
ISNAR
Addis
DSGD
EPTD
CRO
Theme 5
Subtheme 5.2

Bar Code
EPTDP155

Record Created
8/9/2006

HTML
http://www.ifpri.org/publication/best-practice-best-fit-0

PDF_OLD
http://www.ifpri.org/divs/dsgd/dp/papers/dsgdp37.pdf

AgroVoc Descriptors
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
EVALUATION
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Date Modified
12/4/2009

Last Updated By
aarora

IFPRI Theme
Governance structures and policy processes

IFPRI Topic
Capacity Strengthening

Download Size
755K

Series Number
37
155
210
05

PDF
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/dsgdp37.pdf




ID
21322

Title
From best practice to best fit

Subtitle
A framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services worldwide

Author
Birner, Regina
Davis, Kristin
Pender, John
Nkonya, Ephraim
Anandajayasekeram, Ponniah
Ekboir, Javier
Mbabu, Adiel
Spielman, David J.
Horna, Daniela
Benin, Samuel
Cohen, Marc J.

Source
Journal of Agricultural Extension and Education 15(4): 341-355.

Pub Date
2009

Record Type
Journal article

LOC Descriptors
Agriculture

When Cataloged
12/17/2009

IFPRI Descriptors
IFPRI-3
PR
ISI
DSGD
EPTD
KCID

Record Created
12/17/2009

Date Modified
1/14/2010

Last Updated By
iyerramareddy

DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13892240903309595