Summary
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We have three inspiring workshops around Local Governance Assessments with broad participation from all the regions and a lot of discussions behind us!
The first workshop was about capitalizing on SDC’s practices in Local Governance Assessment (LGA) based on the 5 case studies from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Southern Africa, Nicaragua, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Except Afghanistan, all experience bearers were present and could provide first-hand information. As a key conclusion, it was stated that SDC has relevant experience in applying LGA tools and that these tools cover important aspects of Local Governance. A brochure of the capitalization – summarizing the main elements of the tools and a first comparative analysis – has been published.
Full report (PDF):
Local Governance Assessments: A Capitalisation of SDC Experience
Based on the findings of the first workshop, a set of 8 LGA criteria was discussed and rated in the second workshop with a view of developing a roster of LGA tools that meet the needs and requirements of SDC. To name a few of the criteria: a) focus on demand/supply side of governance, b) focus on formal/informal structures of governance, and c) ability to institutionalize a tool and cost/benefit considerations. As a result a number of the most relevant criteria was backed by a large number of participants representing different points of view (SDC Coof, SDC partner organizations and SDC headquarter).
The third workshop was used to deepen the important aspect of power analysis at local level, a necessity already highlighted in workshop 2. In combination with the learning project on Political Economy, we had an introduction to the Power Cube, a conceptual framework that helps understanding power relations. First attempts are made to apply the power cube in relation with an ongoing LGA in Bangladesh. The workshop made clear that the aspect of power analysis will have to be incorporated in LGA tools for SDC.
What are the next steps?
- Fine-tune the LGA criteria and consult them at SDC
- Finalize the roster of LGA tools for SDC, corresponding to the selected criteria and purposes (by end of June 2011)
There are also a number of open issues, which need to be clarified:
- Identification (and finally implementation) of specific tools in a specific context
- Linking LGA tools to the learning projects “Social Inclusion” and “Sustainable Municipal Finances”
- Clarification whether the selected LGA criteria and tools shall become binding and how
- And finally: Who takes over further. The learning topic will need new owners as both owners will step back due to rotation of posts in 2011.
With warm regards from cold Sarajevo!
Hans Peter and Christoph
Kuno Schläfli on the Way Forward
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Video reporter: Hynek Bures
Participants’ Experiences and Learnings
Romain Darbellay on Power Relations:
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Video reporters: Jonathan Hecke, Celestine Kroesschell, Hynek Bures
Valbona Karakaci and Annonciata Ndikumasabo on what they have learnt from the learning project:
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Video reporters: Celestine Kroesschell, Batbayar Gan, Hynek Bures
Paul van Hoof on his impressions and learnings from the learning project:
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Video reporters: Stephanie Guha, Batbayar Gan, Hynek Bures
