Making the case: using researchbased evidence for policy advocacy

1
Making the case using research-based evidence
for policy advocacy

• John Young, ODI, London
• j.young_at_odi.org.uk

BOND Advocacy and Capacity Building Group Launch
Event , Monday 2nd June 2008
2
Overview

• ODI and RAPID
• Evidence-based policy 6 Lessons
• The changing role of CSOs
• Challenges and opportunities
• An example
• Evidence-based policy in development network
• Conclusions
• Sources of further information

3
ODI RAPID

• ODI
• UKs leading Development Think Tank
• c.80 researchers
• Research, advice and public affairs on
  development policy
• RAPID
• Focuses on policy processes
• Research, advice, public affairs capacity
  development
• Works with producers, users and intermediaries

4
1. Policy processes are complex

• Identify the problem

5
1. Policy processes are complex
6
2. Research is one factor
Kate Bird et al, Fracture Points in Social
Policies for Chronic Poverty Reduction, ODI
WP242, 2004 (http//www.odi.org.uk/publications/wo
rking_papers/wp242.pdf)
7
3. Research is important

• The results of household disease surveys
  informed processes of health service reform which
  contributed to a 43 and 46 per cent reduction in
  infant mortality between 2000 and 2003 in two
  districts in rural Tanzania.

TEHIP Project, Tanzania www.idrc.ca/tehip
8
4. Needs a systematic approach
External Influences Socio-economic and cultural
influences, donor policies etc
The evidence credibility, the degree it
challenges received wisdom, research approaches
and methodology, simplicity of the message, how
it is packaged etc
9
4. Needs a systematic approach

• Get to know the policymakers.
• Identify friends and foes.
• Prepare for policy opportunities.
• Look out for policy windows.

• Work with them seek commissions
• Strategic opportunism prepare for known events
  resources for others

• Who are the policymakers?
• Is there demand for ideas?
• What is the policy process?

• Establish credibility
• Provide practical solutions
• Establish legitimacy.
• Present clear options
• Use familiar narratives.

• Build a reputation
• Action-research
• Pilot projects to generate legitimacy
• Good communication

• What is the current theory?
• What are the narratives?
• How divergent is it?

• Get to know the others
• Work through existing networks.
• Build coalitions.
• Build new policy networks.

• Build partnerships.
• Identify key networkers, mavens and salesmen.
• Use informal contacts

• Who are the stakeholders?
• What networks exist?
• Who are the connectors, mavens and salesmen?

10
5. Needs additional skills
Networkers
Storytellers
Engineers
Fixers
11
6. There are good tools
Overarching Tools - The RAPID
Framework - Using the Framework -
The Entrepreneurship Questionnaire
Context Assessment Tools - Stakeholder Analysis
- Forcefield Analysis - Writeshops -
Policy Mapping - Political Context
Mapping
Communication Tools - Communications
Strategy - SWOT analysis - Message Design -
Making use of the media
Research Tools - Case Studies
- Episode Studies - Surveys -
Bibliometric Analysis - Focus Group Discussion
Policy Influence Tools - Influence Mapping
Power Mapping - Lobbying and Advocacy -
Campaigning A Simple Guide - Competency
self-assessment
12
The (changing) role of CSOs

• Is huge Worth 12bn globally,reach 20 of
  worlds poor, provide 40 health education
  services in SSA.
• Is changing service provision ? policy
  engagement.
• Can be very effective Globally, eg Jubilee 2000
  locally eg Animal Health in Kenya,
• Is uncomfortable
• with governments lack of trust
• with donors emphasis on GBS policy
• with academics/policy advisers weak evidence

13
How CSOs influence Policy
14
How CSOs influence Policy
15
Obstacles to CSO Engagement
16
Key problems and solutions
17
SMERU UCT in Indonesia

• Fuel subsidy increasingly recognised as
  regressive and not benefiting the poor.
• Became financially unsustainable in 2005.
• Gvt plan to ? subsidy ? UCT to poor.
• Huge programme. Little impact.
• What to do?

18
SMERU UCT in Indonesia

• Small independent study by SMERU in 2005
  identified opportunity for ? benefit through CCT
  focusing on health, education nutrition
  Improved targeting.
• Commissioned by BAPPENAS to do larger feasibility
  study.
• Series of meetings dialogues.
• Adopted as policy and operationalised in 2007

19
SMERU UCT in Indonesia

• Challenges
• Political leverage
• Lack of tools to understand political context
• Lack of lobbying skills opportunities
• Lack of resources
• Associated with donors
• Success Factors
• Credibility of SMERU
• Links with government and civil society
  organisations
• Quality of research
• Impartiality
• Effective communication of results

20
RAPID support to CSOs

• Run workshops, seminars and courses
• Established the evidence-based policy in
  development network
• A community of practice to
• Learn how research-based evidence can contribute
  to better policy and practice.
• Do it themselves.
• Help others to do it
• www.ebpdn.org

21
Some members

• Africa Energy Policy Research Network a network
  to promote pro-poor energy policies.
• Center for the Implementation of Public Policies
  promoting Equity and Growth works on Education,
  Fiscal Policy, Health, Transparency and Justice
  an Argentina.
• Unnayan Onneshan works on pro-poor agricultural
  and trade policies in Bangladesh.
• International Budget Project works to promote
  budget transparency and accountability

22
ebpdn website
23
Conclusions

• CSOs are well placed to influence policy with
  research-based evidence.
• To do it effectively they need to
• Understand the political context
• Use a wholistic approach
• Establish the right relationships with all
  stakeholders
• Collect the right sort of evidence
• Engage appropriately with the right policy
  processes
• Communicate effectively

24
Further Information

• ODI www.odi.org.uk
• RAPID - www.odi.org.uk/rapid
• Publications
• Case Studies
• Workshops and Seminars
• Tools and Toolkits
• ebpdn www.ebpdn.org
• Contact j.young_at_odi.org.uk