SCOPING STUDY AND BASELINE SURVEY

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1 A Project of the Southern Africa Trust Supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation SCOPING STUDY AND BASELINE SURVEY Strengthening Cooperation between Research, Advocacy & Media Partners for More Effective Policy Advocacy in Africa

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 4 A. OVERVIEW BACKGROUND, APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY Background and Project Objectives Purpose and Scope of the Work Approach and Methodology B. SCOPING SCOPING STUDY Key Advocacy Issues Being Addressed Key Platforms and Coalitions Surveyed Important, Credible and Effective Advocacy Platforms and Coalitions Effectiveness of Coalitions and Advocacy Platforms: Key Strengths and Assets Effectiveness of Coalitions and Advocacy Platforms: Key Weaknesses and Challenges Critical Audiences, Key Policy Makers and Most Strategic Mechanisms for Engagement Receptivity of Policy Makers and Challenges for Engagement Key Challenges of Citizen Formations Receptivity, Capacity and Opportunities for Collaboration Key Challenges for Collaboration Key Contextual Challenges Key Country Observations Key Observations and Challenges: The Media Key Observations and Challenges: Research and Research Organizations Key Observations: Knowledge and Information Sharing General Observations, Recommendations and the Way Forward C. BASELINE SURVEY Introduction Before and After Evaluation Design Core Questions Addressed by the Baseline Survey Field Work Baseline Methodology Introduction Testing the Theory

3 7.3. Sampling Type of Data Data Analysis Mapping the Baseline Data Thematic Areas Covered in Baseline Field Visit Geographical Spread of Organisation s Work Resource Base of Organisations Alignment of the Baseline Data Against Indicators Annexure Annex 1: List of Organizations Surveyed by Country Annex 2: The Consultant Team Annex 3: Key Advocacy Issues Being Addressed Annex 4: Important, Credible and Effective Advocacy Platforms and Coalitions Annex 5: Other Resource Providers Identified in the Survey and Research

4 Executive Summary The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) awarded a grant to Southern Africa Trust (Trust) for a project aimed at strengthening cooperation between research, advocacy, and media partners for more effective and coordinated initiatives to deliver pro-poor policies in six countries. The countries are Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and South Africa. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create opportunities and platforms that build innovative, scaled-up, more coherent and value adding working relationships between researchers, civil society advocacy groups, platforms of affected people, the media and policy makers. The Trust s project will focus on four primary thematic areas of work and policy: Agriculture and food security (agricultural productivity for household-level food security) Financing for development (resource mobilization and better allocation and distribution of resources) Delivery of basic social services Governance for development (inclusive, participatory, and transparent governance for better development results) as a cross-cutting theme Key tasks at the commencement of the project were two inter-related processes: a scoping study and a baseline survey. The Trust invited a team of consultants to undertake the scoping study and baseline survey. It is anticipated that these two processes will provide a solid, evidence-based foundation for on-going implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment in the six target countries over the three-year project life cycle. In the course of the scoping study, the consultant team were able to survey and profile in detail 69 advocacy, media and research organizations in the six focus countries. Additional disaggregated responses were gathered through an online survey tool. The scoping study (contained in Part B of this consolidated report) provides data and analysis on the following areas of enquiry: What, at present, are the three constituencies doing in the focus countries? How successful are these activities? What difficulties and challenges are being encountered? What is the current climate regarding the inter-relationships and linkages among the constituencies and the contexts within which they are operating both nationally and regionally? What are the possible opportunities and potential areas of leverage that exist for strengthening cooperation and learning across the three constituencies? Which key potential partners from the three constituencies are currently not included in the target group and should be included for the successful implementation of the project? What platforms or groupings are there of people directly affected by the policy issues that may be identified for advocacy? What are their strengths and weaknesses/needs? Which are the stronger, more credible, reliable, and capable organisations that could potentially be national lead partners in the implementation of the project? Which are the key policymaking platforms and individuals that should be targeted in the implementation of the project? What additional financial and technical resources are available in each country and regionally that could be drawn on to increase the scale and scope of the project? The baseline survey (contained in Part C of this report) was conducted in order to establish the preproject state or baseline to be used for tracking, monitoring and evaluating progress, change and 4

5 impact of the project over the period of its implementation. The baseline data collected will inform the project s monitoring and evaluation framework. Key findings and recommendations of the scoping study are as follows: 1. Overall, the findings of the scoping study confirm a strong openness and commitment from organizations to the aims and objectives of the Trust s initiative. There is also a wide acknowledgement of the demand for greater capacity and effectiveness around collaboration and partnerships among advocacy, research and media groups. The scoping study provides firm evidence and an extensive needs analysis to support the underlying assumptions and rationale of the Trust s initiative. Despite the complexity and ambition entailed in working with six African countries and a large constituency of very diverse partners, there is every reason to think that the project has good prospects for success and impact. 2. The scoping study found that advocacy, research and media organizations surveyed are actively engaged in a wide range of policy issues that provide good coverage in the four thematic focus areas for the Trust s initiative. Inquiry into the issue-based work of these organizations vindicates and affirms the choice of focus areas for the project, as well as the high priority given by potential partners to these areas. It should be noted that the survey reflected a strong alignment around the core Millennium Development Goals (MDG) agenda. 3. Key advocacy platforms and coalitions in each of the six countries have been identified and profiled in the scoping study. In addition to those directly surveyed, the study has identified over 150 platforms and coalitions that are regarded by their peers as important, credible and effective pro-poor advocacy leaders. The evidence suggests that policy advocacy and coalition building is a dynamic and growing field in the focus countries, providing a large constituency of quality organizations and potential partners for the Trust. 4. As noted in the baseline study, 94% of respondents to the survey rated leading advocacy platforms and coalitions as either very effective or moderately effective. The scoping study conducted an in-depth survey of the key strengths, assets and effectiveness of leading advocacy platforms and coalitions. Many key strengths and assets were noted in terms of coverage, inclusiveness and leadership; positioning, credibility and influence; use of research and evidence; mobilizing and agenda building; capacity, strategy and tactics; and knowledge, information and learning. 5. At the same time, the survey revealed some key weaknesses and challenges for advocacy platforms and coalitions, including organizational, capacity and governance challenges; a weak financial and human resource base; problems sustaining commitment and momentum; weak media relations; weak engagement with the private sector; challenges in pursuing evidencebased advocacy; knowledge and information sharing gaps; and tensions in relationships with government. 6. The survey evidence suggests that there are reasonably strong linkages between advocacy, research and media groups, although linkages with research groups are relatively weaker. A large majority of respondents were found to be open and receptive to partnership and collaboration, and 80% said that partnerships and collaboration were a high priority for them. In general, respondents rated the capacity of organization for coordination less highly, and there is a wide acknowledgment of the need for better capacity in this regard. 5

6 7. The scoping study has identified various opportunities and points of leverage for strengthening cooperation and partnership between advocacy, research and media organizations. These are listed and classified above as building blocks for collaboration, advantages and added value of collaboration, and key opportunities. 8. The study identified a range of challenges for linkages and collaboration, including competition for resources; silo mindsets; challenges of managing diversity and finding common ground; and various capacity and practical constraints. The baseline findings give more detail on the variable state of linkages and relationships at a national level. The list of challenges should be mined more thoroughly by the Trust in dialogue with partners to frame some strategic opportunities for collaborative solutions among advocacy, research and media organizations. The challenges identified may also suggest some content and subject matter for safe space dialogue with policy makers. 9. Based on the scoping study, we have identified potential partners in each country as well as possible lead partners (as well as some possible grantmaker partners). In the selection for each country, an attempt has been made to address good coverage of the main thematic focus areas, the mix of different types of organizations, and good representation of the Gates Foundation and Trust partners. Included in the recommendations for partners are some strategic organizations not identified in the initial target group. Specific comments on possible lead organizations can be found in the body of the report. 10. The scoping study has documented critical policy makers and target audiences for policy advocacy in the six focus countries. Through the survey, respondents have indicated the most strategic mechanisms for engagement with policy makers. These include: engagement with government and Parliaments; engagement with regional and international bodies; convening and multi-stakeholder dialogue; engagement with the media; and social mobilisation and awareness-raising. The survey assessed the receptivity of policy makers to policy advocacy as well as levels of access to policy makers, and the results were generally positive. Overall, the perceived climate of good access, receptivity and linkages in respect of policy makers is encouraging news for the Trust and bodes well for the potential impact and success of the project. 11. Some key formations of citizens affected by policy have been identified through the survey, as well as some valuable insights about their main challenges and needs. However, many of the suggestions made by organizations were generic and sometimes confuse citizen formations with NGOs and advocacy groups. In general, the Trust faces a challenge to achieve greater clarity and common understanding about what constitutes a citizen formation and how to bring the voices and agency of citizens affected by policy to the table. The study provides a starting point, but more dialogue and enquiry will be needed to identify specific citizen formations to engage in the project. 12. Critical contextual constraints and challenges for organizations and the Trust project have been summarized above. The limitations of the scoping and baseline survey have not allowed for comprehensive analysis and observations on each of the focus countries. However, some specific country observations are included in the report. 13. While all of the countries in focus have experienced and secured major democratic gains over recent years, it should be noted that respondents identified worrying undercurrents and immediate threats to those gains, especially in Uganda, Malawi and South Africa. There are 6

7 significant tensions between government and civil society organizations (including the media) in several of the focus countries. 14. In order to navigate its way through the diverse terrain and pitfalls of six countries, the Trust should engage in a closer examination and analysis of the unique complexities, characteristics and politics within civil society in each country. 15. Specific findings and observations on the media, research organizations and knowledge and information sharing are contained above. Useful summaries have been compiled from qualitative survey results to elaborate on key obstacles to better reporting on development and policy issues; challenges experienced in working with research organizations; reasons for inadequate knowledge among organizations of the policy process; and challenges and constraints for knowledge sharing. 16. Most survey respondents rated the level of openness and receptivity of the media to social development issues as moderately receptive or very receptive. On the other hand, a majority of respondents rated the media s level of knowledge of pro-poor policy issues as well as its coverage of pro-poor policy and research work as being only fair or poor. 17. Most media groups surveyed were positive about more and better collaboration with advocacy and research groups, and they see real benefits in collaboration such as accessing good stories, writers and credible data/research (the mass media is more desperate for good copy than most civil society organizations realize). However, several stressed the need for some distance between advocacy agendas and the independent media in order for the media to retain credibility with the public. 18. With regard to the media, it is recommended that the Trust give priority to dialogue and joint learning between media groups and advocacy/research partners around the following themes: a. Better mutual understanding of the role, constraints and modus operandi of media, advocacy and research groups b. Improved media relations capacity, media strategies and packaging of media materials on the part of advocacy and research organizations c. Stronger media capacity and awareness around the key issue themes of the project d. Relationship-building and media mapping e. Innovations in the use of media technology, social media and creative approaches to media messaging (through radio, visual media, the arts, etc). 19. It is also recommended that the Trust explores further, with existing partners, the possibilities for linkages with strategic mass media partners in the six focus countries. 20. The evidence from the scoping study suggests a big gap to be bridged between research organizations and both advocacy groups and the media. Relationships are frustrated by the different worldviews, cultures and constraints of these organizations, and a failure to engage and understand each other. Nonetheless, great opportunities exist to move beyond stereotypes and entrenched views to optimize the use of research and evidence in support of pro-poor policy formation. 21. With regard to research organizations, it is recommended that the Trust uses the convening power of the initiative to undertake some of the following tasks: a. Build more robust relationships, nuanced understanding and peer learning between research, advocacy and media groups 7

8 b. Instigate better mapping of who is doing what research and where in Africa c. Enhance the research capacity of advocacy groups and coalitions d. In the context of the focal issue themes of the project, test new collaborative approaches to evidence-based policy work through practical action around specific policy challenges; and e. Explore possibilities for innovative community-based research for example to understand better the dynamics and workings of citizen formations and the process of creating effective platforms for community voice in policy-making. 22. While a majority of organizations surveyed think that participants in advocacy coalitions have adequate knowledge of the issues they are taking up, nearly half of the respondents see significant knowledge gaps. Of greater concern is the fact that about two thirds of respondents feel that advocacy, research and media groups have only partial or inadequate knowledge national development policy processes (how policy is actually made). 23. The evidence on knowledge and information sharing affirms the rationale for the Trust s initiative and its objectives to increase knowledge of policy issues and processes, to create platforms and spaces for knowledge-sharing and joint learning, and to build understanding among advocacy, research, and media organizations about each other s work. Survey responses also indicate clear demand for more high quality and purposeful knowledge-sharing and learning spaces that link directly to the current work and priorities of organizations. 24. It is recommended that the knowledge sharing and learning agenda for the project be shaped with the following concerns in mind: a. Dialogue and convening spaces offered should harness the power of peer learning among participants, bringing the real-life experience of the various players to the table. b. Joint learning should be closely linked to the work agendas and priorities of participants, as well as to the key issue themes of the project. c. Project partners should have a direct role in setting the learning agenda for the project. d. Particular priority should be given to enhancing joint learning around focal policy issues as well as a systemic understanding of the policy process. e. Other practical learning areas may include: network and coalition building; partnership and collaboration skills; stakeholder and systems mapping; strategic relationship building with policy makers; effective dialogue and convening skills; effective media relations; use of technology and social media; evidence-based research and advocacy; and policy advocacy approaches that combine safe space dialogue and technical lobbying with social mobilization and citizen voice. 25. The scoping study surveyed the wide array of existing and prospective sources of funding and technical assistance supporting advocacy, research and media organization in the six focus countries. The limitations of time and scope of the study have not allowed for a more complete mapping and analysis of funding trends and resource flows. However, the lists of resource providers contained above provide data, subdivided by country, from which the Trust may be able to identify additional financial and technical resources that could be drawn on to increase the scale and scope of the project. 26. Given the heavy over-dependence of the project target group on international funding, it would be useful for the Trust to play an advocacy role in flagging the possibilities for more focus on domestic resource mobilization, in relation to business, professional and grassroots constituencies, as well as the challenge of growing an indigenous, African-owned development grantmaking sector. In line with the financing for development theme of the project, the Trust 8

9 should raise the profile and sense of urgency around the development of new, Africa-based resource streams. 27. In view of the relatively low level of private sector engagement among advocacy organizations surveyed, as well as the powerful public policy and advocacy role of business, it is recommended that the Trust play an activist role in the course of the project to encourage greater policy engagement with business and the private sector. It is also recommended that the Trust gives consideration to the inclusion of key business platforms and coalitions in the initiative. 28. The data from the scoping and baseline studies indicate a lower than expected level of engagement, policy advocacy and mobilization with faith-based organizations (FBOs). It may be that the levels of engagement are higher than the data indicates. Nonetheless, in view of the very wide membership and deep influence of FBOs in all six countries, it is recommended that the Trust work with key partners like African Monitor and the Economic Justice Network (EJN) who are strongly linked with faith communities to strengthen policy engagement with FBOs. 29. The scoping study and baseline studies have revealed a good deal of consensus around the rationale and purpose of the initiative. There are some broad commonalities in trends, perceptions, opportunities and challenges across the six countries. However, the country visits have also highlighted the importance of context and specific country conditions and characteristics. We have therefore concluded that a one size fits all implementation strategy would not be advisable. While still bringing organizations together across national boundaries, the Trust should give priority to developing differentiated country strategies and implementation plans. As mentioned above, the Trust should also engage in a closer examination and analysis of the unique complexities, characteristics and politics within civil society in each country. The baseline survey analyses and summarizes data harvested in the survey and interview process conducted in the six focus countries with advocacy organizations and networks, research organizations, and media groups. The baseline study addresses core questions related to increased quality and coherence of policy advocacy work, coordination or organizations and interventions, effectiveness, ownership or policy interventions by partner organizations, access to policy makers, and public visibility of policy advocacy in the mass media. The baseline study concludes with commentary and recommendations on data and measurements challenges, revision of indicators, and risk assessment. 9

10 A. OVERVIEW 1. BACKGROUND, APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 1.1. Background and Project Objectives The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) is a private foundation that works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. Its three main programme areas include Global Development, Global Health, and the United States Programme. It supports work in the areas of health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, agricultural development, financial services for the poor and global development policy and advocacy. The Gates Foundation also supports various initiatives in research, advocacy and media work in Africa through grantmaking. The Southern Africa Trust (Trust) is an independent regional non-profit agency, established in 2005, to support organisations in Southern Africa to participate more effectively in policy dialogue so that policies and strategies across the region work better to end poverty. Although media, advocacy and research partners have made significant progress in their work, there remains a challenge that the three constituencies are not coordinated and lessons learnt in their respective work are not sufficiently shared amongst each other. In addition, there is no forum for grantees to network and establish new alliances to strengthen their work and to learn from each other. In order to address these challenges, the Gates Foundation awarded a grant to the Trust for a project aimed at strengthening cooperation between research, advocacy, and media partners for more effective and coordinated initiatives to deliver pro-poor policies in six countries. The countries are Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and South Africa. The specific objectives of this project are: Increased quality and coherence in the policy advocacy work of different types of civil society formations (drawn from amongst the grant partners and other strategic partners of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Southern Africa Trust, as well as other potential partners) that are working on the above thematic issues in six countries and at a regional level, through increased knowledge of each other s work, increased knowledge about specific policy development processes, and more evidencebased research that includes the voices of people affected by the particular advocacy issue; Increased coordination of the policy advocacy interventions of different types of civil society formations mentioned above by creating new platforms and opportunities for linking, shared learning, development of shared advocacy positions, and joint planning of policy advocacy interventions; Increased effectiveness of policy advocacy initiatives by the civil society formations mentioned above through the creation of a value chain between their unique policy advocacy resources amongst the different types of organizations; More ownership of the policy advocacy interventions of the civil society formations mentioned above by people who are directly affected by the advocacy issues being addressed resulting in longer-term sustainability of the policy changes; Increased access to appropriate policy making people and forums as a result of increased credibility of the policy advocacy interventions of the civil society formations mentioned above through more evidence/research-based advocacy interventions that include the voices of the people affected by the advocacy issue; 10

11 Greater public visibility of the policy advocacy work of the civil society formations mentioned above in the mass media through increased mass media partnerships that optimize the impact of their advocacy work; and A stronger intermediary facilitation, sub-granting, and policy dialogue brokering agency in the region to support the development of such value-adding civil society policy advocacy linkages and alliances in Africa. The project will focus on four primary thematic areas of work and policy focus: Agriculture and food security (agricultural productivity for household-level food security); Financing for development (resource mobilization and better allocation and distribution of resources); Delivery of basic social services; and Governance for development (inclusive, participatory, and transparent governance for better development results) as a cross-cutting theme. Key tasks at the commencement of the project are two inter-related processes: a scoping study and a baseline survey. The Trust invited a team of consultants (Barry Smith and Philip Browne) to undertake the scoping study and baseline survey. The consultants have had at their disposal programme staff of the Trust allocated to the implementation of the project including the scoping and baseline studies. Internally, the Trust conducted some preliminary desk reviews and produced draft country profiles for five of the six countries. In addition, the Trust also compiled ideas, a set of preliminary indicators and a draft list of possible questions for a baseline survey instrument. Within 3 years research, advocacy and media partners will be working together in a more coherent and coordinated way amongst themselves and with other partners and governments to achieve pro-poor policy change in and across 6 countries in Africa Policy networks Evidencebased research National platform Policy advocacy interventions Increased quality and coherence Increased coordination Increased effectiveness Greater ownership Policy advocacy work Policy advocacy agency Increased access Greater public visibility Stronger facilitation, sub-granting and brokering Foundations for evidence-based project focus and success Scoping study Baseline survey The Scoping Study and Baseline Survey in Context (Philip Browne) 1.2. Purpose and Scope of the Work The purpose of the work has been to undertake two complementary interventions a scoping study and a baseline survey. It is anticipated that these two processes will provide a solid, evidence-based foundation for ongoing implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment in the six target countries over the three-year project life cycle. 11

12 Scoping Study: The purpose of the scoping study is to understand the following questions in a more focused and informed manner: What, at present, are the three constituencies doing in the focus countries? How successful are these activities? What difficulties and challenges are being faced? What is the current climate regarding the inter-relationships and linkages among the constituencies and the contexts within which they are operating both nationally and regionally? What are the possible opportunities and potential areas of leverage that exist for strengthening cooperation and learning across the three constituencies? Which key potential partners from the three constituencies are currently not included in the target group and should be included for the successful implementation of the project? What platforms or groupings are there of people directly affected by the policy issues that may be identified for advocacy? What are their strengths and weaknesses/needs? Which are the stronger, more credible, reliable, and capable organisations that could potentially be national lead partners in the implementation of the project? Which are the key policy-making platforms and individuals that should be targeted in the implementation of the project? What additional financial and technical resources are available in each country and regionally that could be drawn on to increase the scale and scope of the project? Baseline Survey: A baseline survey was conducted in order to establish the pre-project state or baseline to be used for tracking, monitoring and evaluating progress, change and impact of the project over the period of the project. The baseline data collected will inform the project s monitoring and evaluation framework Approach and Methodology The methodology for implementing the two studies has been as follows: Desk review of existing literature and data gathered already by the Trust and key documents relating to the studies subject matter. Design of user-friendly tools for research and data analysis. A mapping of key survey respondents in the six countries. Field visits to all the countries, in collaboration with the Trust team. Targeted face-to-face or telephonic interviews (with standard questions and interview guidelines) with key stakeholders in the project, including partners and prospective partners in the various countries. A simple electronic survey research tool to capture additional responses from key stakeholders that were not available for interviews to fill out the sample. In total 69, advocacy, research and media organizations were directly surveyed in the six focus countries. Some additional disaggregated and partial responses were gathered through the online survey tool. For organizational details and the specific issue priorities of all organizations fully surveyed, see the survey questionnaire reports that are submitted as a companion database to this report as well as the 67-page directory of profiles assembled and submitted by the consultant team covering each organization, including contact details. Regular consultations and meetings with the project leaders and team for purposes of feedback, reflection on findings, work planning and coordination. 12

13 The implementation of the two studies was done in such a way to ensure that there was only one interview covering both studies with each partner or potential partner organisation included in the studies. While as much as possible in the restricted timeframe for the studies the consultant team worked together on both studies, to create a manageable division of labour and achieve best application of their complementary skills, it was agreed that the two consultants would have distinct lead roles on the assignment. Brief biographies of the consultant team members are attached in Annex 2. 13

14 B. SCOPING 2. SCOPING STUDY 2.1. Key Advocacy Issues Being Addressed Organizations surveyed in the study are actively working on a wide range of policy advocacy and pro-poor issues, including broad coverage of the key thematic focus areas identified by the Trust. A detailed listing of all the many themes cited is contained in Annex 3. It was not feasible in the time available for the team to disaggregate in detail all of the themes by country. However, this data can be extracted if needed from the questionnaire reports that have been submitted to the Trust. Following is a summary of the issues and themes identified (grouped by thematic areas): Agriculture and food security The scoping study revealed a wide and varied set of advocacy and policy issues around agriculture and food security that are being pursued actively by partners surveyed. Broadly, these issues group around the following key themes: The right to food, food security and adequate nutrition; Securing sustainable livelihoods for small scale-farmers and producers groups; More equitable terms of trade that favour small-scale farmers and producers; Building an enabling infrastructure and environment for sustainable agriculture; Strengthening small-scale farmer and producer associations and organizations. Work on this cluster of issues featured significantly among organizations surveyed in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Tanzania, but somewhat less so among South Africa-based respondents. It should be noted that there are specific country variations that should be explored in the course of the Trust s initiative, such as the interests of pastoralists in countries like Kenya and Tanzania as well as the diverse regimes relating to access to land. The impact of increasing commercialization of agriculture is a strongly shared concern, as is the growing impact of climate change on the agricultural sector Financing for development Key overall themes emerging from the scoping study around financing for development are: Advocacy around key government development and growth strategies; Monitoring and influencing government budgets and resource allocation; Advocacy focused on aid effectiveness and financing/implementation of the MDGs; Harnessing development resources from the exploitation of new petroleum and mineral extraction. The evidence suggests that this cluster of themes commands wide attention and priority across all six countries. The question of harnessing financing for development from new petroleum exploitation is particularly current in Ghana and Uganda. It should be noted that five of the six focus countries (excluding South Africa) are to a greater or lesser degree aid- dependent which explains the relatively strong emphasis on donor policy and international development financing. However, there is a wide and growing emphasis on monitoring and influencing government budgetary processes, which is reinforced by trends towards budget support and basket financing by donors. 14

15 It was striking to note the relative lack of issue focus across all countries on private sector development financing, corporate social investment and public/private financing mechanisms. Even more striking was the lack of advocacy around private philanthropy and accessing resources from the small but growing classes of wealthy, entrepreneurial and professional people. It may be useful for the Trust to play an advocacy role of its own it flagging the possibilities for increased focus on domestic resource mobilization, in relation to business, professional and grassroots constituencies, as well as the challenge of growing an indigenous African-owned development grantmaking sector Delivery of basic social services The issues identified in the study form a strong policy agenda relating to delivery of, and access to, basic social services, particularly in the areas of health and education. Broadly, these issues can be grouped as follows: Realizing socio-economic rights to education, health and other basic services such as water, sanitation, and shelter); Strengthening social protection systems, with particular reference to vulnerable groups like the rural poor, women, children, people affected by HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB, and people in conflict zones Access to quality basic education Building stronger, and more equitable public health systems This cluster of themes is prominent in all countries surveyed. It should be noted that the survey reflected a fairly strong alignment with the MDG agenda around basic social services, but did not reveal much advocacy work around shelter and housing Governance for development Throughout the six countries, advocacy groups are pursuing a fairly consistent agenda to strengthen governance for development, aligned around the following themes: Consolidation and defence of democratic gains Promoting social accountability, transparency and public participation Expanding and defending the right to know, access to information and media freedom Protecting civic space and advancing a constitutionally entrenched human rights culture Countering the spread of corruption In Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania, there was a reasonable amount of optimism about the growth and consolidation of democratic governance, while in Uganda, South Africa and Malawi there are real concerns about looming threats to democracy and human rights as well as a closing down of civic or democratic space. Nonetheless, both opportunities and threats in relation to democratic governance seem to provide a potent rallying point for collaboration among advocacy, research and media groups in all of the six focus countries. While advocacy around human rights and inclusion seems to be building momentum across the board, some powerful and divisive fault lines remain, such as the controversies around sexual orientation rights that have recently boiled over in countries like Uganda and Malawi. 15

16 Other policy advocacy issues being addressed Other policy issues being addressed are listed in Annex Key Platforms and Coalitions Surveyed In the course of the scoping study, we were able to survey and profile in detail 69 advocacy, media and research organizations in the six focus countries. Some additional disaggregated responses were gathered through an online survey tool. Of the advocacy organizations surveyed, following are the significant platforms and coalitions successfully canvassed in each country. Also included below is information about their organizational type, geographical coverage and the key themes in the initiative they cover or connect with. However, the lists below exclude organizations that self-identified as research or media organizations and not as advocacy groups. For organizational details and the specific issue priorities of all organizations surveyed, see the survey questionnaire reports that are submitted as a companion database to this report. The consultants have additionally compiled a 67-page compendium of organizational profiles including contact information Ghana: Key advocacy platforms and coalitions surveyed Name ECASARD (Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development) FoodSPAN (Food Security and Policy Advocacy Network) GTLC (Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition) ISODEC (Integrated Social Development Centre) MFWA (Media Foundation for West Africa) PFAG (Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana) SEND-Ghana Organizational Geography Advocacy Themes Type Coalition/Network Ghana Agriculture and Food Security Coalition/Network Ghana Agriculture and Food Security Coalition/Network Ghana Agriculture and Food Security Advocacy and Research NGO Advocacy and Media NGO Advocacy NGO/Network Advocacy NGO/Network Ghana, ECOWAS Ghana, ECOWAS Ghana Ghana Financing for Development Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services Governance for Development Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services 16

17 Kenya: Key platforms and coalitions Name ABANTU for Development ACORD Organizational Type Advocacy NGO (women & gender) Advocacy & Research NGO Geography Kenya, COMESA, SADC Kenya, Africawide Advocacy Themes Agriculture and Food Security Delivery of Social Services Governance for Development Agriculture and Food Security Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services AET (Africa Advocacy NGO Kenya, COMESA Delivery of Social Services Educational Trust) EAFF (East Africa Coalition/Network Kenya, COMESA Agriculture and Food Security Farmers Federation) GCAP Kenya Coalition/Network Kenya, COMESA Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services JRI (Jamaa Resource Initiatives) Advocacy & Research NGO Malawi: Key coalitions and platforms Kenya, COMESA Financing for Development Governance for Development Name Organizational Type Geography Advocacy Themes CISANET (Civil Society Agricultural Network) Coalition/Network Malawi Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development Governance for Development CONGOMA (Council for NGOs in Malawi) Coalition/Network Malawi Financing for Development Governance for Development CSCQBE (Civil Society Coalition for Quality Basic Education) FUM (Farmers Union of Malawi) MCM (Media Council of Malawi) MEJN (Malawi Economic Justice Network) MMPA/CREMPA (Malawi Milk Producers Association/Central Region Milk Producers Association) NAMISA (National Media Institute of Malawi) NASFAM (National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi) Coalition/Network Malawi Delivery of Social Services Governance for Development Financing for Development Coalition/Network Malawi Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development Coalition/Network Malawi Governance For Development (advocacy & media) Coalition/Network Malawi Financing for Development (advocacy & research) Governance for Development Association/Network Malawi Agriculture and Food Security Advocacy NGO/Network Malawi Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services Coalition/Network Malawi Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development 17

18 South Africa: Key coalitions and platforms Name Organizational Type Geography AM (African Monitor) Advocacy NGO South Africa, Africa-wide CSA (Centre for Social Advocacy & South Africa, Accountability) Research NGO Africa-wide EJN (Economic Justice Network) IBP (International Budget Partnership) IDASA (Institute for Democracy in Africa) TAC (Treatment Action Campaign) Coalition/Network Advocacy NGO/Network Advocacy Research NGO Tanzania: Key coalitions and platforms & South Africa, SADC South Africa, Africa-wide, International South Africa Advocacy Theme Financing for Development Governance for Development Financing for Development Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services Governance for Development Financing for Development Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development Governance for Development Governance for Development Financing for Development Agriculture and Food Security Coalition/Network South Africa Delivery of Social Services Financing for Development Governance for Development Name Organizational Geography Advocacy Theme Type Amka Kazinga Advocacy NGO Tanzania Agriculture and Food Security Delivery of Social Services ATPS Tanzania (African Technology Policy Studies Network) Advocacy & Research NGO/Network Tanzania Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development FCS (Foundation for Civil Society) GEMSAT (Gender & Media Southern Africa Tanzania) HakiElimu MISA Tanzania (Media Institute of Southern Africa) Advocacy NGO (and grantmaker) Media & Advocacy NGO/Network Advocacy & Research NGO (education) Media & Advocacy NGO/Network Tanzania Tanzania, SADC Tanzania Tanzania, SADC Financing for Development Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services Financing for Development Governance Governance Policy Forum Coalition/Network Tanzania Financing for Development Governance RWI (Revenue Watch Institute) Advocacy & Research NGO Tanzania, international Financing for Development Governance SAHRiNGON (Southern Africa Human Rights NGO Network) Coalition/Network Tanzania, SADC Governance Financing for Development Delivery of Social Services TAF (Tanzania AIDS Forum) TANGO (Tanzania Association of NGOs) Coalition/Network Tanzania Delivery of Social Services Financing for Development Governance Coalition/Network Tanzania Financing for Development Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services 18

19 Uganda: Key coalitions and platforms Name Organizational Geography Advocacy Theme Type ACME (Africa Centre for Media & Uganda, Governance for Development Media Excellence) Advocacy NGO COMESA ACODE (Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment) Research & Advocacy NGO Uganda, COMESA Governance for Development Financing for Development Agriculture and Food Security CLEAR (Centre for Land Economy and Rights of Advocacy & Research NGO Uganda, COMESA Agriculture and Food Security Governance for Development Women) DENIVA (Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Associations) Coalition/Network Uganda Governance for Development Financing for Development Agriculture and Food Security ESSAF (Eastern and Advocacy Uganda, Agriculture and Food Security Southern African Small Scale Farmers Forum) NGO/Network COMESA, SADC HOCADEO (Hoima Caritas Development Organisation) Advocacy NGO Uganda Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services Agriculture and Food Security Transparency International Advocacy Uganda, Governance for Development (Uganda) NGO/Network international Uganda Debt Network Coalition/Network Uganda Financing for Development Governance for Development Uganda National NGO Forum Coalition/Network Uganda Governance for Development Financing for Development UJCC (Uganda Joint Christian Council) Coalition/Network Uganda Governance for Development Delivery of Social Services 2.3. Important, Credible and Effective Advocacy Platforms and Coalitions The scoping study and survey questionnaire explored perceptions about which joint platforms or coalitions were regarded as most important, credible and effective. Attached as Annex 4, are lists grouped by responses from each country of more than 150 groups who were ranked as important, credible and effective. It should be noted that some respondents cited platforms and coalitions (regional, pan-african or global) that are based outside of in the respondents own country but which have significance, membership, presence or influence in the respondents countries. It was not possible to judge independently the quality and effectiveness of the over 150 organizations and platforms identified above. Overall, the survey indicates that policy advocacy and coalition building is a dynamic and growing field, and there is evidence of a large constituency of quality organizations/coalitions. Numbers of important, credible and effective platforms identified were highest in Ghana (41), followed by Uganda (31), Tanzania (30), South Africa (26), Kenya (18) and Malawi (11). It is difficult to judge the significance of these numbers except as a very rough measure of the size and scope of the advocacy coalition community in the respective countries. While it is unlikely that the Trust could engage effectively with all of the groups identified as credible partners, the data confirms that there is a large potential constituency for its initiative as well as a wider range of influence, actors, potential partners and indirect beneficiaries Effectiveness of Coalitions and Advocacy Platforms: Key Strengths and Assets 19

20 The scoping study and survey questionnaire explored perceptions about which joint platforms or coalitions were regarded as most important, credible and effective. Attached as Annex 4, are lists grouped by responses from each country of more than 150 groups who were ranked as important, credible and effective. It should be noted that some respondents cited platforms and coalitions (regional, pan-african or global) that are based outside of in the respondents own country but which have significance, membership, presence or influence in the respondents countries. It was not possible to judge independently the quality and effectiveness of the over 150 organizations and platforms identified above. Overall, the survey indicates that policy advocacy and coalition building is a dynamic and growing field, and there is evidence of a large constituency of quality organizations/coalitions. Numbers of important, credible and effective platforms identified were highest in Ghana (41), followed by Uganda (31), Tanzania (30), South Africa (26), Kenya (18) and Malawi (11). It is difficult to judge the significance of these numbers except as a very rough measure of the size and scope of the advocacy coalition community in the respective countries. While it is unlikely that the Trust could engage effectively with all of the groups identified as credible partners, the data confirms that there is a large potential constituency for its initiative as well as a wider range of influence, actors, potential partners and indirect beneficiaries. Key strengths and assets Coverage, Inclusiveness and Leadership There has been a marked growth in numbers of effective policy coalitions, platforms and networks across the board in the six countries. Coalitions and platforms have wide collective issue coverage, including the key focus theme of the Trust s initiative. Coalitions have diverse and inclusive memberships that can bring strength in numbers to advocacy work, pool the various talents and skills of the membership, and build critical mass for effective policy advocacy. Coalitions and platforms are increasingly securing and nurturing high quality leadership. Positioning, Credibility and Influence Coalitions and platforms are connecting effectively with strategic policy issues. Coalitions and platforms are increasing their public visibility and building strong brands. Many organizations have good credibility with policy makers as well as reasonably good access to policy makers. There is clear evidence of influence and impact on public policy. They have a growing capacity to command media attention and coverage. They have growing convening power and engagement in public policy dialogue. Use of Research and Evidence Base There is increasing use of research and evidence-based advocacy. Many are developing in-house research capacity. 20

21 Mobilizing and Agenda Building Ability to find common ground and forge common agendas Coalition and platforms are effectively mobilizing the passion, idealism and commitment of members. They are building a culture and practice of active citizenship and are growing in their ability to mobilize a popular base in support of policy change. Capacity, Strategy and Tactics Effective coalitions and platforms have developed a good tactical sense and significant capacity to adapt and respond to fast changing events. They are testing creative models that combine technical lobbying and advocacy work with social mobilization. They have an increasing skills base around networking and collaboration. They have growing capacity and expertise around the key issues, policy analysis and policy formation. They are able to undertake specialist and expert work across diverse issues. Effective coalitions and platforms are embracing the need for a long term, sustained effort. They have a good understanding of relationship-based advocacy and the need for trust-building. Knowledge, Information and Learning They bring together a wealth of collective knowledge and information. They are improving their communications and information sharing Effectiveness of Coalitions and Advocacy Platforms: Key Weaknesses and Challenges Key weaknesses and challenges Structure, Organization and Governance High staff turnover Weak or individualist leadership Weak governance and problematic relationships between Boards and secretariats Difficulties in maintaining accountability to members Challenged to maintain internal cohesion Fragmentation of civil society and civil society organizations lack of understanding about each other s work Weak services to members Weak grassroots/cbo base and citizen voice Weak feedback mechanisms with members and grassroots Dominance of larger, better resourced civil society organizations and advocacy groups Responding to multiple demands spread too thin Bias towards urban-based views Difficulties in covering the whole country including rural/remote areas Loss of leadership to government and leadership buy-offs 21

22 Government co-option of leadership Linkages and collaboration between coalitions and platforms are sometimes ad hoc, issue-driven, not sustainable Challenges in achieving consensus on roles, responsibilities and division of labour (both within and between coalitions and platforms) Resource Base Limited resource base and human resources Tenuous financial sustainability and lack of secure long-term funding Overdependence on foreign funding negligible domestic resource base Limited physical infrastructure and support systems Positioning, Credibility and Influence Overly vulnerable to shifts in donor agendas Difficulties in packaging positions effectively for government and media Weak media strategies and media relations Niche-ism one issue focus at the expense of a more systemic view Need better mapping of stakeholders and policy system (knowing who to influence and how decisions are made) Insufficient understanding of the needs and priorities of policy makers Weaknesses in building sustained relationships with strategic policy makers Challenge of creating safe spaces for policy dialogue Weak engagement with the private sector Managing the tension between engaging inside and outside the system quiet diplomacy versus public mobilization Not always strategic or good at making trade-offs to advance policy agenda Use of Research and Evidence Base Weak research capacity Weak linkages with research organizations Need for more evidence-based work and stronger links between advocacy and research Policy advocacy is sometimes more emotion-based than fact-based Need for more community-based research and advocacy Mobilizing and Agenda Building Difficulties in sustaining momentum, consistency and commitment of members and constituencies Tension between short term agendas and long term vision Capacity, Strategy and Tactics General capacity deficits and shortage of technical expertise on staff Weak capacity and infrastructure around ICT and web-based networking Knowledge gaps among membership around key issues Capacity deficits among grassroots members Need for better coordination and collaboration, networking skills Need for improved lobby and advocacy skills Some instances of weak financial and grants management Lack of flexibility and ability to adapt to fast changing environment Weak strategic and long term planning and thinking Weak monitoring and evaluation systems Challenged to demonstrate impact 22

23 Knowledge, Learning and Information Weak communications, knowledge sharing and information sharing Gaps in understanding of framework for policy development General Simmering or overt tensions between government and civil society there is still a climate of mutual suspicion and distrust Vulnerability to state divide and rule tactics Negative impact of party political rivalries, politicization of the issues, and political polarization 2.6. Critical Audiences, Key Policy Makers and Most Strategic Mechanisms for Engagement The baseline survey gives more detail and breakdown about the critical policy makers and audiences targeted by advocacy, research and media organisations. For the most part, the responses to the questions in this regard were generic and time did not allow for detailed follow up that may have yielded lists of specific structures and institutions in each country. Ranked by the most cited target audiences, the following are the critical policy makers and audiences for policy advocacy work: Parliament and MPs National government structures Civil society Citizens Local government District/provincial authorities Regional organizations Academics/researchers Traditional leaders The media The private sector Donors Faith-based organizations Political and civil service structures rate highest followed by civil society itself and the broad citizenry. Research organizations fall in the lower half of the list and the media is not far from the bottom of the list. This appears to confirm that the Trust is correct in identifying the need to move these two critical audiences (and potential collaborators) higher up the list of priorities. It was both striking and worrying to note the relatively low priority and limited focus given to engagement with the private sector. Arguably, in an era when power, influence and capacity have ebbed away from governments, business plays a very large role in shaping the public policy environment, within and beyond national borders. Business and corporate policies have become sufficiently influential to be considered a vital component of public policy in its largest sense. On the positive side, the private sector commands huge resources and is the primary engine for economic growth and job creation. On the negative side, the undirected or unregulated power of business can severely limit the possibilities for effective pro-poor policy formation 23

24 and implementation. Either way, no sector or society exerts greater organized influence on public policy than business, both domestic and multinational. It is recommended that the Trust play an activist role in the course of the Trust s initiative to encourage greater policy engagement with business and the private sector. In Section 2c above, suggestions are made about potential business sector partners for the Trust s initiative. Additional work and consultations will be needed to identify the right strategic business players and coalitions to be engaged and possibly included as partners in the initiative. The data from the scoping and baseline studies also suggest a lower than expected level of engagement, policy advocacy and mobilization with faith-based organizations (FBOs). It may be that the levels of engagement are higher than the data indicates. Nonetheless, in view of the very wide membership and deep influence of FBOs in all six countries, it is recommended that the Trust work with key partners like African Monitor and the Economic Justice Network (EJN) who are strongly linked with faith communities to strengthen policy engagement with FBOs. Summarized in more detail below are the key mechanisms identified for engagement with policy makers and policy advocacy Most strategic mechanisms for engagement with policy maker Engagement with government and Parliament Meetings with Ministers and national officials Meetings and consultations with MPs and parliamentary committees Policy capacity building workshops for MPs and officials Meetings and engagement with regional/district/local government Engagement with the judiciary and litigation Safe space dialogue with policy makers out of the glare of publicity Policy briefs and written submissions to government Building relationships, informal contacts and trust with key policy makers Engagement with budget process (budget tracking, alternative budget proposals, etc.) Public petitions to government Engagement with regional and international organizations Engagement and advocacy with regional structures and organizations (African Union, SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS) Engagement and advocacy with international organizations (UN, European Commission, international development agencies and donors Multi-stakeholder dialogue and convening Public policy dialogue and consultations convened by government, civil society and donors Multi-stakeholder planning commissions, councils, sector working groups, or joint task forces Multi-sector strategy and policy review processes Public hearings on policy and poverty Dialogue around development research and evidence-based proposals 24

25 Policy workshops, symposia and conferences Cyber dialogues, blogs, use of Information Technology Engagement with the media Media coverage of advocacy issues, policy proposals and research Policy capacity-building for journalists and the media Relationship and trust-building with the media Social mobilization and awareness-raising Advocacy campaigns, social mobilization and raising public awareness Messaging by celebrities and champions though the media, arts and culture 2.7. Receptivity of Policy Makers and Challenges for Engagement The majority of organizations surveyed said that they have either good or partial access to policy makers. A significant majority of respondents rated the level of openness and receptivity of policy makers to pro-poor policy advocacy as being moderately receptive or very receptive. The two countries that reported somewhat poorer levels of access and receptivity were Uganda and South Africa. A substantial majority of respondents rated their linkages with policy makers as strong or very strong. Somewhat weaker levels of linkage were reported in Uganda, Kenya and South Africa. Overall, the perceived climate of access, receptivity and linkages in respect of policy makers is encouraging news for the Trust and should bode well for the potential impact and success of the Trust s project. However, these positive perceptions must be balanced and tempered by the long list of challenges that negatively impact on engagement with policy makers. The key areas of challenge identified were daunting: A generalized climate of suspicion and mistrust between government and civil society (especially advocacy groups and the media) Widely held negative and adversarial mindsets Rampant partisan politicization of the policy process ( you with us or against us ) In some countries, a closing down of democratic space Weak public policy frameworks and weak government practices Weak civil society policy advocacy Major logistical, financial and human resource deficits among civil society advocacy groups The detailed list of challenges below should be mined more thoroughly by the Trust in dialogue with partners to frame some strategic opportunities for collaborative solutions among advocacy, research and media organizations. The challenges identified also suggest some content and subject matter for safe space dialogue with policy makers. 25

26 Challenges for engagement with policy maker General climate and mindsets Climate of suspicion between government and civil society, advocacy groups and the media Adversarial mindsets among all the stakeholders Policy makers seeing coalitions and media as the opposition the perception that Civil society is always on our back Sensitivities of politicians who want appreciation for what they have done Partisan politicization of the policy process Insufficient formalized spaces and mechanisms for policy engagement In some countries, a perceived closing down of democratic space for debate and dissent Some cases reported of government intimidation and harassment of civil society leaders Poor media coverage of policy issues Weaknesses of public policy and government systems/frameworks Ad hoc policy formation processes Symbolic or pro forma government consultation processes and general lack of meaningful public participation Lack of political will and follow-through on the part of policy makers Policy makers listen but don t act Civil society is often left out of key processes or brought into policy process too late to have impact Over-centralization of decision-making in executive branch Weak ministers with limited scope for autonomous action Weak parliaments with deficits around policy understanding Policy meetings and consultations often attended by junior officials Limits on access to information, culture of secrecy in government Lack of government transparency and accountability Unreliable or inaccurate government statistics and fact base Lack of government resources to implement policies Good policy, bad implementation Complex intra-governmental systems, rivalries and territorialism Lack of strong legislative and consultative frameworks Weaknesses of policy advocacy groups Civil society lacks political leverage on governments Challenges for advocacy groups and coalitions in sustaining policy engagement over the long term, keeping the momentum up Weaknesses of civil society around knowledge and research civil society needs to get its facts and evidence base right Scarcity of engaged, skilled, activist researchers and research organizations Weakness of capacity at grassroots level to engage with policy makers Challenge of measuring advocacy impact and results Civil society sometimes presents wish lists rather than achievable policy proposals Lack of strategic bridging capacities (networking, facilitating, convening, mediating) Logistical and practical challenges for civil society Logistical challenges for civil society in getting to meetings, covering the whole range of policy engagement events and opportunities Limited financial and human resources The process of policy engagement is time consuming and expensive 26

27 Key Formations of Citizens Affected by Policy Responses to questions about the key popular groupings or platforms of citizens affected by policy were varied, uneven and mostly generic rather than specific. Time and available resources did not allow for the consultant team to gather detailed specific lists by country of popular groupings and platforms. However, partial and accessible information on specific organizations can be found in the organizational survey reports submitted to the Trust. Sometimes NGOs and advocacy coalitions were cited as citizen-based groupings, and indeed many coalitions surveyed do have some citizen and grassroots membership base. However, there seems to be a generalized confusion and not so clear thinking about what exactly constitutes a citizen formation. There were differences among respondents about who gives citizen voice and which platforms can claim legitimacy in representing citizens affected by policy. Some respondents cited informal, issue and event-driven community organization that is not institutionally linked. In general, the Trust faces a challenge to achieve greater clarity and common understanding about what constitutes a citizen formation and how to bring the voices and agency of citizens affected by policy to the table. It will need to pursue further dialogue and enquiry with partners to identify specific and strategic citizen formations for engagement in the project. In summary form, the following were the major types of citizen formations cited in the survey Key formations of citizens affected by policy Trade unions Women s organizations Farmer, pastoralist, fishing and small-scale producer groups Trader associations Business and industry associations, chambers of commerce and small business associations Youth groups Disability organizations Faith based organizations Organizations of people livings with AIDS Community media organizations and community radio Journalists associations Community resident and shack dweller associations, CBOs Social movements (Treatment Action Campaign, Equal Education, etc.) Teachers and parent/teacher associations Advocacy coalitions, platforms and NGOs with a grassroots membership and popular base 2.8. Key Challenges of Citizen Formations Following are the main generic challenges identified for formations of citizens affected by policy. 27

28 Key challenges of citizen formations Lack of resources and capacity Lack of access to policy process Weak understanding of policy issues and process Low education levels and illiteracy General disempowerment by poverty and focus on survivalist activities Weak community-based policy advocacy and research Inadequate media coverage of citizen voice and formations Rural and remote areas not adequately covered by coalitions and advocacy groups Elite or urban bias of advocacy, media and research organizations Lack of community level organization Informal and shifting nature of local citizen formations Difficulty in maintaining momentum and popular mobilization around issues Conservative influence of traditional culture and belief systems Influence of partisan and populist politics Citizen suspicions about NGOs and government, lack of trust in institutions 2.9. Receptivity, Capacity and Opportunities for Collaboration A strong majority of organizations surveyed judged advocacy, research and media organizations on the whole to be open and receptive to collaboration and partnerships. Most respondents said that these organizations were moderately receptive, and a smaller proportion said that they were very receptive. Over 80% of respondents said that collaboration and partnerships were a high priority in their strategic approach (see Figure ). Seventy-five per cent of respondents indicated that they had strong or very strong linkages with advocacy groups (Figure ). About two-thirds said that they have strong or very strong linkages with media groups (Figure ). Fewer (54%) have strong or very strong linkages with research organizations (Figure ). Most organizations surveyed belong to a broad-based civil society network, alliance or platform (Figure ), and most have engaged in shared policy advocacy interventions with other advocacy, research or media organizations (Figure ). The highest numbers of groups who have not engaged in a joint advocacy intervention are in Ghana and Kenya (Figure ). Almost all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that working more effectively with advocacy, research and media organizations can complement their work, stimulate more robust policy debate, and increase the depth and coverage of their pro-poor policy work (Figure ). A large majority of respondents confirmed that they currently participate and collaborate in public policy dialogues (Figure ). In general, respondents rated the capacity of organizations for coordination and collaboration less highly than their openness to collaboration, with most organizations rating this capacity as adequate, rather than strong or very strong (see Figures and ). Where respondents rated capacity as weak, perceptions of weak capacity were more pronounced in South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda (Figure ). Thus, there is evidence of a strong openness and commitment from organizations to the aims and objectives of the Trust s initiative. There is also a wide acknowledgement of the 28

29 need for greater capacity and effectiveness for collaboration and partnerships among advocacy, research and media groups. Stakeholders consulted identified various building blocks already in place for collaboration as well some critical opportunities to work together across boundaries, with considerable added value to be gained. The scoping study confirms that there is a firm evidence and support base for underlying assumptions and rationale of the Trust s initiative as well as significant demand and/or openness to the process. The scoping study identified a range of opportunities and building blocks for collaboration, as well as advantages and added value that could flow from cooperation and partnership, as follows: Opportunities for collaboration Building blocks for greater collaboration A growing and more sophisticated civil society There is a growing will to work together A stronger civil society culture of collaboration is emerging In each country there are major unifying and interlinking themes/issues that call for collaboration A growing infrastructure of sectoral, issue-based and umbrella networks to support collaboration Emergence of new domestic resource streams for development Increasing openness of policy makers to collective, coordinated policy input The quality and commitment of leadership for collaboration is getting stronger Advantages and added value of collaboration Strength in numbers, assembling critical mass Assembling a wide range of capacities, expertise and talents Assembling coalitions and alliances of diverse groupings that have greater collective leverage and policy influence Sharing knowledge, learning, information and experience Achieving a better division of labour, playing to the various strengths of different groups Better and more informed media coverage of advocacy and policy Better access to, and marshalling of, policy research stronger evidence based advocacy Achieving greater impact and results evidence suggest that this depends on collaboration Capitalizing on democratic gains in society, consolidating democratic practice and growing culture of accountability (in some countries) Pooling resources in a time of scarce funding and resource mobilization challenges Connecting with and strengthening popular mobilization around policy issues Key opportunities for collaboration Opportunities for systemic, integrated and holistic approaches to policy Opportunity to develop shared policy agendas and to speak with one voice Opportunity for collective influence on awareness and public opinion Opportunities are open for dialogue and capacity building with the media The media is looking for good stories, research and evidence-based material Opportunities to use new media and new technologies (social networks, cell phones, etc.) Key opportunities for collaboration on economic governance, budget tracking and advocacy, social accountabilitybuilding blocks for greater collaboration 29

30 A growing and more sophisticated civil society There is a growing will to work together A stronger civil society culture of collaboration is emerging In each country there are major unifying and interlinking themes/issues that call for collaboration A growing infrastructure of sectoral, issue-based and umbrella networks to support collaboration Emergence of new domestic resource streams for development Increasing openness of policy makers to collective, coordinated policy input The quality and commitment of leadership for collaboration is getting stronger Advantages and added value of collaboration Strength in numbers, assembling critical mass Assembling a wide range of capacities, expertise and talents Assembling coalitions and alliances of diverse groupings that have greater collective leverage and policy influence Sharing knowledge, learning, information and experience Achieving a better division of labour, playing to the various strengths of different groups Better and more informed media coverage of advocacy and policy Better access to, and marshalling of, policy research stronger evidence based advocacy Achieving greater impact and results evidence suggest that this depends on collaboration Capitalizing on democratic gains in society, consolidating democratic practice and growing culture of accountability (in some countries) Pooling resources in a time of scarce funding and resource mobilization challenges Connecting with and strengthening popular mobilization around policy issues Key opportunities for collaboration Opportunities for systemic, integrated and holistic approaches to policy Opportunity to develop shared policy agendas and to speak with one voice Opportunity for collective influence on awareness and public opinion Opportunities are open for dialogue and capacity building with the media The media is looking for good stories, research and evidence-based material Opportunities to use new media and new technologies (social networks, cell phones, etc.) Key opportunities for collaboration on economic governance, budget tracking and advocacy, social accountability Key Challenges for Collaboration Below is a summary of the key challenges identified for effective collaboration. 30

31 Challenges for collaboration Challenges of competition, scarcity and mindsets Competition for scarce funding and resources Scarce resources and funding for collaboration Competition for profile, branding, recognition Territoriality, identity, ego and individualism Insufficient awareness of possibilities and benefits of collaboration Proprietary attitude to knowledge and information Rivalries and friendly fire between organizations Overcoming the silos (advocacy, research and media) Lack of trust Short term thinking Divide and conquer tactics of governments Opportunistic and superficial collaboration Lack of commitment and consistency around collaboration Lack of transparency and accountability Challenges of diversity and finding common ground Ideological and policy differences Politicization and polarization of the policy and advocacy field Difficulties in forming a common agenda and finding a common language Differences in culture and approach between advocacy, research and media organizations Lack of understanding about each other s work Capacity and practical constraints Lack of strategic bridging capacities (networking, facilitating, convening, mediating) Poor communications inadequate convening spaces for knowledge sharing, learning and collaboration Logistical, time and staffing challenges Advocacy organizations have weak media relations and media strategies Limitations of short term project and funding cycles Difficulties in finding the right fit with partners Dominance and constraints of donor agendas Weaknesses in mobilizing a solid research and evidence base Key Contextual Challenges There was insufficient time, resources or available data to capture the diversity, details and nuances of the contextual challenges in each country. A general summary of key themes that emerged in the study is given below. While all of the countries in focus have experienced and secured major democratic gains over recent years, it should be noted that respondents identified worrying undercurrents and immediate threats to those gains, especially in Uganda, Malawi and South Africa. In all countries, partners are threatened in varying degrees by a toxic cocktail of intolerance of dissent, authoritarianism, over-centralization of power in the executive, curbs on basis freedoms (of expression, assembly, academic and media freedoms), party-political polarization, corruption and a generalized lack of social accountability. 31

32 It is therefore recommended that the Trust develop a more thorough political and risk analysis for each country so that it can adopt appropriate risk and relationship management strategies. In order to navigate its way through the diverse terrain and pitfalls of six countries, the Trust should also engage in a closer examination and analysis of the unique complexities, characteristics and politics within civil society in each country. At a societal level, there are deficits of social trust and social capital that would be positively addressed by the Trust s programme. However, the Trust and partners will have to contend with some degree of public fatigue about the possibilities for pro-poor policy to make a real difference. Even where good policies already exist, implementation is often weak. Conservative cultures and traditions sometimes still trump progress around a human rights culture and active citizenship. Poverty itself is an inhibiting factor, constraining many poor people from looking beyond short term survival. The economic and resource environment for policy advocacy work and collaboration is very challenging in all six countries. The effects of the financial crisis are compounded by a heavy dependence on external donor funding for policy advocacy and a commensurate weak domestic or African resource base. We have mapped a wide range of donors and resource providers who are currently or prospectively supporting policy advocacy, research and media work (see Annex 5). However, in line with the financing for development theme of the project, the Trust should raise the profile and sense of urgency around the development of new, Africa-based resource streams. Strengthening Africa-based resource mobilization requires a long-term vision and approach, beginning with greater engagement with African governments, national budgets and regional organizations; with business and the private sector; with the growth of indigenous grantmakers; and with the cultivation of private and community philanthropy. To move over time to a more sustainable resource base, African advocacy, research and media organizations need to undertake a collective mind shift as well as collaborative action and innovation Key contextual challenges Political challenges The fragility of democratic practice and cultures Holdover mindsets of one-party governance Authoritarian governments Intolerance of dissent Closing down of democratic, civic and political space in Uganda, Malawi and South Africa Curbs on basic freedoms (of expression, assembly, academic freedom, media freedoms, etc.) Political centralization of power in the executive branch Lack of social accountability Political patronage and spreading corruption Party political polarization Weak policy implementation, weak states Tensions and conflicts between state and civil society Complex and country-specific politics within civil society 32

33 Societal challenges Deficits in social capital and social trust Levels of policy fatigue and loss of conviction about possibilities to make a difference around seemingly overwhelming social problems Regional divides and differences within countries Weak human rights cultures Conservative traditions and cultures, tribalism (cultural obstacles to innovation and equity) Constraints of mass poverty on active citizenship Negative impact of regional conflicts Economic challenges The financial crisis and its impact ( civil society organizations are in survival mode ) A weak domestic resource base and funding for civil society and policy advocacy Other challenges Intellectual and analytical deficits in civil society leadership Commercialization, juniorization and generalization of the media and news rooms Retreat of academics and researchers from activist, public commitments Key Country Observations The Trust has prepared draft country profiles for five of the six focus countries. While these are useful, they do not reflect much up-to-date analysis based on country context. It is recommended that these draft country profiles be finalized and updated based on dialogue with partners, with the outstanding country profile for Uganda to be completed, to form an additional baseline resource for the initiative. The limitations of the scoping and baseline survey did not allow for comprehensive analysis and observations on each of the focus countries. The consultant team was challenged to cover the basic questionnaire questions in the very brief meetings with partners, and there was little or no time for more substantive discussions or research. However, below are some brief remarks and scoping observations that emerged from the survey and country visits Key Ghana observations Ghana appears to be one of the most networked countries in terms of numbers of joint platforms and coalitions for policy advocacy (41 important and credible groupings were identified by respondents to the survey). Respondents were generally optimistic about the democratic gains and embrace of democratic values in the country and the relatively open and receptive environment for policy advocacy. There is a strong multi-party system, but this also manifests in a tendency to political polarization along party lines that affects perceptions of advocacy work. The public policy framework is generally regarded as good and there is relative consensus on what the key policy issues are. The discovery and exploitation of new petroleum resources opens up possibilities for significant income and revenue streams in Ghana, but it also presents some unifying issues for civil society advocacy around regulation, allocation of oil revenues and environmental impact. Competition for resources and profile among civil society 33

34 organizations is fierce. It was noted that the use of ICTs, web-based and social media by civil society organizations remains relatively under-developed in Ghana. Based on the evidence seen, we believe that conditions and openness to the Trust s initiative in Ghana are very favourable for successful implementation, with a good supply of enthusiastic and quality partners Key Kenya observations Kenyans are rightly proud of the recent successful adoption of a new and more democratic constitution, in which civil society played an important role. Political and civic space has opened up in Kenya, civil society is vibrant and there is a healthy openness to collaboration among civil society organizations. At the same time, partners have concerns about limited access to information and a culture of secrecy in government, particularly surrounding its dealings with the private sector. Relationships between government, policy makers and civil society are still affected by a considerable degree of mutual suspicion and mistrust. Notoriously, Kenya continues to suffer from widespread corruption, lack of transparency, limited access to information and weak accountability systems. Women, displaced people, pastoralists, unemployed youth, the poor in both urban and rural areas, and ethnic minorities continue to experience marginalization and victimization. Some partners felt that research organizations in Kenya are not sufficiently in touch with ordinary people and the poor. The level of knowledge on policy and development issues among the mass media is widely regarded as poor. In general, there is good partner receptivity to the Trust s programme, as well as a reasonably stable political environment and varied range of potential partners, including several significant research bodies. The Trust was unsuccessful in securing meetings for the team with mass media organizations, so this is a gap to be addressed Key Malawi observations Malawi is experiencing a time of political uncertainty, current fuel and foreign exchange shortages, failure to pay public sector salaries, divisive controversies around the criminalization of same-sex relationships, and the closure of some higher education institutions following protests on campus. As a result, there are heightened tensions between government, civil society and the media, with several recent incidents reported of intimidation and harassment of civil society leaders. The recent drift towards more authoritarian rule and threats to civil society, media and academic freedoms have galvanized civil society solidarity around some central human rights and advocacy issues. Civil society in Malawi remains active and is well served by a network of coalitions and advocacy platforms with wide issue coverage. Most organizations surveyed indicated that there was still a reasonable degree of openness to policy makers as well as good access and linkages to the policy process. Several respondents commented on the residual conservatism of Malawian society and traditional culture as well as resistance to innovation and new ideas. Malawi remains one of the 34

35 poorest of African countries, with significant regional variations and divides, challenges around popular mobilization among the rural poor, and competition for scarce resources among civil society organizations. The team found high levels of support among those interviewed in Malawi for the Trust s initiative. The team was also able to identify a strong pool of advocacy coalition partners. However, representation of research organizations in the meetings was poor, despite best efforts on the Trust s part, and contact with mass media organizations did not happen at all. This report identifies some prospective research and media partners to be scouted further by the Trust. The Trust will also need to monitor closely the political situation in Malawi, which poses a risk to the programme success Key South Africa observations While South African-based advocacy groups remain active and vibrant, there is some sense of a broader societal policy fatigue and a questioning of the possibilities for fundamental change on key issues. Several respondents perceive a closing down of civic and political space as well as reduced government openness to policy advocacy. There is a general openness to the Trust s programme and greater collaboration between advocacy, research and media groups, as well as a growing recognition of the need to pool resources in a time of constrained financial resources. There is a growing contingent of popularly based advocacy formations and alliances, such as the Treatment Action Campaign, Equal Education and the Right2Know Campaign. Perceived threats to media freedom and rights of expression have rallied civil society around some key rights issues, but there is a sense of drift and lack of social consensus in the wider society. Much of the current community mobilization and protests about provision of basic social services is spontaneous or informal and not directly linked to organizations. It should be noted that many of the South African-based organizations interviewed have a wider Southern African or Africa-wide focus and mandate. Prospects for successful uptake of the Trust s programme are very good and the prospective partners have an unusually strong and varied set of assets and experience, including broader Africa networks and specialist expertise in social accountability practices Key Tanzania observations Tanzania s economic prospects have been boosted by prospective new mineral resources, and there is a continued trend towards a more open and democratic system. Tanzania has a strong sense of national unity, with a unifying common language (Swahili). The enabling environment for civil society organizations is reasonably healthy. There is solid openness among advocacy, research and media organizations to greater collaboration. Government is seen to be moderately receptive to policy advocacy, but there are still some tendencies to view civil society with some suspicion or as an opposition force. Poverty itself poses a constraint to policy advocacy as many people are focused on the battle for daily survival. Resources for 35

36 civil society development and advocacy work are scarce, resulting in increased competition among civil society organizations for funding. In Tanzania, the political and social climate is conducive to the Trust s programme. There is a good mix of advocacy and research organizations that are keen to work with the initiative. However, representation of the media in the current mix is weak and needs to be addressed. There is also some sensitivity about which organizations should play a lead partner role with the Trust. Careful consultation and negotiation will therefore be required Key Uganda observations Civil society in Uganda is vibrant and diverse, and civil society organizations and policy makers are reasonably accessible and open to policy advocacy. However, there are worrying trends for government to restrict media and civil society freedoms and to regulate civil society in a more heavy-handed way. Corruption, lack of transparency and accountability are endemic, and the Ugandan economy is characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment as well as weak economic growth and competition for scarce resources. The human rights culture in Uganda is fragile and deeply compromised by the continuing persecution or marginalization of sexual minorities, displaced people, people with disabilities, other minorities and, political opponents of the government. Over the past few months, there has been a wave of major public protests against the cost of living that have been suppressed with violence by the state. Current party political rivalries are highly volatile and increasingly violent, and there is a concern about a possible regression to authoritarian rule. General political turbulence and unrest have produced an atmosphere of polarization, mistrust and suspicion that has manifested itself to some extent in civil society politics and relationships. On the positive side, recently proven petroleum resources have the potential to boost economic growth and domestic resources for development. The Trust can count on buy-in to the new programme from a range of good quality partners. The biggest concern and risk at present is the tenuous and highly divisive political situation that needs further analysis in relation to the implementation environment for the Trust s project Key Observations and Challenges: The Media Findings from the baseline study suggest that a majority of organizations surveyed see themselves as having strong linkages with the media. The main media and communications outlets used for dissemination are (in order of most used outlets): Seminars and workshops Websites Print media and newspapers Symposia and dialogues Radio Journals/magazines/newsletters Television Social media 36

37 Policy briefs and submissions Research papers Most organizations interviewed rated the level of openness and receptivity of the media to social development issues as moderately receptive or very receptive. On the other hand, a majority of respondents rated the media s level of knowledge of pro-poor policy issues as fair or non-existent. Many respondents regard the media s coverage of pro-poor policy and research work as being only fair or poor. Most media groups surveyed were positive about more and better collaboration with advocacy and research groups, and they see real benefits in collaboration such as accessing good stories, writers and credible data/research. The mass media is in fact more interested in good stories than most civil society organizations realize. However, several stressed the need for some distance between advocacy agendas and the independent media to allow the media to retain credibility with the public. The findings around the media provide rich material for framing useful dialogue, joint learning and collaboration among advocacy, research and media groups. There is clearly a wide gap in mutual understanding amongst these groups. Advocacy and research organizations need to have a better understanding of the constraints of the media (including its need to maintain some editorial independence), of how the media works and how best to pitch their messages for maximum coverage. Given the openness of the media respondents to greater collaboration as well as their need to access good copy and credible research data, advocacy and research organizations have an opportunity through the Trust s project to address some of the media s gaps in knowledge, expertise and capacity for good policy and research reporting. Quality reporting is often very relationship and trust-based, so there is an opportunity to build relationships and foster innovative, quality journalism around policy advocacy and research. Media organizations can bring a wealth of knowledge about smart media strategies, sound media relations, use of new media technologies and innovative approaches to packaging the issues, stories and data of advocacy and research organizations. It is recommended that the Trust gives priority to dialogue and joint learning between advocacy, research and media organizations around the following themes: Better mutual understanding of the role, constraints and modus operandi of media, advocacy and research groups Improved media relations capacity, media strategies and packaging of media materials on the part of advocacy and research organizations Stronger media capacity and awareness around the key issue themes of the project Relationship-building and media mapping Innovations in the use of media technology, social media and creative approaches to media messaging (through radio, visual media, the arts, etc.) It is also recommended that the Trust explore further, with existing partners, the possibilities for linkages with strategic mass media partners in the six focus countries. Following is a summary of the key obstacles to better media reporting on social development issues. 37

38 Key obstacles to better reporting Obstacles within the media Dominance of commercial and profit motive among the mainline media Sensationalism and chasing the stories that sell Focus on party political reporting, celebrities and scandal Lack of prioritisation of development stories perceived as not sexy and difficult to report Limited media mindsets new values exclude the poor and vulnerable Skills, capacity and training gaps among journalists Lack of knowledge among media workers about development and policy issues Lack of investigative reporting and specialist development and policy journalists The financial and resource constraints of the media The media is stretched too thin with few people to cover a huge range of stories and issues The media has trouble moving from events and facts to issues and analysis The juniorization and generalization of the news room Many journalists are poorly paid Difficulties of the media in telling the story of poverty in a new and compelling way Tendency of the media to over-simplify or report inaccurately Urban bias of the media, poor national reach and failure to cover rural and remote areas In some countries, civil society organizations must pay allowances and expenses to journalists for coverage of stories Obstacles among advocacy and research groups Poor civil society media relations and media strategies Outdated media relations practices by civil society organizations, like sending endless press releases Poor packaging by advocacy and research organizations of policy positions and research materials for the media Research in particular is often overly academic, inaccessible and poorly presented for media consumption Lack of civil society relationships with media owners, editors and journalists Lack of understanding of how the media works, who does what best, where and how to pitch the story, etc. Failure to connect the media to good stories and good writers Advocacy groups fail to be more creative and innovative in their communications and messaging for example, they could use the arts and visual media more effectively Some civil society organizations would like to use the mass media as a communications branch of their operations rather than recognizing the independence and third party role of the media Contextual obstacles Threats to media independence and freedom of expression Government ownership, control and manipulation of the media Self-censorship among journalists in state-owned media Key Observations and Challenges: Research and Research Organizations 38

39 As documented in the baseline study, there is a strong perception that advocacy organizations are failing to use research to maximum effect. Similarly, nearly three quarters of respondents feel that evidence-based policy research is being conducted only at an adequate or weak level. Most organizations surveyed have some in-house research capacity, but this is often limited by human resource and funding constraints. Responses to a question about linkages with research organizations were mixed, with about half of respondents rating their linkages as adequate or weak. When asked to rate the level of media coverage of pro-poor research, about three quarters of respondents rated coverage as poor or only fair. The evidence from the scoping study suggests a significant gap to be bridged between research organizations and both advocacy groups and the media. Relationships are frustrated by the different worldviews, cultures and constraints of these organizations, and a failure to engage and understand each other. Just as advocacy groups and the media are sceptical about the motivation, work style and priorities of researchers, research organizations are often wary of how advocacy groups and the media use research. Researchers are typically concerned about sacrificing rigour, standards and objectivity for the sake of adapting to advocacy agendas. The reality is that all of the players in research, advocacy and media have a tendency towards pre-ordained positions and stereotypes, not only in relation to each other, but also importantly in relation to assumptions about poor people affected by policy. Important opportunities exist to move beyond these entrenched views and optimize the use of research and evidence to support pro-poor policy formation. Engagement with research organizations offers advocacy groups the opportunity to anchor their work in a real-life analytical framework that captures the complexity and difficult choices of effective public policymaking. The media has much to gain from increased access to evidence about social development issues and research that reveals the struggles of poor and marginalized people more vividly in a broader systemic context. Researchers can draw on the experience and insights of advocacy and media groups to escape the academic ghetto, ground their social enquiry more solidly in community realities, and bring research more dynamically into play with significant social change processes. The prospect of engaging high quality research organizations involved in the IDRC/Gates Foundation Think Tank Initiative presents a good opportunity for the Trust to facilitate innovation and fresh approaches to pro-poor policy research collaboration in Africa. It is recommended that the Trust use the convening power of the Trust s initiative address the following tasks: Build more robust relationships, nuanced understanding and peer learning between research, advocacy and media groups Instigate better mapping of what research is being done, by whom and where in Africa Enhance the research capacity of advocacy groups and coalitions In the context of the focal issue themes of the project, test new collaborative approaches to evidence based policy work through practical action around specific policy challenges Explore possibilities for innovative community-based research for example to better understand the dynamics and workings of citizen formations and the process of creating effective platforms for community voice in policymaking 39

40 Following are some of the challenges faced by organizations in working with research organizations Challenges of working with research organizations Some research groups lack interest or commitment to work on policy advocacy Advocacy organizations and research groups find it difficult to agree on a common agenda It is difficult to find quality, engaged researchers Failure by research groups to meet quality standards and deadlines Research often takes too long and fails to keep pace with the policy advocacy agenda Researchers and academics are often territorial about their work Research groups are sometimes inflexible about their methodologies Researchers are often highly competitive and are driven by the need to publish Research organizations are often perceived as remote, elitist, working in a silo each doing their own thing Research groups lack credibility and legitimacy with ordinary people Research groups have difficulties bringing in grassroots voices Academics have diminishing interest in taking up advocacy and public positions due to commercial and funding pressures Research is often excessively academic, theoretical, or written in inaccessible language Sometimes research findings are pre-ordained, shaped by the preconceptions of researchers Academics don t reach out enough to the media Research groups have a weak understanding of the needs of policy makers Poor packaging of research for the media ( where s the story? ) Researchers are suspicious of the media Civil society organizations and advocacy groups fail to reach out to research groups Research, advocacy and media groups have different cultures and worldviews Key Observations: Knowledge and Information Sharing While a majority of organizations surveyed believe that participants in advocacy coalitions have adequate knowledge of the issues they are taking up, nearly half of the respondents see significant knowledge gaps. Of greater concern is the fact that about two thirds of respondents feel that advocacy, research and media groups have only partial or inadequate knowledge national development policy processes (how policy is actually made). About 41% of respondents think that there are not enough opportunities for sharing of knowledge, information and resources among advocacy, research and media groups. Another 27% feel that these opportunities exist only to some extent. 40

41 The evidence from the scoping study affirms the rationale for the Trust s initiative and its objectives to increase knowledge of policy issues and processes, to create platforms and spaces for knowledge sharing and joint learning, and to build understanding among advocacy, research, and media organizations about each other s work. Survey responses also indicate clear demand for more high quality and purposeful knowledge sharing and learning spaces that link directly to the current work and priorities of organizations. Feedback from survey participants suggests that inadequate joint learning and knowledge sharing is partly a result of weak linkages and partnership between these diverse groups. It also suggests a need for more systemic thinking and understanding of the policy process. In a sense, the Trust s project is all about nurturing a more systemic and multi-stakeholder approach to pro-poor policy advocacy. Through the dialogue, convening and peer learning components in the project, the Trust has an opportunity to promote such an approach, as well as practical knowledge and skills sharing across the divides of advocacy, research and media organizations. It is recommended that the knowledge sharing and learning agenda for the project be shaped with the following concerns in mind: Dialogue and convening spaces offered should harness the power of peer learning among participants, bringing the real life experience of the various players to the table. Joint learning should be closely linked to the work agendas and priorities of participants, as well as to the key issue themes of the project. Project partners should have a direct role in setting the learning agenda for the project. Particular priority should be given to enhancing joint learning around focal policy issues as well as a systemic understanding of the policy process. Other practical learning areas may include: network and coalition building; partnership and collaboration skills; stakeholder and systems mapping; strategic relationship building with policy makers; effective dialogue and convening skills; effective media relations; use of technology and social media; evidence-based research and advocacy; and policy advocacy approaches that combine safe space dialogue and technical lobbying with social mobilization and citizen voice. Below is a summary of reasons given for inadequate knowledge of the policy process Reasons for inadequate knowledge of the policy process Lack of advocacy and policy skills, experience, training and capacity Poor knowledge and information sharing Lack of access to information and information technology Civil society groups are too reactive and lack a systemic view Knowledge is restricted to a few specialists and experts Some democracies are still young and people are only gradually becoming aware of more open policy processes Disconnect between research and advocacy Relationships with, and access to, policy makers are weak Advocacy groups find it hard to sustain engagement beyond presenting proposals and making demands Literacy and education gaps at grassroots level The policy system is far removed from poor communities and rural areas 41

42 The policy system itself is often remote, opaque and secretive Lack of stakeholder and systems mapping Lack of funding, human resources and specialist expertise Staff turnover, loss of leadership to government, lack of institutional memory It is hard to keep up with all the issues and complexities in the system Poor media coverage of the policy system Respondents also identified various barriers to effective knowledge and information sharing Challenges and constraints for knowledge sharing Constraints of time and workloads The benefits often seem non-specific and not linked to outputs Seen as a luxury item People tend to work in silos, or stay in their comfort zone There are not enough high quality forums, like the Trust s meeting in Dar es Salaam Most sharing is ad hoc and not sustained Proprietary attitudes to knowledge, lack of a knowledge sharing culture Insufficient awareness of common interests and what is to be gained Other Resource Providers The scoping study surveyed the wide array of existing and prospective sources of funding and technical assistance supporting advocacy, research and media organization in the six focus countries. The limitations of time and scope of the study do not allow for a more complete mapping and analysis of funding trends and resource flows. However, the lists provided in Annex 3 provide some raw data, subdivided by country, from which the Trust may be able to identify additional financial and technical resources that could be drawn on to increase the scale and scope of the project General Observations, Recommendations and the Way Forward Based on the findings of the scoping study, the following is a summary of general observations and recommendations. I. Overall, the findings of the scoping study confirm a strong openness and commitment from organizations to the aims and objectives of the Trust s initiative. There is also a wide acknowledgement of the demand for greater capacity and effectiveness around collaboration and partnerships among advocacy, research and media groups. The scoping study provides firm evidence and an extensive needs analysis to support the underlying assumptions and rationale of the Trust s initiative. Despite the complexity and ambition entailed in working with six African countries and a large constituency of very diverse partners, there is every reason to think that the project has good prospects for success and impact. 42

43 II. The scoping study found that advocacy, research and media organizations surveyed are actively engaged in a wide range of policy issues that provide good coverage in the four thematic focus areas for the Trust s initiative. Inquiry into the issue-based work of these organizations vindicates and affirms the choice of focus areas for the project, as well as the high priority given by potential partners to these areas. It should be noted that the survey reflected a fairly strong alignment around the core Millennium Development Goals agenda. III. Key advocacy platforms and coalitions in each of the six countries have been identified and profiled in the scoping study. In addition to those directly surveyed, the study has identified over 150 platforms and coalitions that are regarded by their peers as important, credible and effective pro-poor advocacy leaders. The evidence suggests that policy advocacy and coalition building is a dynamic and growing field in the focus countries, providing a large constituency of quality organizations and potential partners for the Trust. IV. As noted in the baseline study, 94% of respondents to the survey rated leading advocacy platforms and coalitions as very effective or moderately effective. The scoping study conducted an in-depth survey of the key strengths, assets and effectiveness of leading advocacy platforms and coalitions. Many key strengths and assets were noted in terms of coverage, inclusiveness and leadership; positioning, credibility and influence; use of research and evidence; mobilizing and agenda building; capacity, strategy and tactics; and knowledge, information and learning. V. At the same time, the survey revealed some key weaknesses and challenges for advocacy platforms and coalitions, including organizational, capacity and governance challenges; a weak financial and human resource base; problems sustaining commitment and momentum; weak media relations; weak engagement with the private sector; challenges in pursuing evidence-based advocacy; knowledge and information-sharing gaps; and tensions in relationships with government. VI. The survey evidence suggests that there are reasonably strong linkages between advocacy, research and media groups, although linkages with research groups are relatively weaker. A large majority of respondents were found to be open and receptive to partnership and collaboration, and 80% said that partnerships and collaboration were a high priority for them. In general, respondents rated the capacity of organizations for coordination less highly, and there is a wide acknowledgment of the need for better capacity in this regard. VII. The scoping study has identified various opportunities and points of leverage for strengthening cooperation and partnership between advocacy, research and media organizations. These are listed and classified above as building blocks for collaboration, advantages and added value of collaboration, and key opportunities. VIII. The study showed up a range of challenges for linkages and collaboration, including competition for resources; silo mindsets; challenges of managing diversity and finding common ground; and various capacity and practical constraints. The baseline findings give more detail on the variable state of linkages and relationships at a national level. The list of challenges should be mined more thoroughly by the Trust in dialogue with partners to frame some strategic opportunities for collaborative solutions among advocacy, research and media organizations. The challenges identified may also suggest some content and subject matter for safe space dialogue with policy makers. 43

44 IX. Based on the scoping study, we have made recommendations on potential partners in each country as well as possible lead partners (as well as some possible grantmaker partners). In the selection for each country, an attempt has been made to address good coverage of the main thematic focus areas, the mix of different types of organizations, and good representation of Gates Foundation and Trust partners. Included in the recommendations for partners are some strategic organizations not initially identified in the target group. Specific comments on possible lead organizations can be found in the body of the report. X. The scoping study has documented critical policy makers and target audiences for policy advocacy in the six focus countries. Through the survey, respondents have indicated the most strategic mechanisms for engagement with policy makers. These include: engagement with government and Parliaments; engagement with regional and international bodies; convening and multi-stakeholder dialogue; engagement with the media; and social mobilisation and awareness-raising. The survey assessed the receptivity of policy makers to policy advocacy as well as levels of access to policy makers, and the results were generally positive. Overall, the perceived climate of good access, receptivity and linkages in respect of policy makers is encouraging news for the Trust and bodes well for the potential impact and success of the Trust s project. XI. Some key formations of citizens affected by policy have been identified through the survey, as well as some valuable insights about their main challenges and needs. However, many of the suggestions made by organizations were generic and sometimes confuse citizen formations with NGOs and advocacy groups. In general, the Trust faces a challenge to achieve greater clarity and common understanding about what constitutes a citizen formation and how to bring the voices and agency of citizens affected by policy to the table. The study provides a starting point, but more dialogue and enquiry will be needed to identify specific citizen formations to engage in the project. XII. Critical contextual constraints and challenges for organizations and the Trust project have been summarized above. The limitations of the scoping and baseline survey have not allowed for comprehensive analysis and observations on each of the focus countries. However, some specific country observations are included in the report. XIII. While all of the countries in focus have experienced and secured major democratic gains over recent years, it should be noted that respondents identified worrying undercurrents and very immediate threats to those gains, especially in Uganda, Malawi and South Africa. There are significant tensions between government and civil society organizations (including the media) in several of the focus countries. XIV. The Trust has prepared draft country profiles for five of the six focus countries and it is recommended that these draft country profiles be finalized, with the outstanding country profile for Uganda to be completed, to form an additional baseline resource for the initiative. XV. We recommend that the Trust develop a more thorough political and risk analysis for each country so that it can adopt appropriate risk and relationship management strategies. In order to navigate its way through the diverse terrain and pitfalls of six countries, the Trust should also engage in a closer examination and analysis of the unique complexities, characteristics and politics within civil society in each country. 44

45 XVI. Specific findings and observations on the media, research organizations and knowledge and information sharing are contained above. Useful summaries have been compiled from qualitative survey results to elaborate on key obstacles to better reporting on development and policy issues; challenges experienced in working with research organizations; reasons for inadequate knowledge among organizations of the policy process; and challenges and constraints for knowledge sharing. XVII. Most survey respondents rated the level of openness and receptivity of the media to social development issues as moderately receptive or very receptive. On the other hand, a majority of respondents rated the media s level of knowledge of pro-poor policy issues as well as its coverage of pro-poor policy and research work as being only fair or poor. XVIII. Most media groups surveyed were positive about more and better collaboration with advocacy and research groups, and they see real benefits in collaboration such as accessing good stories, writers and credible data/research. Several stressed the need for some distance between advocacy agendas and the independent media in order for the media to retain credibility with the public. XIX. With regard to the media, it is recommended that the Trust give priority to dialogue and joint learning between media groups and advocacy/research partners around the following themes: i. Better mutual understanding of the role, constraints and modus operandi of media, advocacy and research groups ii. Improved media relations capacity, media strategies and packaging of media materials on the part of advocacy and research organizations iii. Stronger media capacity and awareness around the key issue themes of the project iv. Relationship-building and media mapping v. Innovations in the use of media technology, social media and creative approaches to media messaging (through radio, visual media, the arts) XX. It is also recommended that the Trust explore further, with existing partners, the possibilities for linkages with strategic mass media partners in the six focus countries. XXI. The evidence from the scoping study suggests a big gap to be bridged between research organizations and both advocacy groups and the media. Relationships are frustrated by the different worldviews, cultures and constraints of these organizations, and a failure to engage and understand each other. Nonetheless, great opportunities exist to move beyond stereotypes and entrenched views to optimize the use of research and evidence in support of pro-poor policy formation. XXII. With regard to research organizations, it is recommended that the Trust use the convening power of the Trust s initiative to address the following tasks: i. Build more robust relationships, nuanced understanding and peer learning between research, advocacy and media groups ii. Initiate better mapping of who is doing what research and where in Africa iii. Enhance the research capacity of advocacy groups and coalitions iv. In the context of the focal issue themes of the project, test new collaborative approaches to evidence based policy work through practical action around specific policy challenges 45

46 v. Explore possibilities for innovative community-based research for example to understand better the dynamics and workings of citizen formations and the process of creating effective platforms for community voice in policy making XXIII. While a majority of organizations surveyed think that participants in advocacy coalitions have adequate knowledge of the issues they are taking up, nearly half of the respondents see significant knowledge gaps. Of greater concern is the fact that about two-thirds of respondents feel that advocacy, research and media groups have only partial or inadequate knowledge of national development policy processes (how policy is actually made). XXIV. The evidence on knowledge and information sharing affirms the rationale for the Trust s initiative and its objectives to increase knowledge of policy issues and processes, to create platforms and spaces for knowledge sharing and joint learning, and to build understanding among advocacy, research, and media organizations about each other s work. Survey responses also indicate a clear demand for more high quality and purposeful knowledge sharing and learning spaces that link directly to the current work and priorities of organizations. XXV. It is recommended that the knowledge sharing and learning agenda for the project be shaped with the following concerns in mind: i. Dialogue and convening spaces offered should harness the power of peer learning among participants, bringing the real life experience of the various players to the table. ii. Joint learning should be closely linked to the work agendas and priorities of participants, as well as to the key issue themes of the project. iii. Project partners should have a direct role in setting the learning agenda for the project. iv. Particular priority should be given to enhancing joint learning around focal policy issues as well as a systemic understanding of the policy process. v. Other practical learning areas may include: network and coalition building; partnership and collaboration skills; stakeholder and systems mapping; strategic relationship building with policy makers; effective dialogue and convening skills; effective media relations; use of technology and social media; evidence-based research and advocacy; and policy advocacy approaches that combine safe space dialogue and technical lobbying with social mobilization and citizen voice. XXVI. The scoping study surveyed the wide array of existing and prospective sources of funding and technical assistance supporting advocacy, research and media organization in the six focus countries. The limitations of time and scope of the study have not allowed for a more complete mapping and analysis of funding trends and resource flows. However, the lists of resource providers contained above provide data, subdivided by country, from which the Trust could identify additional financial and technical resources that could be drawn on to increase the scale and scope of the project. XXVII. Given the heavy overdependence of the project target group on international funding, it would be useful for the Trust to play an advocacy role in flagging the possibilities for a stronger focus on domestic resource mobilization, in relation to business, professional and grassroots constituencies, as well as the challenge of growing an indigenous, Africanowned development grantmaking sector. In line with the financing for development theme of the project, the Trust should raise the profile and sense of urgency around the development of new, Africa-based resource streams. 46

47 XXVIII. In view of the relatively low level of private sector engagement among advocacy organizations surveyed, as well as the powerful public policy and advocacy role of business, it is recommended that the Trust plays an activist role in the course of the project to encourage greater policy engagement with business and the private sector. It is also recommended that the Trust should consider the inclusion of key business platforms and coalitions in the initiative. XXIX. The data from the scoping and baseline studies indicate a lower than expected level of engagement, policy advocacy and mobilization with faith-based organizations (FBOs). It may be that the levels of engagement are higher than the data indicates. Nonetheless, in view of the very wide membership and deep influence of FBOs in all six countries, it is recommended that the Trust works with key partners like African Monitor and the Economic Justice Network (EJN) which are strongly linked with faith communities to strengthen policy engagement with faith-based organisations. 47

48 C. BASELINE SURVEY 3. Introduction This baseline survey for the project defines the 'pre-operation exposure' conditions for the set of indicators that have been identified to assess achievement of the outcomes and impact expressed in the project's logical framework. When compared with the condition of the same indicators at some point during implementation (mid-term evaluation) and post-operation implementation (final evaluation), the baseline study will form the basis for a 'before and after' assessment or a 'change over time' assessment. Without baseline data to establish preoperation conditions for outcome and impact indicators it would be difficult to establish whether change at the outcome level has in fact occurred. In accordance with the baseline ToR and the proposed baseline approach the following tasks were undertaken: o A methodology was developed for sampling and calculating the optimal sample size using the existing databases provided by the Trust; o A data collection instrument/questionnaire was developed for use in the field; o An interviewers guide was prepared for interpreting the questions in the survey questionnaire and provided techniques for implementation; o An appropriate data analysis tool was developed that was suitable for synthesising and analyzing the results of the data collection process (field survey questionnaire); o An implementation plan was developed taking into account the timeframe of the deliverables of the project; o A work plan was developed for the baseline survey; o The collection of data and information and the fieldwork was overseen and managed across the six target countries; o The data was collected, compiled, collated and analysed and all of the indicators included in the project outcomes and objectives document were assessed; o The data challenges were identified, compiled and reported and recommended steps to address some of the gaps were proposed through additional data collection or the use of alternative indicators. 48

49 4. Before and After Evaluation Design The Southern Africa Trust uses its monitoring and evaluation work to better understand the impact of project implementation, and the extent to which networking and policy-related activities are shaping and strengthening pro-poor policy change. The Trust also utilises its M&E function as a double-loop learning tool, enabling it to reflect in a more substantive way on the learning from partner project implementation and incorporating these as a means to strengthening its own strategic approach. In the design of a before and after evaluation for the current project, the baseline survey forms a critical element in the formula for measuring change over time. Pre-programme condition for outcome and impact indicators Post (or midterm)- programme condition for outcome and impact indicators Change over time in outcome and impact indicators associated with Trust project activities Both the scoping and baseline exercises reflect the dynamic and fluid nature of pro-poor advocacy work within the context of civil society agency. Both studies stand as snapshots in time, and the project should anticipate significant change across time as a result of the project interventions and as a result of forces external to the project. The baseline therefore is indicative, and this highlights the importance of ensuring that the project indicators are sufficiently robust and results-oriented so that change (both positive and negative) can be tracked over the life cycle of the project. 49

50 5. Core Questions Addressed by the Baseline Survey The context for the project is the continuing prevalence of high levels of poverty in many African countries, driven by weak economies that are failing to create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Poverty is understood in its broadest sense as encompassing resource poverty, poverty of access, poverty of choice and poverty of opportunity. Poverty is viewed as a complex problem that requires multiple interventions taking place simultaneously and within an integrated framework. Effective, informed and strategic policy making is critical in addressing the multiple challenges of poverty, but the voices of people directly affected by poverty need to be heard to inform policies and practices to overcome poverty. Civil society groupings are well-positioned to articulate the voices of poor people, and to act as intermediaries between people affected by policy and the policy makers and powerful interest groups. This requires structured and institutionalised relationships of accountability between active civil society formations and governments for policy developments to translate into sustained pro-poor change. The focus of the project is to strengthen these institutionalised relationships of accountability by enhancing the capacities of advocacy, research and media organisations to work collaboratively in bringing pro-poor agendas to the attention of policy makers in a cohesive, coordinated and strategic manner. The value proposition of the project is illustrated in the following diagram: The achievement of the project goal within 3 years, the research, advocacy, and media partners of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Southern Africa Trust will be working together in a more coherent and coordinated way amongst themselves and with other partners and governments to achieve pro-poor policy change in and across 6 countries in Africa is contingent on the realisation of the key project objectives. The baseline survey has, therefore, attempted to take a measure of the current state of affairs as they relate to these key objectives. 50

51 1. Increased quality and coherence in the policy advocacy work of partner organisations 2. Increased coordination of the policy advocacy interventions of partner organisations COHERENCE COORDINATION What is the knowledge level of thematic development issues? What is the knowledge level of national development processes? Do organisations have the capacity to do in-house research? Is evidence-based research being conducted on propoor policy advocacy issues? What capacity do organisations have to coordinate their work? Are organisations members of civil society networks, alliances or platforms? What level of priority is given to collaboration and partnerships? 3. Increased effectiveness of policy advocacy initiatives by partner organisations 4. More ownership of the policy advocacy interventions of partner organisations EFFECTIVENESS OWNERSHIP How effective are coalitions in promoting pro-poor policy advocacy initiatives? Do partnerships stimulate a more robust policy debate? Do organisations engage in shared policy advocacy interventions? What are the kinds of policy forums that organisations access? How open are advocacy, research and media organisations to collaborating and forming partnerships to advance the pro-poor agenda? Are the voices of people directly affected by policy adequately reflected in the media? 5. Increased access to appropriate policy making people and forums by partner organisations 6. Greater public visibility of the policy advocacy work of partner organisations in the mass media ACCESS VISIBILITY What level of access do organisations have to policy makers? How open are policy makers to engagement with policy advocacy initiatives? What level of linkage do organisations have with policy makers? Do advocacy and research organisations have access to the mass media? Do the media provide adequate coverage of pro-poor policy advocacy work? Do the media provide adequate coverage of pro-poor research by research organisations? Is the media open to reporting on social development issues? Do media practitioners have the requisite knowledge to report on pro-poor advocacy issues? 51

52 6. Field Work The project will be rolling out its interventions in six African countries. The field work for the baseline focused, as a result, on engaging with key advocacy, research and media partners in each of the six countries. The spread of interviews per grouping in each country was as follows: Uganda Advocacy Research Media Kenya Advocacy Research Media 8% 16% 15% 69% 46% 46% Malawi Advocacy Research Media Tanzania Advocacy Research Media 14% 25% 17% 58% 22% 64% Ghana Advocacy Research Media South Africa Advocacy Research Media 18% 18% 64% 30% 30% 40% From a composite perspective the spread of organisations is indicated in the chart below. It is clear that the largest share of organisations interviewed were advocacy related groups (58%), with research organisations (26%) and media organisations (16%) making up the rest. 52

53 6.1 Spread of Organisations - Composite Media 16% Research 26% Advocacy 58% While a more equal spread of organisations would have been preferable, the following factors should be taken into consideration: The data bases of partner organisations (Gates Foundation and Southern Africa Trust) are more heavily weighted towards advocacy groupings; A number of organisations categorised themselves as advocacy and research organisations, although their core focus was clearly on advocacy; A number of organisations see themselves as having a media/communications component based on their production of magazines, newsletters, policy briefs and other dissemination media; The media itself, and in particular the commercial media houses, was not easy to access and setting up interviews with a number of mainstream media organisations proved challenging. 53

54 7. Baseline Methodology 7.1. Introduction The baseline survey defined the pre-operation exposure conditions for the set of indicators that will be used to assess achievement of the outcomes and impact expressed in the project's results framework. When compared with the condition of the same indicators at some point during implementation (mid-term evaluation) and post-operation implementation (final evaluation), this baseline survey should form the basis for a 'before and after' assessment or a change over time assessment. The baseline data will establish pre-operation conditions for outcome and impact indicators so that it is possible to measure whether change has occurred at the outcomes level Testing the Theory The project is premised on a number of critical assumptions about the extent to which civil society role-players in the six focus countries currently have meaningful and substantive engagements with policy makers to influence the achievement of accountable policy development and implementation. The following broad assumptions have been made, in a collective sense, about civil society role-players: That they lack adequate capacity for effective policy advocacy; That they lack credibility in doing policy advocacy work; and That they lack sufficient opportunities to engage opinion-making platforms (such as the mass media), each other, and policymakers. The baseline data collected will serve to indicate whether these assumptions are in fact borne out by feedback provided by the sample of organisations interviewed Sampling For the purposes of the project the target population are non-state actors working, through advocacy, research and media, in the area of pro-poor policy advocacy work in the six selected countries 1. Southern Africa Malawi South Africa Tanzania Uganda Kenya East Africa Ghana West Africa The sampling frame is comprised of specified organisations across the six countries that represent as many of the key stakeholders of the target population as possible. The sampling used purposive sampling, as a form of non-probability sampling. This was done as the target 1 It should be noted that while Tanzania is considered to be an East African country it is also a member state of SADC and in this case is also considered to be a southern African country. 54

55 population and sampling frame was known, and it was also known which organisations within that frame were both best-positioned and available to provide relevant information and insight, and to give the best picture of the phenomena that the project is seeking to Advocacy Groups Research Groups Target Population - nonstate actors engaged in propoor policy advocacy Media Groups address. As the sample was selected purposively from a pre-determined frame and there was a given field work timeframe, the methodology did not require a rigorous determination of the sample size. The choice of non-probability sampling allowed the baseline to be developed using a selected sample or subset of that population. It should be noted that the basis for doing so is not supported by the statistical theory of inference, as it would be in probability sampling. Because there was no effort made to draw statistical inferences from this non-probability sample (either because the conclusions applied to the sample population only or because the inference to a larger population was not supported by statistical theory), there was no sample size calculation formula, as there is in probability sampling. The aim of drawing conclusions about the larger population has influenced the sample size and the way in which the sample has been chosen. Respondents were not only to talk about their organisations, but also to generalise about the conditions or experiences in the larger population. The intent was to get a sample that is fairly representative of (i) the geographic spread (six selected countries); (ii) non-state actor groupings (advocacy, research and media); and (iii) thematic focus areas (agriculture, resourcing, services and governance for development). The characteristics used to stratify the sample were predetermined by the project intent, so each subgroup of the larger population is included in the sample population. Gates Foundation International Budget Partners Trust Africa Agricultural Advocacy Subgrantees Gates Foundation Project Media Partners Southern Africa Trust Partners in Focus Countries Think Tank Initiative partners in Gates Project Countries The sample, therefore, was selected from the key groups from the database. For the purposes of this baseline it was assumed that the sample size (based on non-probability sampling) was a critical factor in determining a reliable baseline. The presumption made is that the partners interviewed constitute a representative sample of the databases provided. A balance was also struck between the ideal numbers of interviews (in particular face-to -face) to conduct and the time available for doing so. This was an important consideration when using a time-intensive qualitative study in which a single discussion could take up to an hour to conduct. Because of the in-depth nature of qualitative methods, the sample size had, necessarily, to be limited without compromising reliability. While the ability to draw conclusions about the larger 55

56 population of non-state actors in the advocacy, research and media groupings from the sample population is an issue, the multi-country nature of the sample does also allow for a comparative assessment of similarities and differences across the six countries Type of Data The baseline is composed of qualitative and quantitative data, although the bias is towards the use of qualitative data. It recognises, however, that qualitative and quantitative data complement each other, and therefore both are used. The focus on qualitative data was based on the need to extract and assess the context, perceptions and quality of, as well as opinions about, the experiences and condition of advocacy, media and research role-players in the six countries. The data collection method therefore utilised a more participatory approach using a semi-structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions that allow respondents to expand on their initial answers and lead the discussion towards issues that they find important. The primary data collected for the baseline was gathered through the use of interviews through direct contact with key respondents. The secondary data has been gathered from existing data sources that include the project documents, reports, assessments and documentation provided by the organisations interviewed (annual reports, brochures, advocacy materials, research reports). The data for the baseline was collected primarily by means of interviews with key respondents. This took place in two ways. Firstly, a range of face-to-face interviews were conducted in each of the six countries with representatives of advocacy, media and research organisations. Secondly, the data collection tool (questionnaire) was uploaded as an on-line survey that was completed by organisations that were not part of the face-to-face interview process. The field survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews that utilised a field research format. Each face-to-face interview was conducted as a semi-structured survey interview, using a combination of open and closed questions that provided both factual (objective) and interpretive (subjective) responses and a comprehensive set of perceptions, opinions and insights. The on-line survey was used with all other database partners who were not part of the field interviews, other relevant Trust partners, and additional contacts identified during the country visits. A questionnaire was prepared, based on an initial set of questions generated by the Trust, which were then expanded and streamlined by the consultants. Specific questions were designed to provide the kind of responses that would speak to: i. The information set out in the project proposal; ii. The project outcomes and indicators; iii. Issues raised in the Colloquium Report (Linkages between Research, Advocacy and Media Work for Pro-Poor Policy Development and Accountability in Africa) iv. Meetings and discussions with the project staff; 56

57 v. Issues emerging from additional literature Data Analysis Each interview lasted approximately one hour, which allowed for detailed and comprehensive responses. The interviews were recorded and a set of completed interview schedules has been collated. The information provided in the interviews was synthesised using a data collection tool and the key findings were extracted, coded and synthesised. The findings also provided a basis for a trend analysis and a set of recommendations that will inform the project going forward. The data collected was primarily qualitative, and was analysed using a qualitative data analysis tool. Generalisation: The interviews provided information that was clustered, through the interview questions, and allowed for generalisations that are a reflection of concrete sector realities as experienced and reflected on by the interviewees; Identification of variables: Interviews ranged across different stakeholders, and the process of generalising information therefore took into account variables that include implicit assumptions, biases and prevailing political tendencies. Coding: The structure of the questionnaire allowed for the information provided (raw data) to be arranged into conceptual categories and then analysed for relevance to the project design and implementation (analytical categorisation of the data). The coding process was done in two stages: o Open coding: a preliminary pass through of the interview schedules as an initial attempt to condense the data and assign thematic labels; o Selective coding: The refined data provides the basis for an overall analysis around core generalisations about strategic project direction, and linkage to the project outcomes. The validity / reliability of the information provided will be assessed when the draft scoping study and baseline survey are shared with Trust staff, as well as the partners interviewed. 57

58 8. Mapping the Baseline Data 8.1. Thematic Areas Covered in Baseline Field Visit In partnership with the Gates Foundation the Southern Africa Trust agreed that the project would have a focus on four thematic areas of interest to both. These four thematic areas are: Agriculture Resources Services Governance for Development Agricultural productivity for household level food security Resource mobilisation and better allocation and distribution of resources (optimising financing for development) Delivery of basic and social services Inclusive, participatory, and transparent governance for better development results The organisations sampled in the six countries were focused, either directly or indirectly, on one, some or all of the thematic areas. A number of the organisations interviewed are coalitions or networks that have member organisations that are directly engaged with the thematic areas at a programmatic level Thematic Focus Areas 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Agriculture and Food Security Financing for Development Basic Services Governance for Development 8.2. Geographical Spread of Organisation s Work The work and initiatives undertaken by the organisations sampled had a varied range of geographical coverage. Some of the organisations operate strictly within the confines of their national borders; Some operate both nationally and regionally with relevant regional structures; Some organisations have an Africa-wide remit; 58

59 Some organisations have strong linkages with organisations across the world Geographical Spread of Partner's Work Media Advocacy Research A number of the organisations are nationally-based, others are chapters or country offices of regional, Africa-wide or international organisations, while others are regional organisations with their secretariat based in one of the capital cities Status of Organisations 7% 13% National Organisations 22% 58% Regional Secretariats / Offices Country Offices of International organisations Chapters of Regional / African Organisations 8.3. Resource Base of Organisations Access to funding and sustainable resourcing is critical for most of the organisations interviewed. Apart from the commercial media organisations almost all the other organisations / groupings indicated that they were dependent on donor funding. The extent of funding pipelines is a key concern for most organisations as it impacts both on their sustainability and their capacity to engage in longer term planning. Organisations were asked about the extent to which they had access to new funding opportunities. The following graph illustrates that on average more than 60% of the organisations interviewed had access to new sources of funding, or were engaged in discussions with donors around funding extensions. 59

60 8.3.1 Level of Access to New Funding Level of Access 100% 50% 0% Research Media Advocacy Research Media Advocacy No Yes Alignment of the Baseline Data Against Indicators The data collection instrument (the field survey questionnaire) comprised a set of 34 structured and semi-structured questions. The questions were formulated with the key research questions in mind, and were also formulated to provide data that would provide baseline information for six of the seven project objectives and their associated performance indicators 2. The baseline data collected has therefore, been collated and synthesised in alignment with the seven objectives and provides baseline information for the performance indicators Project Objective One: Quality and Coherence 1. Project Objective Increased quality and coherence in the policy advocacy work of partner organisations Performance Indicator(s) Increased knowledge of policy relevant content issues in the specified thematic areas amongst project partners Increased knowledge of the work being done by each amongst project partners Increased knowledge of national and regional public policy development processes amongst project partners Increased use of evidence-based research amongst policy advocacy partners An important consideration for the project is to assess the extent to which policy advocacy work is based on organisations having a thorough and substantive knowledge of the thematic areas with which they engage. Just over half of the organisations interviewed (54%) felt that policy advocacy work was based on a sound level of thematic area knowledge. Just under half (46%) felt that there were significant thematic knowledge gaps that needed to be addressed. 2 Objective seven is internal to the performance of the Southern Africa Trust itself. 60

61 Extent to which Organisations have Knowledge of Thematic Issues - Composite 16% 30% 54% Yes No To some extent By sector advocacy organisations show a higher confidence in knowledge of pro-poor policy advocacy thematic areas, with research organisations having a significantly lower level of confidence. Extent to which Organisations have Knowledge of Thematic Issues by Sector Yes To Some Extent No Advocacy Media Research There was also a concern to understand better the level of knowledge of organisations on national policy development processes. The responses indicate that overall there are challenges in terms of understanding the processes involved in policymaking, with 72% of those organisations interviewed suggesting that pro-poor policy advocacy work was based on a partial or incomplete knowledge of critical national policy-making processes. By sector, research organisations seemed to feel more confident in terms of knowledge about national policy processes than do advocacy and media organisations. The differences are however relatively small, and reflect a general concern across all sectors that there is a need for strengthening understanding of the technical aspects of national policy processes. 61

62 Extent to which Organisations have Knowledge of National Policy Development Processes by Country 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% No To Some Extent Yes Knowledge of National Policy Processes by Sector Advocacy Media To some extent No Yes Research 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Extent to which Organisations have Knowledge of National Development Processes - Composite No 35% Yes 28% To some extent 37% The extent to which organisations have knowledge of thematic areas and national policy development processes may be linked to the capacity to do their own in-house research as a means for producing an enhanced knowledge and evidence-base for their work. The majority of organisations interviewed indicated that they had some 62

63 degree of in-house capacity to conduct research. Most noted, however, that their capacity was constrained by the following factors: Lack of resources, including longer-term and consistent funding from donors; Lack of time do research, as researchers within organisations are often drawn in to managerial and implementation responsibilities that leave little time for research activities; Lack of research quality, with many research institutes noting that they regularly lost high-quality researchers to the private sector and multi-lateral agencies as they could not afford to retain them. Extent to Which Organisation has Capacity to Conduct In-house Research by Country 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% No To Some Extent Yes Extent to Which Organisation has Capacity to Conduct In-house Research by Sector Yes To Some Extent No Advocacy Media Research 63

64 Extent to Which Organisation has Capacity to Conduct In-house Research - Composite No 16% To Some Extent 23% Yes 61% The interviews suggest that there is a strong perception that advocacy organisations are not using research and other knowledge sources in an optimal way to inform their work. 70% of organisations interviewed indicated that research was used poorly or to some extent, while only 7% indicated that there was an effective use of research. It is evident that advocacy organisations themselves have a greater degree of confidence in their own ability to use research to inform their policy advocacy work. Research and media organisations generally seem to feel that advocacy organisations need to strengthen their capacity to engage in evidence-based policy advocacy work. Extent to which Advocacy Groupings use Research to Inform Their Policy Advocacy Work by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Very Effectively Effectively To Some Extent Poorly Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 64

65 Extent to which Advocacy Groupings use Research to Inform Their Policy Advocacy Work - Perspective per Sector Research Media Advocacy Poor To Some Extent Effective Very Effective 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Extent to which Advocacy Groupings use Research to Inform Their Policy Advocacy Work - Composite Very effectively Effectively To some extent Poorly 21% 7% 23% 49% The interview responses would seem to suggest that the current level of research at the national and regional level on pro-poor policy issues is not yet optimal since 75% of respondents indicated that the level of evidence-based research being conducted is either adequate (57%), weak (16%) or very weak (2%). Only 4% felt that the level of evidence-based research was very strong. This indicates that there is significant scope to scale-up the pro-poor policy research agenda to provide a much stronger evidencebase for policy advocacy work. At the same time, there is also scope to strengthen the capacity of advocacy organisations to both undertake research, and to utilise research more effectively to enhance the quality of their interventions. 65

66 Level at which Evidence-based Research is being Conducted on Pro-poor Policy Advocacy issues by Country 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Very Weak Weak Adequate Strong Very strong Level at which Evidence-based Research is Being Conducted by Sector Research Media Advocacy Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% The interview responses would seem to suggest that there is a need for advocacy, media and research organisations to strengthen the evidence-base for policy advocacy interventions through more focused research. While 25% of organisations feel that there is a very strong or strong research agenda, 57% of organisations feel that current research activities around pro-poor policy advocacy issues is only adequate. 66

67 Level at which Evidence-based Research is Being Conducted - Composite 2% 16% 4% 21% Very strong Strong Adequate Weak 57% Very weak Project Objective Two: Increased Coordination 2. Project Objective Performance Indicator(s) Increased coordination of the policy advocacy interventions of partner organisations Increase in number of broad-based civil society policy advocacy coordination forums at regional and national levels amongst project partners Policymaking at either the national or the regional level is a complex and multidimensional process that involves a range of policy role players and stakeholders. Effective engagement by stakeholders with policymaking processes generally requires a high level of coordination capacity so that a critical mass of voices can be brought to bear on those policy makers and influence holders who determine the policy direction and policy outcomes. The responses suggest that for a majority of the organisations interviewed (69%) the level of coordination capacity is adequate to weak and that there is further scope for strengthening the capacity of civil society groupings and formations to better engage and collaborate with one another around pro-poor policy advocacy issues. 67

68 Level of Capacity of Organisations to Coordinate their Work by Country 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Very Weak Weak Adequate Strong Very Strong 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Level of Capacity of Organisations to Coordinate their Work by Sector Weak Adequate Strong Research Media Advocacy Very Strong Level of Capacity of Organisations to Coordinate their Work - Composite 3% 20% 49% 28% Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak The project is focused on strengthening pro-poor policy advocacy collaboration and coherence between advocacy, research and media organisations in the six countries. 68

69 Responses suggest that there is a considerable level of collaboration at various levels between the three groups, with advocacy organisations reflecting the highest level of partnerships (39%) and media with the lowest (29%). The emerging trend indicates that advocacy and research organisations in the six countries tend to have greater capacity to establish partnerships with each other, while media organisations have less capacity and/or motivation to establish partnerships with advocacy and research organisations 3. Level of Partnerships Between Media, Advocacy and Research Organisations by Country Type of Organisation Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Media Advocacy Research Level of Partnership Between Media, Advocacy and Research Organisations - Composite 39% 29% Media Research Advocacy 32% An important element of the field survey was to establish the extent to which advocacy, research and media organisations are members of civil society networks, alliances or platforms. 74% of organisations interviewed indicated that they were members of some form of network, alliance or platform. For research and media 3 The issue of media receptivity to policy advocacy coordination is dealt with in more detail under Objective 6. 69

70 organisations, these networks tended to be professional in nature and linked to their core agendas. For advocacy organisations, their membership of networks, alliances and/or platforms was generally issue-driven. The data per sector shows quite clearly that advocacy organisations tend to be the most active with regard to engagement in civil society networks, alliances or platforms. Media organisations are least likely to be engaged in such collaborative engagements. Extent to which Organisations are Members of Civil Society Networks, Alliances or Platforms by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Yes To Some Extent No Tanzania Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Extent to which Organisations are Members of Civil Society Networks, Alliances or Platforms by Sector Media No Research To Some Extent Yes Advocacy 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 70

71 Extent to which Organisations are Members of Civil Society Networks, Alliances or Platforms - Composite 23% 3% 74% Yes To some extent No The project is aware that the success of the intervention is very much based on the level of interest and motivation that partner organisations have in strengthening collaborative initiatives and forging new partnerships. The responses indicate that most organisations (80%) place a high priority on strengthening existing collaboration and partnerships, and establishing new ones. Only 4% of organisations indicated that collaboration and partnership was a low priority on their agenda. Level of Priority Given to Collaboration and Partnerships by Country 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Low Medium High 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa 71

72 Level of Priority Given to Collaboration and Partnerships by Sector Research Media High Medium Low Advocacy 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Level of Priority Given to Collaboration and Partnerships - Composite High Medium Low 16% 4% 80% The survey also wanted to assess the strength of organisational linkages with advocacy and research organisations specifically. 75% of organisations interviewed indicated that they had either very strong (23%) or strong (52%) linkages with advocacy organisations, with only 7% indicating that their linkages were weak. The data suggests that advocacy, research and media organisations are broadly open to establishing linkages with advocacy organisations. The responses suggest that it is easier to establish such linkages by virtue of the broad development agenda that advocacy organisations generally have. 72

73 Strength of Organisational Linkages with Advocacy Groups by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Very strong Strong Adequate Weak Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Strength of Organisational Linkages with Advocacy Groups by Sector Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak Advocacy Media Research Strength of Organisational Linkages with Advocacy Groups - Composite 18% 7% 23% Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak 52% 73

74 54% of organisations interviewed indicated that they had either very strong (19%) or strong (35%) linkages with research organisations, while 46% of organisations indicated that their linkages with research organisations are either adequate (33%) or weak (13%). The responses indicated that the real and/or perceived specialist research agenda of research organisations, and their own linkages with academic institutions, was in many cases a barrier to establishing joint pro-poor policy advocacy engagements. There was also a perception that research organisations tend to be elitist, and therefore less receptive to engagement with more advocacy-driven civil society organisations. Strength of Organisational Linkages with Research Organisations by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 50% 40% 30% 20% Strength of Organisational Linkages with Research Organisations by Sector Advocacy Media Research 10% 0% Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak 74

75 Strength of Organisational Linkages with Research Organisations - Composite 13% 19% 33% 35% Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak It emerged clearly from the responses that most organisations (93%) believed that collaboration and partnerships between advocacy, research and media organisations did have the potential to enhance the depth and coverage of pro-poor policy work. Extent to which Partnerships can Increase the Depth and Coverage of Pro-Poor Policy Work by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Very High High Medium Low Tanzania Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 75

76 Extent to which Partnerships can Increase the Depth and Coverage of Pro-Poor Policy Work by Sector 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Advocacy Media Research Increasing Depth of Pro-poor Policy Advocacy - Composite Very High High Medium 7% 34% 59% Project Objective Three: Increased Effectiveness 3. Project Objective Performance Indicator(s) Increased effectiveness of policy advocacy initiatives by partner organisations Increase in number of shared policy advocacy interventions amongst policy advocacy partners Increase in numbers and diversity of civil society policy advocacy partners participating in coordination platforms Increase engagement with policy makers by project partners A key focus of the project is the facilitation of targeted initiatives to create the opportunities and platforms necessary to build innovative, scaled-up, more coherent, and value-adding working relationships between the different types of civil society formations doing policy advocacy work, and to link them with access to the appropriate policy makers. Responses indicate that most advocacy, media and 76

77 research organisations believe that pro-poor policy advocacy coalitions are effective vehicles for moving the pro-poor agenda forward whereas 94% of respondents suggested that existing coalitions were either very effective (27%) or moderately effective (67%) in driving pro-poor policy agendas. Level of Effectiveness of Coalitions in Moving Propoor Agendas Forward by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Very Effective Moderately Effective Moderately Ineffective Very Ineffective Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Level of Effectiveness of Coalitions in Moving Propoor Agendas Forward by Sector 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Very Effective Moderately Effective Moderately Ineffective Very Ineffective Advocacy Media Research 77

78 Level of Effectiveness of Coalitions - Composite 4% 2% 27% Very Effective Moderately Effective Moderately Ineffective Very Ineffective 67% 73% of respondents indicated that their organisations had engaged in some form of shared policy advocacy intervention, either at the national or regional / Africa-wide level and 21% indicated that they had not participated in any policy advocacy interventions. Overall research organisations are the least likely to engage in shared policy advocacy interventions. As reflected in their responses, this indicates an understanding by many research organisations that they have specialist roles and that the objective nature of their research work precludes involvement in agenda-driven alliances. This suggests that in the context of the project there is productive space for dialogue around more effective modalities for shared policy advocacy work. Extent to which Organisations have Engaged in Shared Policy Advocacy Interventions by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Yes To some Extent No Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 78

79 Extent to which Organisations have Engaged in Shared Policy Advocacy Interventions by Sector No To Some Extent Research Media Advocacy Yes 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Extent to which Organisations have Engaged in Shared Policy Advocacy Interventions - Composite 21% 6% 73% Yes No To some extent A high proportion of respondents (91%) indicated that their organisations engaged at some level in national and/or regional policy dialogues 4. Advocacy and media organisations in particular believe that a large part of their work falls within this paradigm. This policy advocacy knowledge, experience and practice will provide the project with a strong platform for deepening the engagement of partners in relevant policy dialogue processes. 4 The construct of engagement in this context is necessarily broad, and will need to be further unpacked through the project dialogues and interactions. 79

80 Extent to which Organisations Participate in Broad National Policy Dialogues by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Uganda Yes To some extent No 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Extent to which Organisations Participate in Broad National Policy Dialogues by Sector Yes To Some Extent No Advocacy Media Research Extent to which Organisations Participate in Broad National Policy Dialogues - Composite 5% 4% 91% Yes To some extent No The successful implementation of the project is largely, dependent on the interest and motivation of partner organisations in increasing the policy advocacy effectiveness of their work, both as individual organisations as well as in collaboration with other organisations. Responses indicate that almost all organisations (94%) place a premium on engaging in pro-poor policy advocacy debates and dialogues as a way of strengthening their own understanding of critical policy issues. It is notable, however, that research organisations are less likely to see a high value-add in partnerships for 80

81 stimulating robust policy debate as they tend to engage in different types of partnership dissemination modalities. Degree to Which Partnership Stimulates Robust Policy Debate by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Degree to Which Partnership Stimulates Robust Policy Debate by Sector 80% 60% 40% Advocacy Media Research 20% 0% Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Degree to which Partnership Stimulates Robust Policy Debate - Composite 35% 6% 59% Very strong Strong Adequate 81

82 The project recognises that while individual organisations may have strong policy advocacy capacity, the effectiveness of pro-poor policy advocacy initiatives lies in joint, collaborative engagement. While 72% of organisations indicated that they had engaged in shared policy advocacy interventions, 22% determined that they had had no shared policy advocacy engagement. This suggests that there is a window of opportunity for the project to facilitate increased shared policy advocacy interventions, with a particular focus on leveraging the interest and engagement of research and media organisations. Extent to which Organisations have Engaged in Shared Policy Advocacy Interventions by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Yes To Some Extent No Tanzania Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Extent to which Organisations have Engaged in Shared Policy Advocacy Interventions by Sector Advocacy Media Research 20 0 Yes To Some Extent No 82

83 Extent to which Organisations have Engaged in Shared Policy Advocacy Interventions - Composite 22% 6% 72% Yes To some extent No There is a clear recognition within the project rationale that the policymaking environment is complex, diverse and multi-layered, and that there are multiple entry points for accessing policy makers at various levels. Respondents indicated which policy makers they accessed, and provided reasons for using these strategic entry points 5. This data provides important insights for the project as it moves forward, and offers scope for further dialogue around the most effective, constructive and strategic mechanisms for engaging with policy makers Extent of Engagment with Policy Makers and Policy Influencers Total Number Pro-poor policy advocacy work requires a focus in order to be effective. The project views the MDGs as a significant policy advocacy framework for facilitating collaborative pro-poor policy advocacy initiatives. Most of the organisations 5 The political geography of each country is somewhat different, so the concept of local government is not consistent across the six countries. The difference between / structure of local, district, regional and provincial government is unique to each country, and will need to be unpacked further as the project is rolled out. 83

84 interviewed indicated that their work was, in one way or another, informed by or linked to the MDGs. It is significant that the greatest focus of organisations is on MDG 1 (18%), with a strong focus also (15%) on MDG 8. This brings together the pro-poor agenda (MDG1) with the emphasis on partnerships for development (MDG8). Focus of Organisations on MDGs by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Uganda MDG 1 MDG 2 MDG 3 MDG 4 MDG 5 MDG 6 MDG 7 MDG 8 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Focus of Organisations on MDGs by Sector Research Media Advocacy MDG 1 MDG 2 MDG 3 MDG 4 MDG 5 MDG 6 MDG 7 MDG 8 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 84

85 Focus of Organisations on MDGs - Composite MDG 7 14% MDG 8 15% MDG 1 18% MDG 2 10% MDG 6 11% MDG 5 9% MDG 4 9% MDG 3 14% Project Objective Four: More Ownership 4. Project Objective Performance Indicator(s) More ownership of the Increase in numbers of civil society policy policy advocacy interventions of partner organisations advocacy coordination platforms that include people directly affected by the policy advocacy issue being addressed The project seeks to strengthen the integration of people directly affected by policy advocacy issues into policy advocacy platforms, networks and coalitions. By extension, this necessarily enhances legitimacy and ownership of the policy advocacy agendas. This suggests, therefore, that advocacy, research and media organisations need to engage collaboratively with those affected by policy advocacy issues, rather than speak and act on their behalf. Important criteria for enhancing ownership of pro-poor policy advocacy agendas are: The level of openness that organisations demonstrate to collaboration and engaging pro-actively in partnership formation as a means to deepening their policy advocacy effectiveness and developing a critical policy advocacy mass; The degree to which opportunities are created for a more broad-based and citizenfocused engagement between advocacy, research and media organisations; and The extent to which the voices and actions of those directly affected by policy advocacy initiatives are accurately and substantively reflected in the mass media. The responses of organisations interviewed suggest that overall, there is a moderate level of openness to collaboration and partnership formation (79%), and this appears to be a fairly similar perspective across the three sectors. In this regard, there is clear 85

86 scope for creating a greater level of receptivity to collaboration and partnership formation. Level of Openness of Organisations to Collaboration and Partnership Formation by Country 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Very Unreceptive Moderately Unreceptive Moderately receptive Very Receptive Level of Openness of Organisations to Collaboration and Partnership Formation by Sector Very Receptive Moderately Receptive Moderately Unreceptive Very Unreceptive Research Media Advocacy

87 Level of Openness of Organisations to Collaboration and Partnership Formation - Composite 1% 9% 79% 11% Very Receptive Moderately Receptive Moderately Unreceptive Very Unreceptive From the responses, it is clear that while a range of opportunities exist for sharing policy advocacy knowledge, information and resources (32%) there is also a strong sense that these opportunities are not currently being maximised. 41% of respondents indicated that they feel that opportunities are limited, and that the current policy advocacy environment would benefit from having a broader range of opportunities for sharing information, knowledge, and resources. Degree to which Opportunities Exist for Sharing Information, Knowledge and Resources by Country 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Low Medium High 87

88 Degree to which Opportunities Exist for Sharing Information, Knowledge and Resources by Sector No To Some Extent Yes Research Media Advocacy 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Degree to which Opportunities Exist for Sharing - Composite 27% 32% High Medium Low 41% An assumption within the project logic is that the voices of the poor can only be articulated if receptive mediums or platforms exist for articulating their issues and concerns. The mass media can play a critical role in providing an outlet for these voices through more focused and informed reporting on development issues that impact on citizens. Responses to the interview question suggest that at present the mass media is not providing an effective medium for the articulation of pro-poor policy advocacy issues, with 78% of respondents indicating that the mass media was either only partially giving, or not giving, adequate space to these issues 6. The general view was that mass media organisations / media houses are commercial enterprises driven by the need to sustain sales and profits, and that as a result their focus was on marketable news as opposed to news that reflected social issues. 6 The understanding of mass media is, for this purpose used quite broadly and does not take into account the range, diversity and reach of media organisations, or the country-specificity nature of the mass media. 88

89 Extent to which Voices of People Directly Affected by Policy are Reflected in News Coverage by Country 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Low Medium High Extent to which Voices of People Directly Affected by Policy are Reflected in News Coverage by Sector Low Medium Research Media Advocacy High 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 89

90 Extent to which the Voices of People Directly Affected by Policy Issues are Reflected in News Coverage - Composite 43% 22% 35% High Medium Low Project Objective Five: Increased Access 5. Project Objective Performance Indicator(s) Increased access to appropriate policy-making people and forums by partner organisations Increased engagement with policy makers by project partners While it is critical for the success of the project that civil society groupings are able to create stronger linkages and partnerships for pro-poor policy advocacy, these joint actions will be ineffective unless there is enhanced access to and influence on the formal policymaking process. In this regard, 51% of respondents indicated that their organisations had access to policy makers at various levels, while 49% indicated that they had either no access (14%) or limited access (35%). It is evident that in general advocacy organisations feel that they face greater challenges with regard to accessing policy makers, which is partially linked to perceptions that they tend to be more activist and contestational. This is an important marker for the project as it seeks to enhance levels of access by civil society groupings to the critical policy making forums in each of the countries. 90

91 Level of Access to Policy Makers by Country 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Low Medium High Level of Access to Policy Makers by Sector Research Media Low Med High Advocacy 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Level of Access to Policy Makers - Composite 14% 35% 51% High Medium Low 91

92 Access to policy makers is a function of the level of openness and receptivity of policy makers to engagement with non-state actors on pro-poor policy advocacy issues. It was noted by many respondents that the levels of receptivity are generally a function of the political environment, and the extent to which prevailing political forces either enable or disable policy engagement. Most respondents (81%) indicated that policy makers in their respective countries were moderately receptive to engagement with non-state actors, but also noted that there was room for improvement 7. This was a fairly standard response across the three sectors. Research organisations, more than the other two sectors, seemed to feel that there a greater degree of openness by policymakers to engagement around key policy issues. Level of Openness of Policymakers by Country 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Very Receptive Moderately receptive Moderately Unreceptive Level of Openness of Policymakers to Specific Sectors 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Advocacy Media Research Very Receptive Moderately Receptive Moderately Unreceptive 7 An emerging theme across respondents in all countries was that while policy makers may be more accessible to engagement with civil society organisations promoting pro-poor policy advocacy issues, this does not necessarily translate into enhanced influence on the formulation of policy. 92

93 Levels of Openness of Policy Makers - Composite 12% 7% Very receptive Moderately receptive Moderately unreceptive 81% Although organisations generally had reservations about the receptivity of policy makers, there was a strong sense that the linkages that they had with policymaking processes / forums were relatively strong. 26% of organisations indicated that their linkages with policy makers were very strong, while 53% indicated that their linkages were strong. For the purposes of the project, this information suggests that there is a strong basis for making significant progress in achieving the objective of increasing access to appropriate policymaking individuals and forums. Degree to which Organisations have Linkages with Policy Makers by Country 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Uganda Tanzania Kenya Ghana Malawi South Africa Very Weak Weak Adequate Strong Very Strong 93

94 Degree to which Sectors have Linkages with Policy Makers by Sector 60% 50% 40% 30% Adequate Strong Very Strong 20% 10% 0% Advocacy Research Media Degree to which Organisations have Linkages with Policy Makers - Composite 21% 26% Very strong Strong Adequate 53% Project Objective Six: Greater Public Visibility 6. Project Objective Performance Indicator(s) Greater public visibility of the policy advocacy work of partner organisations in the mass media Increased coverage of policy advocacy messages of project partners in the mass media A key assumption for the project is that the pro-poor policy advocacy work of civil society advocacy groups, as well as the poverty research work carried out by research organisations, is not adequately reflected in the reporting of the mass media. One of the objectives of the project is to address this perceived gap by strengthening linkages 94

95 and partnerships between advocacy / research organisations and the media. More than half of the organisations interviewed felt that the level of access to the media is either excellent (13%) or good (42%). The critical issue for most organisations, however, is that this access is not currently translating into improved coverage of propoor issues. This is clearly reflected in the level of coverage that is given to pro-poor policy advocacy work in the media, with 71% of organisations interviewed stating that media coverage was either fair or poor. Given the broad use of the concept mass media it should be noted that while many respondents were critical of the print media and the extent to which they are able to access them, there was broad agreement that in most of the countries radio, and particularly local radio stations, plays a critical role in bringing pro-poor policy advocacy issues to the attention of policy makers Organisations have to the Mass Media by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Excellent Good Fair Poor Tanzania Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Level of Access that Advocacy / Research Organisations have to the Mass Media by Sector 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Excellent Good Fair Poor Advocacy Media Research 95

96 Level of Access - Composite Excellent Good Fair Poor 7% 13% 38% 42% A key issue for the project will be the extent to which advocacy and research organisations are able to strengthen their substantive and ongoing working relationships with media organisations as a means for creating greater visibility for their policy advocacy agendas. 54% of respondents indicated that their working relationships with the media were either very strong (19%) or strong (35%). However, 46% of organisations were less positive about their working relationships with the media, with 33% noting that their linkages were only adequate, and 13% noting that their linkages were weak. This data indicates that the project has a clear window of opportunity for strengthening the engagement between advocacy, research and media organisations for enhanced public visibility of the pro-poor policy advocacy work of both advocacy and research organisations. Strength of Organisational Linkages with Media Groups by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak Tanzania Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 96

97 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Strength of Organisational Linkages with Media Groups by Sector Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak Advocacy Media Research Strength of Organisational Linkages with Media Groups - Composite 13% 19% 33% 35% Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak This perspective is also reflected in the perceived level of coverage that is given to propoor policy advocacy initiatives in the media, with 70% of organisations interviewed stating that media coverage was either fair or poor. Respondents generally indicated that the media was not sufficiently willing or motivated to report on pro-poor advocacy issues, although the reasons provided give quite a complex picture. The situation appears to reflect an amalgamation of issues including that: the profit motive prevail;, the media is driven by the sellable storyline; media owners have their own agenda; journalists are not skilled in reporting on pro-poor policy issues; resources are too scarce for issue-driven or investigative reporting; and media houses do not see reporting on social development issues as part of their mandate. 97

98 Level of Media Coverage of Pro-poor Policy Advocacy Work by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Excelent Good Fair Poor Tanzania Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Level of Media Coverage of Pro-poor Policy Advocacy Work by Sector 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% Advocacy Media Research 10% 0% Excellent Good Fair Poor 98

99 Level of Media Coverage of Pro-poor Advocacy - Composite Excellent Good Fair Poor 18% 4% 26% 52% The situation is similar for media reporting on research undertaken by research institutions where 73% of respondents indicated that the media was either poor (35%) or only fair (38%) in terms of their reporting on pro-poor policy research outputs. This poor level of coverage was partly attributed to research institutions themselves, in that they were not willing or able to package research findings in a format that could be easily utilised and digested by journalists. Level of Media Coverage Given to Pro-poor Research Undertaken by Research Organisations by Country South Africa Malawi Ghana Kenya Tanzania Excellent Good Fair Poor Uganda 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 99

100 Level of Media Coverage Given to Pro-poor Research Undertaken by Research Organisations by Sector 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Excellent Good Fair Poor Advocacy Media Research Level of Media Coverage Given to Pro-poor Research Undertaken by Research Organisations - Composite 3% 35% 38% 24% Excellent Good Fair Poor While there is a clear perception that the media is not adequately providing coverage of pro-poor policy advocacy and research issues, 87% of the organisations responding indicated that they believed that the media was either very receptive (29%) or moderately receptive (58%) to covering social development issues in a more comprehensive manner. This suggests that there is scope for strengthening the linkages between advocacy and research groups on the one hand, and media organisations on the other. 100

101 Level of Receptivity / Openness of Media to Social Development Issues 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Very unreceptive Moderately unreceptive Moderately Receptive Very receptive Level of Receptivity / Openness of Media to Social Development Issues by Sector Moderately Unreceptive Moderately Receptive Research Media Advocacy Very Receptive 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 101

102 Level of Receptivity / Openess of Media to Social Development Issues - Composite 13% 29% 58% Very Receptive Moderately Receptive Moderately Unreceptive One of the key themes emerging from the interviews was the concern that the paucity of coverage of social development issues is not so much about the willingness or motivation of media organisations to undertake such reporting, but rather the lack of capacity on the part of journalists and other media practitioners to undertake such reporting. 29% of respondents indicated that media practitioners were not wellinformed on pro-poor policy advocacy issues, while 56% of respondents suggested that there was room for improvement. These perceptions point to a key opportunity within the project for strengthening the capacity of media practitioners through a more substantive engagement with advocacy and research groupings. 100% 80% Level of Knowledge of Media Practitioners 60% 40% 20% 0% Non-Existent Poor Fair Good Excellent 102

103 Level of Knowledge of Media Practitioners by Sector Poor Adequate Research Media Advocacy Good Level of Knowledge of Media Practitioners - Composite Good Fair Poor 29% 15% 56% Partner organisations were asked to identify the primary media and communication tools that they used for disseminating information about the work that they undertake. It is clear that most organisations use the more traditional forms of media and communication, such as workshops and dialogues. There is, however, a clear indication that organisations are using information technology to an increasing extent, with a high emphasis on organisation websites and limited but increasing use of social media such as Facebook,Twitter, and blog sites. This suggests that there are interesting and exciting opportunities for increasing the coverage of policy advocacy messages. 103

104 Media and Communications Used Social Media Policy Briefs Research Papers Website Print / newspapers TV Radio Symposia / dialogues Seminars / workshops Journals / magazines / Newsletters Media 104

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