DRIVERS OF CHANGE Lessons & Challenges Presentation to The World Bank’s conference on Making Macro Social Analysis Work for Policy Dialogue May 2006 Ann Freckleton Effective States Team DFID

DOC is not a magic bullet Initial expectations for DOC were unrealistic –Short-term solutions for deep-seated problems –Rapid translation into programming Outcomes have been many & varied including improved –DFID country assistance plans –Harmonisation with other donors –Cross-UK government working –Dialogue with partner governments Increasingly informing programming Beginning to shape policy

Understanding the politics is essential DOC studies remind us we are often dealing with –Patrimonial &/or personalised politics –Low levels of stateness –State capture by dominant elites –Weak bureaucracies –Shadow polities And highlight that –Poverty reduction is highly political –Support for pro-poor change is limited

The DOC process is as important as the DOC product Preparation is key –Clarify the purpose & the audience early on –Develop a dissemination strategy at the outset DOC analysis is most valued when –The Head of office engages at all stages –Programme staff have a lead role –All staff have an opportunity to contribute Process is enhanced if –External actors are co-opted –Findings are tested & validated –Findings are shared, but sensitively

Change is required of us too DOC suggests we alter the way we work to –Tailor our ambitions & timelines to the context –Build on local successes & systems –Work through non-traditional channels –Work with non-traditional partners –Be flexible to take advantage of sudden change

Further Challenges! Harmonisation –Shared understanding of the problems –Differing views about how to address –Joint action versus joint studies Alignment –National capacity versus external actors Operationalisation –Different skills & behaviours –Requires altered incentives