1. Influence Network Mapping Toolbox Eva Schiffer, IFPRI Eva Schiffer influence-network@web.de Sunbelt Conference May 2007 Society for International Development (SID) KM Workgroup Washington DC Eva Schiffer 10 th Nov. 09

2. Structure of workshop Challenge: Doing the right thing in complex cultural and social settings Net-Map: –How it is done –What it can deliver –Examples from the field Group activity: Getting started with Net-Map Discussion: Experience, possible next steps Closing remarks

3. Challenge: Having an impact in complex cultural and social settings Required: Understanding complexity from different points of view Getting commitment, buy-in from partners Strategies to use complex networks instead of being overwhelmed Fast and action oriented assessment

4. Who has influence? Who is impacted? What are their goals? How are they linked (formal and informal links)? How strongly can they influence success of investment? What are crucial bottlenecks? Needed: Method to assess situation and lead to action

5. Net-Map Participatory quick assessment tool for complex systems Based on Social Network Analysis and Power Mapping Visualization and facilitation method : –Who are the relevant actors? –What are their formal and informal links? –How influential are they? –What are their goals? Door-opener for strategic planning and collaboration

6. Who is involved?

7. How are they linked?

8. How influential are they?

9. What are their goals?

10. Computerized visualization and analysis

12. Some examples from the field African Peer Review Mechanism: Who is the civil society? IFPRI Malawi Strategy Support Program: How can research enter policy processes? IFPRI/FAO et al.: Pro-poor risk reduction of avian influenza

13. Pro-poor Risk Reduction for Avian Influenza How to best organize effective response to outbreaks? –Used Net-Map in kick-off workshops –Stakeholders from poultry production, marketing, research, public administration Results –Identification of major shortcomings in the design of response interventions –Enthusiastic buy-in from participants Picture by McAndrea

14. Avian Flu Communication

15. Avian Flu Communication Breakpoint Breakpoint

16. Avian Flu Communication Corruption Hot-Spot Corruption hot-spot

17. Advantages of Net-Map Quick overview of the complex system –Who are the relevant players? –What are the relevant linkages? –What are the potential bottlenecks to be further explored? –What are the potential entry points? Applicable with wide range of stakeholders –From PhD researcher through administrator to farmer –Different cultural backgrounds Visualization as a powerful tool to –Discuss complex situations –Build consensus, buy-in –Avoid misunderstandings Visualizing perceived influence –adds a dimension lacking in other mapping methods –facilitates debate

18. Ok, let’s do it… Each table volunteers one interviewee He/she chooses (real or invented) situation to map multiple actors, different goals, formal and informal links –E.g. the implementation of country program –Pushing for specific change in my department –Getting the thanksgiving dinner done without drama Group “interviews” volunteer

19. Reminder: Net-Map steps Define question, typically: “Who influences XY- and how?” Who is involved (write & distribute actor cards)? How are they linked (define links and draw)? What are their goals (if applicable, two opposing goals, add abbreviations to actors )? How influential are they (set up influence towers) Discuss: What are bottlenecks? Coalitions? Possible Strategies? etc.