Research project status: Completed

Regional focus: Zimbabwe

Time: January 2020 – June 2021

“This study interrogates how different categories of vulnerability, and the physical, cultural, political and socioeconomic environment converge to influence inclusion and participation in local democracy.” Says Bernard Chazovachii from Great Zimbabwe University who is leading the research project.

Abstract

The popular voices of women, children and youth, the elderly, cultural minorities, and differently abled persons are subdued in local governance power-politics without recourse to law and policies. Concomitantly, vulnerable groups’ participation in local governance and access to basic needs and services remains insufficient. A gap in empirical studies thus far speaks to the need to examine the extent to which available mechanisms are (in)adequate to facilitate the meaningful participation of marginalized groups in local democratic processes. Similarly, there exist a paucity of studies that implore vulnerable groups to add their voices on how they find the available mechanisms useful, and also shedding their experiences in local democracy participation. This study is dedicated to fill this research gap. This study has the potential to reveal policy and legal gaps that undermine both the resemblance of best international governance practices as well as increased participation of marginalized groups in local governance.

Research questions

• What are the legal and policy frameworks for the participation of vulnerable groups in local governance issues?
• What are the institutional practices for inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups in local government processes?
• What are the experiences and perspectives of vulnerable groups in local democracy?
• Which strategies can be adopted by policy makers for effective inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups in local democracy?

Research team

Bernard Chazovachii, Acting Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University

Cowen Dziva, Lecturer for Nehanda Centre for Gender and Cultural Studies, Great Zimbabwe University

Sakhille Phillina Mukaro, Environmental Health Officer, Chiredzi Rural District Council

Manasa Sibanda, Chairperson of the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Great Zimbabwe University

Mavis Thokozile Macheka, Lectuerer, Great Zimbabwe University

Linet Sithole, Chairperson Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law, Midlands State University

Josiah Taru, Lectuerer, Great Zimbabwe University

Ellen Gozo, Chairperson Department of Rural and Urban Development, Great Zimbabwe University

Regional focus: Kenya and Lebanon

Time: January 2020 – December 2022

Abstract

While long-standing debates in the field of development have promoted participatory and inclusive
approaches, post-conflict contexts offer additional challenges through continued divisions along
former warring lines. As divisions also infiltrate the local level and its policy-making, local participation
does not necessarily offer an answer to issues of voice and inclusion at the local level. This project
compares local inclusion in Kenya and Lebanon, two post-conflict contexts divided along ethnic or
religious lines. The aim of the project is to identify who has voice and over what in local policy-making
and to explore what challenges and opportunities exist for local inclusion in post-conflict recovery.
Thereby, we will pay particular attention to local groups excluded from local power and resources.
The project generates new findings on how local inclusion and participation is hindered or enabled,
and what it means for post-conflict societies continuously divided along ethnic or religious lines.

Research questions

• How do local communities participate in local policy-making in Kenya and Lebanon?
• How do local communities exercise influence in local policy-making in Kenya and Lebanon?
• How do post-conflict opportunities and challenges impact local inclusion and social
  accountability in Kenya and Lebanon?

Research team

Hanna Leonardsson, Assistant researcher, School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg

Jean-Bosco Habyarimana, Lecturer and researcher, Centre for Conflict Management, College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Rwanda

Regional focus: North Macedonia

Time: January 2020 – June 2021

Abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate how equitable, inclusive, transparent and accountable Budget processes are at local government level, and at the same time to propose measures to improve them, and through that, to contribute to the development of local democracy in North Macedonia. The project will be implemented in four pilot municipalities from different regions, with the ambition to expand to all 81 municipalities in the future. The project involves conducting an initial citizen survey in the four municipalities, analysis of the survey with respect to the questions of interest, fieldwork with the municipalities and the citizens in order to improve the state of affairs, second survey in order to assess the results at the end of the project, development of web platform for presenting local budgets and engaging citizens during the whole process and development of an index for assessing municipalities with respect to equity, inclusion, transparency and accountability.

Hypothesis

1. Greater transparency leads to greater citizen satisfaction with the quality of the local services,
   especially for marginalized groups.
2. Greater inclusion leads to greater citizen satisfaction with the preparation and realization of local budgets, especially for marginalized groups.
3. Greater openness of local governments leads to greater transparency and inclusion of citizens in the budgetary process.

By testing these hypotheses the study aim to identify viable public policies which will contribute towards
greater inclusion of citizens, especially marginalized groups, in budget processes which will lead in
envisioning and implementing citizen-centered projects and initiatives by the local governments.

Research team

Dragan Tevdovski, Co-founder of ZMAI (Association of Young Analysts and Researchers) and professor at the Faculty of Economics, Ss. Cyril and Methodious University, Skopje

Branimir Jovanovikj, Researcher, ZMAI

Viktor Mitevski, President, ZMAI 

Ljupco Kocarev, member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of North Macedonia

Tanja Tomic, Social Inclusion Expert

Elena Trpkovska, Budget Expert

Viktor Stojkoski, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics Skopje

Nena Manchev, Researcher, ZMAI

Goran Mojanoski, Senior Associate, Ministry of Finance / ZMAI

Regional Focus: Kenya
Sustainable Development Goals: 11
Time: March 2017 – March 2019

Abstract:
This project aims to examine how grassroots resilience initiatives (such as resident associations, women associations, youth groups, self-help groups, community-based organisations, cooperatives, public-private partnerships) providing critical urban services (water, waste, sewage, energy, security) contribute to improve the quality of life of urban dwellers, and to more inclusive forms of urban governance.
Theoretical results include contributions the growing body of inclusive urban governance, socio-environmental entrepreneurship and urban resilience literature. Empirical and policy contributions include guidelines and action points for local organizations on how to improve service delivery and resilience locally through collaborative networks, as well as strategies for how to engage in inclusive governance with authorities.
Regional Focus: Kenya

Research Questions:
-Grassroots resilience initiatives: In contexts of rapid urbanization, weak institutional capacity, political influence, poor economy and pervading informality:

– How do grassroots initiatives providing basic services instigate and/or activate institutional entrepreneurs and why? Within this question we will explore driving forces and obstacles experienced by these initiatives, as well as the collaborative and institutional arrangements with the local government created to provide these services.
Inclusive urban governance:
– What resources, rationales and relations need to be mobilized within local governments to support, integrate and/or diffuse these bottom-up practices? Within this question, we will explore the reasons behind local governments’ weakness to support local initiatives providing critical services and also how to reconstruct the absent or weak links between civil society groups and local government in order to strengthen local governments’ ability to provide co-produced critical services and establish the supportive institutional framework.

Methods:
These questions will be explored through methodologies inspired by participatory action research, a combination of one in-depth case study on grassroots initiatives in Kisumu (Kenya), and through semi-structured and structured interviews both to grassroots initiatives and city officials and city politicians in Kenya and/or Eastern Africa.

Researchers:
Associate professor María José Zapata Campos, sociologist, University of Gothenburg (Sweden
Senior lecturer, Michael O. Oloko, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Professor Jaan-Henrik Kain, architect and urban planner, Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden).
Associate professor Patrik Zapata, School of Public Administration, University of Gothenburg (Sweden).

Regional Focus: Indonesia, India, Vietnam
Sustainable Development Goals: #11
Time: November, 2016 to February, 2018

Abstract:
The proposed research project will examine institutional and structural barriers to full engagement of marginalized communities to promote and sustain local democracy in cities and towns. Specifically, it attempts to examine relationships between local democracy and different forms of barriers to political and social inclusion of marginalized urban communities, particularly women, youth, migrants and ethnic minorities in India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Research Questions:
– What are the barriers (structural and institutional) to political and social inclusion of the marginalized groups including women, youth, migrants and ethnic minorities in cities and towns in India, Indonesia and Vietnam?
– To what extent and how are the marginalized groups fully engaged in mechanisms and processes of local democracy – including local elections, community organization and participation, accountability and transparency of urban local governments, and better access to basic urban services – to cope with these barriers?
– What works in terms of decentralization policy options, innovations and good practices to meet the needs and aspirations of marginalized groups and contribute to the achievement of SDG 11?

Methods:
This project will conduct a review of all relevant legislation, policy documents and other literature. Interviews with key informants including government officials, urban experts, policy makers and representatives of CSOs who focus on issues of gender, youth, minorities and other marginalized groups. Finally, a survey of a selected slum or squatter settlements in at least two of the cities in each country to assess practical barriers to political and social inclusion of the marginalized groups.

Researchers:
Shabbir Cheema, Ph.D. (Coordinator), Senior Fellow, East-West Center, USA
Debolina Kundu, Ph.D. National Institute of Urban Affairs, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India
Wilmar Salim, Ph.D. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Bandung, Indonesia
Nguyen Duc Thanh, Ph.D. Vietnam Institute for Economic Policy Research (VEPR), Vietnam

Regional Focus: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sustainable Development Goals: #5
Time: January 2017 – June 2018

Abstract:
The proposed research project aims to conduct a pilot study to investigate the Sustainable Development Goal # 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” and the efforts to turn this global goal into policies and practice in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

We aim to develop lessons learned, identify best practices, and provide good examples of gender mainstreaming outcomes such as how gender equality impacts urban planning, economic growth, poverty reduction, environmental policy, sustainability, peace and democracy. A research-based toolbox will be developed, in which instruments and strategies for how to implement SDG#5 can be found.

Research Questions:
The overall question guiding this pilot study is: How can we understand the processes of implementing SDG #5 into policies and practices at the municipal level in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

– What supportive policy frameworks exist at the federal, entity, canton and municipal level in Bosnia-Herzegovina to support the translation of the SDG #5 into local policy at the municipality level?
– What are the actors involved in these processes at the municipal level?
– What are the outcomes of engaging with SDG #5 at the municipal level?

Methods:
The project employs a multi-method, comparative case study research design that combines quantitative analysis with qualitative ethnographic fieldwork. This is a comparative study based on the cases of three selected municipalities in Bosnia-Herzegovina (East Sarajevo, Visoko, and Žepče).

Researchers:
Professor Annika Björkdahl at Lund University, Sweden
Ms Lejla Somun-Krupalija, an independent researcher and consultant in the fields of women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming, social inclusion and disability.

Regional Focus: Senegal and Niger
Sustainable Development Goals: #13 and #16
Time: January 2017 – June 2018

Abstract:
This project aims to understand the multiple treatable causes for climate-related migration from the Sahel towards Europe and the role of local political representation through local government in addressing those causes. This project examines the role of local governments – the function of representation – in generating or reducing the current trend in which vulnerable people are migrating out of areas where climate variability is viewed as a driver of outmigration.

The project seeks to identify means to make policy and practical responses to climate change supportive of local democracy – to make these responses emancipatory – and therefore a transformative force for equity, justice, and security

Research Questions:
– Why do farmers (often youth) choose or feel compelled to migrate toward Europe from these two locations compared to more “traditional” destination to the south?
– What is the role of political representation (local and national) in buffering people against this desire or need to migrate?
– What is the role of political representation in buffering people against climate risk?

Methods:
The proposed study will conduct field research in the Tambacounda Region of Senegal and in the Dantiandou and Say Districts of Niger where out-migration is prevalent and where the consequences of this migration are often dire – many migrants die in route to Europe and many simply disappear and do not return home, leaving their communities and families with less labor, a great loss from having invested in the migration of their children, and with the grief of loss. The research will be carried out through literature review, surveys and interviews.

Researchers:
Dr. Papa Faye, Executive Secretary, CADRE, Dakar, Senegal (Centre d’Action pour le Développement et la Recherche en Afrique – CADRE)
Professor Jesse Ribot, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign & Stanford University
Professor Matthew Turner, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Film:

Climate Refugees? –  video

Refugiés Climatiques? – French version video