Research evidence for policy

Policy briefs on transdisciplinary research on development issues

National Centre of Competence in Research, Research Partnerships for Sustainable Development (NCCR North-South), University of Bern, Switzerland

Edited by Paul Mundy

Global

5 Local solutions for sanitation

Providing sanitation services is very difficult in developing countries, especially in unplanned settlements in rapidly growing cities. Issue number 5 of evidence for policy presents alternative technologies and a step-by-step community-based process for improving sanitation in these settings. Case studies from Lao PDR, Nepal, and Tanzania are featured. The researchers recommend placing end-users and local authorities at the centre of planning and implementation, enabling them to select sanitation systems that are appropriate to their household or community.

2011

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Central Asia

2. It’s time to control brucellosis in Central Asia

Brucellosis, a livestock disease that is transmissible to humans, has resurfaced as a major health risk in Central Asia since the end of the socialist period. The question arises as to whether brucellosis can be controlled given the current financial, technical, and political constraints in the region. Drawing on relevant epidemiological and economic studies, this issue of evidence for policy confirms the viability of eliminating brucellosis in the region. It carefully outlines a strategy that will work, given sufficient political will and modest investments in local knowledge and technology.

2011

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South Asia

4. Addressing issues and concerns of Internally Displaced Persons in Nepal

The plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is a major global challenge. In 2010, 27.5 million people in 54 countries were displaced by conflict alone. In Nepal, an estimated 250,000 people were displaced by the recent Maoist conflict. To date, interventions for IDPs largely obey the “basic needs” framework of humanitarian agencies. But this often overlooks the heterogeneity of IDPs and the actual support they require. This issue of evidence for policy illustrates the need for more suitable interventions that reflect local contexts and consider IDPs’ livelihoods from a broader socio-economic and political perspective.

2011

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3. Community-based and peace-sensitive tourism: fulfilling Nepal’s potential

Nepal is growing in popularity as a tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. Tourism has tremendous potential to promote economic growth and alleviate poverty in Nepal, especially if it is community based. This policy brief explains the advantages of building a tourism industry from the ground up, involving and educating local communities to ensure they benefit and to prevent conflicts or harm to the natural environment. A new trekking route collaboratively developed by researchers, the private sector, and local people is presented that could provide the basis for a Nepalese tourism code of conduct.

2011

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2. Mediated policy dialogues to address conflict over natural resource governance

Mistrust and conflict between government departments and local stakehold­ers form a major barrier to effective natural resource governance in South Asia. In Pakistan, mistrust between forest officials and forest users has led to tension in joint forest management programmes. In Nepal, differing perspectives on land reform among political parties, the state, and local people have stymied progress. In both countries, state agencies are often viewed as opposing people’s rights. This policy brief highlights how mediated dialogues, facilitated by an independent group such as researchers, can develop and strengthen mutual trust and collaboration between stakeholders, and eventually lessen or solve conflicts over natural resources.

2011

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1. Nepal's peace process and challenges ahead

Nepal is facing tremendous challenges in post-conflict times. Studies by the Nepal Research Group ­– a loose network of research organisations including the South Asia Coordination Office of the NCCR North-South ­– have found that important tasks outlined in Nepal's 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement have not been implemented. Most pressing is the need to create a new constitution by May 2011. This policy brief describes the reasons behind the difficulties and the ingredients necessary for the peace process to succeed.

2011

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Southeast Asia

2. Safe use of wastewater in agriculture and aquaculture

Agriculture and aquaculture in Vietnam often use wastewater, particularly in urban or peri-urban areas. Wastewater provides moisture and nutrients for crops and fish, and its use generates employment for poor communities. But wastewater also poses many health risks due to the pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and chemicals it contains. These may harm people directly through contact or when they consume contaminated products. This issue of evidence for policy explores how wastewater can be used safely and beneficially.

2011

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1. Sustainable sanitation in urban centres in Southeast Asia

Several cities in Southeast Asia have installed centralised sewerage systems but most lack the funds to operate and maintain them properly. As a result, untreated or poorly treated wastewater finds its way into nearby water bodies. This policy brief describes the advantages of decentralised wastewater solutions, highlighting two technologies that are well suited to Southeast Asia: “anaerobic baffled reactors” and “constructed wetlands”. Linked together in a chain, these technologies are affordable, effectively remove pollutants from wastewater, and can even offer aesthetic values for communities.

2011

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East Africa

1 Overcoming bottlenecks in water management in the Pangani Basin

Managing water resources in the Pangani Basin in northern Tanzania in a coordinated, effective, and equitable way is vital both for the livelihood strategies of the communities living in the basin and for Tanzania’s economic growth. But the competing interests of multiple stakeholders and disharmony between customary and statutory regulations increase the likelihood of conflicts over water use. This issue of evidence for policy recommends creation of water user associations as a means of harmonising customary and statutory regulations and reconciling interests among different stakeholders at the grassroots level.

2012

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Horn of Africa

3. Transboundary waters and conflict transformation in northeastern Africa

Rising populations and the need for economic development in the Nile Basin have increased demand for water for drinking, irrigation, sanitation, and hydropower. The growing demand for water is further accentuated by climate change and rising aridity. The Nile Basin states share a common interest in the sustainable use, management, and protection of the finite water that flows down the river. They are seeking ways to reach an agreement on how to manage the shared waters. This policy brief identifies the key issues that have so far contributed to lack of such an agreement.

2011

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2. Understanding new sources of conflicts in the lowlands of Ethiopia

Violent conflicts in lowland areas in Ethiopia often involve pastoralists and agro-pastoralists – people who must migrate in search of grazing land and water for their livestock. Violence in these areas has often been linked to previous government efforts to restrict the movement of these migrant groups. However, new factors have emerged that are contributing to area conflicts, such as expansion of farms, unbalanced representation of groups in local administration, and misuse of the principles of decentralisation. This policy brief examines these factors and suggests policy options to reduce the extent and the effects of the violence.

2011

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