Publication: Methods for Studying Rural Institutions, Networks, and Capacity in the Developing World : Mobilizing Rural Institutions
Date
2008-12
ISSN
Published
2008-12
Author(s)
Agrawal, Arun
McSweeney, Catherine
Perrin, Nicolas
Abstract
This note outlines two methods developed
by the Mobilizing Rural Institutions study to assess and
compare the governance capacities of local institutions and
their network relationships in any local context. Local
institutions and their institutional networks play a
fundamental role in shaping governance and livelihoods
outcomes in rural areas, particularly for more marginal and
disadvantaged populations. A review of local institutions in
nearly 50 cases in 5 countries found that network
relationships and linkages among local and external
institutions were a key element in promoting governance and
livelihoods, as well as more equitable allocation of
benefits. Yet despite the consensus that local institutions
and their links with other institutions are important in
development and conservation efforts, we lack tools to
assess and compare networks of local institutions, the
strength of their links, and how these contribute to
livelihoods outcomes. This note identifies two such tools to
help identify leverage points through which new policies can
be introduced to maximal effect, and to select appropriate
local institutional partners for policy and projects. The
first section summarizes two key findings from the report on
institutional linkages, governance and livelihoods outcomes.
The second section describes the Institutional Network
Analysis tool. The third looks at the IAPA (Inclusion,
Accountability, Participation and Adaptability) governance
index. The final section draws conclusions and identifies
recommendations for how the two indexes can be a useful tool
for policy and implementation projects that view local
institutions as an important partner in development efforts.
Citation
“Agrawal, Arun; McSweeney, Catherine; Perrin, Nicolas. 2008. Methods for Studying Rural Institutions, Networks, and Capacity in the Developing World : Mobilizing Rural Institutions. Social Development Notes; No. 116. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/fa56fcdd-4147-57d2-b399-9f0e8daf649a License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”