"Participation Builds Unity"
"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"
"Participation Builds Unity"
"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"
PRESENTS
TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP FERTILIZATION
A paper delivered to
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TDPI - Trade, Development and Poverty Reduction Initiatives
Geneva - Switzerland
24 November 2005
Peter METCALFE
Chief Executive Officer
The Foundation for the Development of Africa
TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP FERTILIZATION
Introduction
This paper addresses the top-down/bottom-up fertilization of initiatives.
From an Africa perspective the biggest hurdle remains keeping a line of communication open for all our people in Africa, therefore ensuring a process of participation for all our people in Africa.
A Typical Initiative – Millennium Development Goals - Poverty Eradication
This initiative, called the Millennium Development Goals, was initiated by the UN in 2000.
The eight objectives to be addressed in the MDG’s are numbered, therefore prioritizing these initiatives – they are:
(See full detail of the Millennium Development Goals objectives)
Five years on since the ‘launch’ of this initiative and only a few people in Africa are aware of these Goals.
During a random survey on 100 participants in Johannesburg, South Africa, {Middle Income Group (More than US$1500.00 pm) – 40%; Lower Income Group (Less than US$300.00 pm) – 40%; Unemployed – 20%} only four people (4%) responded positively to the question: “Do you know what the Millennium Development Goals are?” None of the four could answer the question: “Do you know what the Millennium Development Goals Objectives are?”
United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi A. ANNAN, recently had this to say:
How do we communicate these ‘World’ initiatives and in particular the MDG’s (Millennium Development Goals) to our People (including the Poor)?
Identify The Participants
1. ‘World Powers’ will include organisations such as UN; EU; G8 – and should also including Regional Trade Blocks; Global, National and Regional Development Initiatives (NEPAD) and other International Aid and Relief Agencies
2. ‘Intermediary Participants’ include National Governments; Provincial Governments; Local Governments; Media; Civil Society (NGO’s; NPO’s; Labour Unions; Churches; Leagues and other forms of society representatives)
3. The People (including the Poor)
The odds of the majority of ‘The People (including the Poor)’ever interacting with the ‘World Powers’ is as remote as one of us walking on the moon.
‘The People (including the Poor)’ are entitled to be informed and more importantly encouraged to participate in initiatives or projects launched that may impact on their well-being.
Excluding ‘The People (including the Poor)’ from participating in these initiatives or informing them on these issues was possible before the dawn of the information era – the ‘you and I’ were non-the-wiser. Today information is more readily available, however ensuring that the right information reaches the ‘The People (including the Poor)’ remains a problem. Withholding information leads to rumors and speculation.
Allowing the people to participate is paramount – what is needed is the how!
It is therefore essential that the ‘Intermediary Participants’ communicate in all directions (cross-fertilization as well as top-down/bottom-up fertilization) thus providing an essential ‘conduit’ between the ‘World Powers’ and ‘The People (including the Poor)’
Cross-fertilization at this level has been inadequate partly due to the lack of initiatives promoting cross-fertilization interactions, such as the Linkages between Trade, Development and Poverty Reduction – initiated by CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment (CUTS-CITEE).
Unless ‘The People (including the Poor)’ are aware of what the ‘World Powers’ are initiating or unless the ‘World Powers’ are aware of the reaction of ‘The People (including the Poor)’ the whole development initiative could be derailed or jeopardized.
This section will now address a number of shortcomings; limitations and concerns hampering cross-fertilization as well as top-down/bottom-up fertilization within this ‘Intermediary Participants’ tier.
The Shortcomings and/or Limitations of these ‘Intermediary Participants’
A number of concerns have been identified and are addressed within the framework of each sector.
2.1 National Government, Provincial Government and Local Government
2.1 National Government, Provincial Government and Local Government
Within the three tiers of government the concerns are almost identical:
* Identification and Appointment
* Information or lack thereof
* Participation
* Implementation – Service Delivery
* Project Domination
* Time Frame
2.2 The Media
The Media will always remain commercially motivated and sensationally inspired.
Unless the project provides substantial advertising revenue or the initiative is sensational enough to attract viewers; listeners or readers, will the media refrain from participating in these projects or initiatives – long term.
A brief mention of the project or initiative on the early news broadcast or a brief ‘write-up’ on page three is always appreciated but not sustainable. To reach the masses, the media should participate in these initiatives with the some continuous and vigorous enthusiasm as though they are promoting Reality TV or encouraging the sale of subscriptions.
Recently a major roadside billboard promoter offered vacant billboards to be used for an awareness campaign on HIV AIDS. This gesture was within the framework of the Corporate Social Investment Programme of the billboard company – commendable.
2.3 Civil Society
2.3.1 NGO’s (Non Government Organizations)
2.3.1 NGO’s (Non Government Organizations)
In general most of the concerns as raised with Government would be applicable here – the most concerning issue is the lack of motivation. Projects or initiatives assigned to these NGO’s are seen as a burden rather than an opportunity to serve.
Interaction is limited therefore cross-fertilization as well as top-down/bottom-up fertilization seldom occurs.
Funding is not an issue and finding time and money to attend conferences is readily available yet active participation in the conference is minimal.
2.3.2 NPO’s (Not for Profit Organizations)
Inevitable these organisations are highly motivated and deliver. They are normally inundated with proposed projects and initiatives – mostly submitted from the bottom up. However these organisations have their own agenda’s and stringent beneficiary policies.
At corporate level interaction is somewhat limited due to competition with regard unique social programmes that will receive media attention. Therefore cross-fertilization as well as top-down/bottom-up fertilization seldom occurs.
Individual purpose or passion driven NPO’s also fit into this category. These one-man/woman initiatives are often established to address a specific need in a community and often initially regarded as a threat by the local authorities although wholeheartedly accepted by the community.
Here there is no lack of motivation and perseverance. Notwithstanding the lack of funding and support these NPO’s continue to serve and are eager to interact and facilitate any cross-fertilization initiative as well as participate in top-down/bottom-up fertilization - eagerly share experiences.
Sadly not many of these caring NPO’s survive the lack of support and financial constraints resulting in the individual having to find employment to survive and attempting to managing the NPO part time.
2.3.3 Labour Unions; Councils
Interaction with non-members or the unemployed poorest of the poor are nonexistent.
However, labour unions can make a huge contribution towards mobilising the people in participating in development initiatives – unfortunately most union leaders are more supportive of controversial issues that would attract media attention.
Cross-fertilization, as well as top-down/bottom-up fertilization, is not a problem – labour is invited to most government inspired initiatives. Unfortunately, communication is restricted to members only.
2.3.4 Churches; Leagues and other Associations
Competitions between similar initiatives may result in cross-fertilization being hampered. However top-down/bottom-up fertilization is somewhat evident in an effort to attract new members.
Unfortunately these organisations, in particular Business Associations, charge ludicrous subscription or membership fees and have branded themselves as ‘elitist clubs’ – only available to a select few. Although access to these organisations are limited and prohibitive, therefore excluding the majority of the people, these organisations receive government endorsements and support.
As with Labour Unions, cross-fertilization as well as top-down/bottom-up fertilization is not a problem. Most of these established membership organisations are invited to most initiatives.
Communication is restricted to members only.
Identifying pro-active international or national, non-member, NGO’s and NPO’s would be a prerequisite for the top tier (World Powers). This initiative ‘Linkages between Trade, Development and Poverty Reduction - initiated by CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment (CUTS-CITEE) and supported by the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service’ is a step in the right direction.
These pro-active international or national, non-member, NGO’s and NPO’s need to be capacitated to ensure continued interaction and further downward capacitation at national and regional level.
The contribution from Governments, at all levels, as ‘Intermediary Participants’ cannot be ignored. At local government level this participation needs private sector involvement to ensure momentum, enthusiasm and continued performance. Here PPP (Public Private Partnerships) between local government and civil society may be the solution.
Every initiative should maintain clear lines of communication. The participants involved in every initiative should be clearly defined and showcased. Non-performance of ‘Intermediary Participants’ should not be tolerated.
The objectives of this commendable initiative - Linkages between Trade, Development and Poverty Reduction - initiated by CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment (CUTS-CITEE) and supported by the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service, include facilitating the cross-fertilisation of experiences and sharing the outcomes of initiatives providing linkages between trade, development and poverty eradication or poverty reduction within developing countries.
(See brief on the International Symposium on Linkages between Trade, Development and Poverty Reduction - November 2005)
TDPI PROJECT
World Leaders have agreed in principal and expressed their support to eradicate poverty and address a few other pressing issues in the world. Our World Leaders have also defined this objective and set themselves a deadline to achieve this.
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve Universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV; AIDS; malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
MDG's
"We will have time to reach the Millennium Development Goals – worldwide and in most, or even all, individual countries – but only if we break with business as usual. We cannot win overnight. Success will require sustained action across the entire decade between now and the deadline. It takes time to train the teachers, nurses and engineers; to build the roads, schools and hospitals; to grow the small and large businesses able to create the jobs and income needed. So we must start now. And we must more than double global development assistance over the next few years. Nothing less will help to achieve these Goals."
There are three tiers of participants.
1. ‘World Powers’
2. ‘Intermediary Participants’ including Governments; Media; Civil Society; NGO’s
3. The People (including the Poor)
Cross-Fertilization at this level never posed a problem – finding a buy-in from World Leaders even easier.
At this level of interaction communication is seldom a problem; funding forums is not a problem; traveling is not a problem; visa application is not a problem; accommodation is not a problem and the list goes on. In fact none of these issues mentioned even come into the equation when leaders (or their representatives) are called to attend forums – anywhere in the world.
‘Intermediary Participants’ are ‘organisations’ that are/should be implementing ‘World Power Initiatives’. Furthermore ‘Intermediary Participants’ should also be constantly conveying relevant information between the ‘World Powers’ and the People (including the Poor).
This tier of participants includes the ‘you and I’ of this world – people who live a lifestyle of abundance without having to work for a living – people who strive to improve their lifestyle by working for a living – people who strive to survive by working for a living. It includes those who strive to find work to survive. It also includes those who have stopped hoping of ever finding work to survive. It includes the poorest of the poor.
2.2 The Media
2.3 Civil Society
2.3.1 NGO’s (Non Government Organizations)
2.3.2 NPO’s (Not for Profit Organizations)
2.3.3 Labour Unions
2.3.4 Churches; Leagues and other Associations
Although ‘National Government’ is categorized as an ‘Intermediary Participant’, a number of National Leaders are, by default, included in item one ‘World Powers’. A number of National Leaders however are seldom included in ‘World Powers’ discussions and can therefore only participate as ‘Intermediary Participants’ – particularly leaders from Africa.
Identifying and appointing the right department within Government to implement the project or initiative remains a major stumbling block. Initiatives are often forwarded or passed on from department to department – none willing to take ‘ownership’ of the initiative often taking months or even years before the assignment reaches its original departure point without any progress being made on the project – and this at National Government level.
This often results in projects or initiatives loosing momentum unless vehemently pursued by the project originator or implementing body (World Powers)
Dissemination of information within Government remains a major setback at all levels of Government.
Projects are often assigned to government departments with limited information regarding the project available. This lack of information results in the project being sided or shelved. Often the wrong information regarding the project is provided resulting in unnecessary delays or postponement.
Failing to understand the essence of the project or initiative may result in failing to communicate the objective of the project or initiative to the beneficiary. This will also impact on credible project reporting resulting in project corrosion.
Identifying the RIGHT partners or participants may jeopardize the project – here political preference, nepotism and corruption may impact on the ultimate outcome of the project/initiative.
All too often are initiatives, or the implementation thereof, hampered by bureaucracy; incapacitation; political agendas; lack of interest; self interest; nepotism; lack of funds (if not funded); corruption; fraud and a host of other issues.
Currently, in Africa and in particular South Africa has the concerning issue of non service delivery come under the spot-light – local governments have failed to deliver basic services to the people resulting in protest action from the people. These protest actions are all too often associated with riot action.
This lack of service delivery is also linked to under-spending of allocated treasury funds.
Taking ‘ownership’ of the project may result in the ‘lager syndrome’ commonly experienced throughout Africa – “This is MY project – I will share this with no-one”. This selfish approach and attitude often results in projects or initiatives remaining stagnant.
Unless stringent directives are imposed on projects or initiatives, as to time frames, delivery objectives, report-back and other relevant issues, projects could remain ‘active’ or ‘dormant’ indefinitely.
Cross-fertilization between the different media players will most likely never materialise, due to fierce competition.
Civil Society needs to be defined – Here are a few possible clarifications on who these organisations are; the roles these organisations should be playing; how they fit into society and their limitations – these organisations include:
2.3.2 NPO’s (Not for Profit Organizations)
2.3.3 Labour Unions; Councils
2.3.4 Churches; Leagues and other Associations
Non Governmental Organisations are normally government inspired social initiatives aimed at providing a specific service to the people – inevitably these organisations initially receive subsidies from government to cover administrative cost. Directors are normally appointed by Government.
In South Africa the intention is to transform these governments subsidised NGO’s into independent self-reliant or self-funded organisations – these organisations would now have to rely on donations, private sector contributions or membership contributions.
Non Profit Organisations are normally private sector inspired initiatives aimed at delivering support and/or funds to specific projects. Corporate Foundations managing Corporate Social Investment programmes are included in this category. These organisations normally receive no subsidies from government however government may contribute to specific projects undertaken by the NPO.
These organisations, although recognised as part of Civil Society, only have the interest of their paying members at heart.
Religious Groups; Business Associations; Women Leagues and other organisations serving specific sector groupings are considered here. The organisations are reliant on membership contributions or donations.
Conclusion
It is obvious that the top tier – World Powers and the bottom tier – The People (including the Poor) are clearly defined. Defining and identifying the ‘Intermediary Participants’ needs attention.
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