Institutional Learning and Change Initiative

Keywords:

Abstract:

This paper explores the R4D partnership between ILRI (a predominantly research-based organisation) and VSF-Belgium (a predominantly emergency intervention & development organisation); two organisations that are closely allied by both their mission statement and goals. The introduction explains the context of, and justification for, the partnership and outlines what each organisation contributed and benefited from the partnership. This paper demonstrates that a desire to develop innovative scientifically backstopped interventions based on a solid grass-roots understanding of the challenges facing impoverished pastoralists and the potential development pathways out of poverty was the principal galvanising factor that brought the partnership together. This paper goes on to highlight the more innovative characteristics of the partnership and its achievements. Possibly the most innovative component of the partnership was ILRI and VSFBelgium's creation of a joint staff position. Conversant with research and development environments, the chosen individual became a part-time Operational Project Leader in ILRI, whilst retaining his former position as Regional Director of VSF-Belgium. Capitalising on ILRI's research expertise, the partnership's principal objective was to generate a better understand of the underlying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing pastoralists in Turkana, Kenya. Whilst it is an unfortunate fact that, donors are specifically either research, development or emergency orientated, the unique nature of this partnership enabled matched funds for a R4D project to be levered from DFID, a predominantly research donor, and Belgium Survival Fund (BSF), a development donor. R&D activities included: a review of VSF-Belgium's destocking intervention; the development of FFS tools for illiterate pastoralists; development of PM&E tools for pastoralists; and several studies on LFFS and CAHW approaches, livestock market access, livelihoods diversification; climate change, and animal health. A portion of the development funds were also used by VSF-Belgium to establish 50 LFFS. Facilitated through its close links with VSF-Belgium, as part of the COOPI Consortium (COOPI, VSF-Belgium, VSF-Suisse, Terra Nuova), ILRI also helped to secure part of 2,350,000 received from ECHO's Drought Response Project across nine Districts in Northern Kenya, 2005. ILRI's groundbreaking access to emergency relief funds allowed studies to be undertaken on: the likely impacts of drought induced veterinary and water interventions on human and social capital and livelihood coping strategies of pastoralists; the effects of water interventions on livelihoods and the environment; the epidemiological impacts; the economic the impacts, and key spatial characteristics. Another key achievement of the partnership was the recognition of both partners in new platforms. VSF-Belgium improved its profile in the research community through its active presence in research workshops & conferences & its representation on DFID's Animal Health Initiative Steering Committee. ILRI improved its profile and credibility with key development actors (especially livestockfocused INGOs) and enhanced the frequency and depth of its interface with the emergency relief and development community. For example, ILRI now works closely with other INGOs; particularly VSF Germany and VSF-Suisse. Indeed, ILRI delivered a key presentation at the 10th Anniversary of VSFBelgium where many NGOs where present. Ultimately, since the creation of the partnership between ILRI and VSF-Belgium, there has been increased cohesion of, and knowledge flow through, an expanding community of practice devoted to the improvement of pastoralist livelihoods in the Horn of Africa.