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The tyranny of participation in information systems : learning from development projects

HEEKS, Richard
March 1999

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This paper sets out to investigate and understand some of the problems of participatory approaches. It does so by recognising the parallels between debate on the role and value of participation in information systems (IS) development, and debate on the role and value of participation in development projects more generally. These projects aim to deliver development goals and they have frequently involved participation. They therefore provide fertile ground for learning about approaches to information systems development. Participation is seen to fail in such projects because it ignores context; because it is itself ignored; because it ignores reality; and because it ignores other factors. Based on this analysis, a more critical approach to participation in IS projects is suggested, with three critical questions identified that must be answered before participation can be considered

Spreading the word : practical guidelines for research dissemination strategies

SAYWELL, Darren
COTTON, Andrew
1999

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[Publisher's abstract] This document reviews the interim findings from Phase 1 of a Department for International Development (DFID) funded project (R7127) concerning the development of practical guidelines for research dissemination strategies. Results from a review of literature, case study analysis and interviews with key informants are discussed. The purpose of Phase 1 is to understand current thinking and approaches to dissemination of research as adopted by sector based agencies both in the UK and internationally. This facilitates an initial analysis of common dissemination strategies used, problems and constraints experienced, and factors that aid effective dissemination. This in turn is used to provide tentative guidance for research contractors and DFID alike for dissemination of projects

Female genital mutilation programmes to date : what works and what doesn't, a review

MOHAMUD, Asha A
ALI, Nancy A
YINGER, Nancy V
et al
1999

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This review looks at the status of female genital mutilation programming, the types of behaviour change strategies being implemented, their successes and failures, what lessons have been learned, and what support and strategies are required if the goal of eliminating female genital mutilation is to be achieved. The review focuses on the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions

Orphan programming in Zambia : developing a strategy for very young children in Zambia

UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND (UNICEF)
July 1998

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This is a report of an assessment of UNICEF's programming in Zambia for children in general and those affected by HIV/AIDS. The assessment follows the release of the report "Children on the Brink", which was a wake up call to the international development community. The report discusses current programmes and opportunities for expanded programming with government personnel, NGOs, business and private sector associations, other UN agencies and bilateral donors operating in Zambia. It also extensively reviews literature and documentation

Development of participatory health education materials for community volunteers and project supervisors and trainers : WaterAid Ghana programme | Lessons learned from NGO experiences in the water and sanitation sector

QUAYE, Silas
1998

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Describes the progress and lessons learned from a project in Ghana to develop appropriate health education materials. The training of supervisors and trainers in participatory facilitation skills was identified as a key issue: 'the production of the materials [using participatory approaches] without training on how to use them will not yield the desired results'

The use of information and communication technologies in IDRC projects : lessons learned

GRAHAM, Michael
April 1997

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This study was designed to test some of Acacia's assumptions about the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development by extracting lessons from previous project experiences. The overall objective was to provide input that would help shape the design and implementation of the Acacia programme initiative by answering questions about policies, organisations and interactions, resources, barriers, innovative solutions, empowerment, community involvement, and jobs and economic activity

Primary health care meets the market : lessons from China and Vietnam

BLOOM, Gerald
March 1997

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This paper outlines some lessons that policy makers can learn from China and Vietnam. Both countries developed low cost rural health services during the period between the early 1950s and the mid-1970s. Their example strongly influenced international health policy, and lessons from these case studies will have relevance to policy-makers in other low and middle income countries who are asking fundamental questions about how services should be financed, the relationship between service providers and government, and the role of the state in ensuring that health services are cost-effective and equitable [Author's abstact, adapted]

Management of self-help organisations of people with disabilities

UNITED NATIONS
1997

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This publication is based on the discussions, information and experiences shared by the participants of a series of workshops on the management of self-help organisations of people with disabilities organized by ESCAP. The publication outlines common management issues affecting self-help organisations in Asia and the Pacific. It presents a range of approaches that can serve as a useful reference for strengthening self-help organisations of people with disabilities

Implementing Agenda 21 : NGO experiences from around the world

ALYANAK, Leyla
CRUZ, Adrienne
Eds
1997

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A collection of essays on issues arising, and experiences around, attempts to implement Agenda 21, which was adopted at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio. Challenges and progress are discussed in broad terms, followed by a series of case studies. The commitment of civil society to achieving the goals of Agenda 21, inspite of social, institutional and political context, the changing role of the United Nations, and financial constraints, is documented.

Public education in rational drug use : a global survey

FRESLE, Daphne
WOLFHEIM, Cathy
1997

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There is a well-evidenced need for public education in the appropriate use of drugs, with potential benefits to the individual, community and policy-makers. This study looks at public education interventions in rational drug use in order to identify the type and rationale of such public education activities; how the activities are planned, implemented and evaluated; success rates; facilitating and constraining factors; organisations and bodies; areas which require further investigation / support; and how to best take public education forward. The report makes recommendations regarding funding for such activities, advocacy, training and tools, coalitions and partnerships, reporting / evaluation, and infrastructure

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