setting up sakss governance structure and analytical network in southern africa

Setting up SAKSS Governance Structure and Analytical Network in

Southern Africa

Greenwell Matchaya, Coordinator for ReSAKSS Southern Africa (SA), International Water

Management Institute (IWMI), South Africa [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

ReSAKSS Efforts for SAKSS Establishment

Outline What a country SAKSS platform is, Why it is needed; Progress to date; Plans for 2017 and beyond

The need for SAKSS

Urgency: Knowledge GapsPaucity of data to guide decision makingAbsence of enough analytical work to guide decisionLack of capacity in generating and utilization of evidence in decision makingDon’t know much about how our policies and investments will achieve our development objectives

VisionGenerate knowledge to facilitate evidence based policy planning and decision making

What is a SAKSS?

SAKSS is a network of people and institutions that provides

timely, credible, and evidence-based knowledge and analysis to inform agricultural and rural development

The individuals are linked through collaborative research (strategic analysis), capacity strengthening, and dialogue.

Knowledge support system:

A network that serves the evidence needs of strategy

formulation and implementation.

Strategic Components of SAKSS1. Strategic analysis

• Sector-wide M&E; data collection and analysis

• Annual trends and outlook reports• Specific strategic analysis and production

(occasional publications)2. Capacity building

• Training members of the SAKSS network in areas of M&E

• Support to the ministry in areas of M&E and evidence based policy implementation

3. Knowledge Support Systems –• Publications/knowledge products

• Outputs: ATORS, Ag-sector-wide M&E databases, occasional publications, policy briefs

Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System for Southern Africa (SAKSS-SA)

SAKSS: Broker of Strategic Analysis/KnowledgeDemand Supply

Policy Analysis

UnitsThink Tanks, Central Bank

Statistics Bureaus,

Universities, FBOs

Parliament, PS, FBOs, Donors,

DirectorsSAKSS

Oversight BodySAKSSNode

SAKSS Network

· Credence of SAKSS in CAADP process

· Governance · Channel knowledge

and evidence to policy makers

• …

•Identify and sensitize knowledge gaps

•Synthesize knowledge•Mobilize and coordinate knowledge generation

•Facilitate training•…

•Express interest and buy into vision

•Align knowledge generation activities

•Receive funding and training

•…


• Structured network of policy-making, analysis, and implementation partners

– 3 distinct but interrelated parts: Node, Network, and Oversight Body

– institutionalised within relevant country structures

– country-owned and country-managed system depending on the country’s own agenda and capacity (including funding)

Country SAKSS Generic Architecture


Composition· Statistical bureaus· Universities· Think Tanks· NGOs and FBOs· Consultancies and Individuals· Locally-based international

organizations

Functions/Activities· Express interest in network· Buy into SAKSS agenda· Provide and update info on

expertise and capacity· Apply for research grant· Receive grants and training· Deliver on TORs (e.g. data,

analysis, training, etc.)

SAKSS Network


Composition and Funding· Coordinator: renowned knowledge

manager from the country· Accounting: for competent management

of competitive research grants· Research Assistance: follow up with

research by network· Communications: website, policy briefs,

newsletters, seminars, reports, etc…

Key Functions/Activities· Set up and maintain active Network· Raise funds to source key

knowledge relating to NAIP· Facilitate capacity strengthening of

network (using ReSAKSS, etc.)· Provide quality control of Network

outputs· Synthesize, manage and generate

knowledge products from Network outputs

· Facilitate use of knowledge products in decision making processes via Oversight Body, etc.

· Provide information to ReSAKSS for regional and continental CAADP M&E

· …

SAKSS Node composition


Composition· Chair: e.g. PS of Min of

Agriculture· Members: agricultural sector

development institutions (state and non-state actors)

· Secretary: SAKSS Node coordinator

Functions· Credence of SAKSS in

CAADP process· Governance (guidance and

oversight of SAKSS node activities)

· Channel knowledge and evidence (recommendations) to policy makers

SAKSS Oversight Body


Roles and Responsibilities of Others

Government/Host Institution provides funding and

institutional support (e.g. office space, auditing services, etc.)

Donors provide funding for SAKSS activities, directly to Node and/or indirectly via

Government/Host Institution

AUC provide advocacy and fundraising for establishment

of SAKSS

REC provides advocacy and funding and guidance for set-up and operations of SAKSS

ReSAKSS provides TA for set-up of SAKSS and facilitate

training of Network for region-wide capacity development

Others in country provide training to Node and Network

for national capacity development


Policy Analysis

UnitsThink Tanks, Central Bank

Statistics Bureaus,

Universities, FBOs

Parliament, PS, FBOs, Donors,

DirectorsOB Node Network

Level 100Rationale and

Concepts(CAADP; Policy

Analysis) Level 200

Concepts and Application

(Policy Analysis; Report Writing)

Level 300 …Application and

Modeling(CGE, Econometrics,

Data Work)

Graduation overtime

SAKSS: capacity strengthening activities


Country experiences1. Mozambique: SAKKS important for enhancing M&E

• Governing body identified, SAKSS network being developed

2. Zambia• Governing body identified, SAKSS network being developed• Funding is key to advancement

3. Malawi• High level of interest for SAKSS: SAKSS to be based in the

Ministry of Agriculture; Funding is key achieving many of SAKSS outputs

4. Zimbabwe: High level onf interest, Goveervning body in place; network in place but need to be elaborated further


Experiences and Lessons Learned

• Country political buy-in and leadership are very important • Technical buy in and leadership of the Ministry of agriculture

are equally important in successful establishment of country SAKSS

• Important to define SAKSS governance-prevents SAKSS from being viewed as owned by a department

• Mutual trust between country and ReSAKSS creates confidence but takes time to build

• SaKSS coordinator should not be seen as imposed on the system.

Plans for the future Intensify operations at the Mozambique,

Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia SAKSS

Mobilize funding for other countries

setting up sakss governance structure and analytical network in southern africa

Presentations & Public Speaking