This dossier is developed for our network and others to navigate the COVID-19 information overload. Here, we bring together contributions –both new and existing– that are particularly useful for the development sector; sharing perspectives that offer a different angle and go beyond immediate responses to this crisis.
‘What do knowledge brokers do? #5 – Making knowledge more than the sum of its parts
In 2022, Sasha joined our team of knowledge brokers. She completed a bachelor’s at University College Utrecht focusing on Economics, Psychology, and International Development and
We’re hiring a Knowledge Broker!
Are you passionate about the power of knowledge to support social impact and international development processes for more just and sustainable societies? Should more connection
Doing what matters: Placing Wellbeing Economics at the heart of the Dutch Africa Strategy
The upcoming Dutch Africa will generate debate on how to create beneficial partnerships within the prevailing Aid and Trade Agenda. The real question, however, is how the Dutch government will ensure its policies actually serve the interests of local communities. According to Knowledge Broker Joscha Betke ‘Measuring what matters’ and placing communities’ well-being at the heart of the Africa strategy will be crucial to ensure its success.
The ESF-NL: a bridge between science and diplomacy
At the beginning of this year, knowledge brokers Ruth van de Velde and Siri Lijfering conducted an evaluation of the Embassy Science Fellows Programme (ESF-NL),
‘What do knowledge brokers do’ #4 creating a framework for equitable partnerships
Last year, Rikke joined The Broker as a knowledge broker. He is a great addition to the team because of his broad background in international
Towards transformative change: polycentric governance as a way to achieve the SDGs more inclusively
In February, Prof. Dr Art Dewulf and Dr Daniel Wiegant of Wageningen University (WUR) organised a three-day project meeting to kick off the four-year research project on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) governance and decision-making in East Africa
Check your assumptions at the door: examining three common beliefs about youth agripreneurship
Youth agripreneurship, especially in the African context, is seen as an innovative, cross-cutting approach to tackle a multiplex of challenges, including youth unemployment and indecent employment, food insecurity and climate change.
Harnessing the power of youth in agriculture: A new report and policy brief on inclusive agripreneurship in Africa
We are excited to announce our new report and policy brief on inclusive youth agripreneurship in Africa, the result of a collaborative project, led by The Broker with the Netherlands Food Partnership and INCLUDE.
Future Brief series: Decolonisation of development cooperation
In May 2022, and following the impactful dialogue series on the ‘decolonisation of aid’, Partos and The Broker joined forces once again, this time to
Getting iodized salt on the plate
This report describes the dynamics, barriers, and opportunities in relation to strengthening the flow of iodized salt in West and Central Africa.
Aid & Trade in Rutte IV: room to embed lessons for mutual benefit
Aid and trade remain the policy focus of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In February this year the IOB (the Ministry’s evaluation service) published
The Broker’s Dialogue Guide to working with faith-based actors for sustainable development
The final knowledge product for the project ‘Working with faith-based actors for sustainable development’, is a Dialogue Guide that seeks to provide a starting point for development practitioners and policymakers – both religious and secular – to engage in an open dialogue on the role of religion in development cooperation.
Examining the Literature on SDG Interactions
We are exactly halfway between the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in 2015, and the target year set for achieving them, in 2030.
Director Saskia Hollander is saying farewell to The Broker after nearly 10 years
Director Saskia Hollander is saying farewell to The Broker after nearly 10 years
New project: youth agripreneurship in Africa
Youth agripreneurship in Africa will be at the core of a new collaborative project, initiated by the Netherlands Food Partnership, INCLUDE, and The Broker.
Doing what we’re good at, but to what end?
On June 24th, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, published her new policy paper, titled ‘Doing what the Netherlands is
Climate Justice requires a dramatic increase in climate finance for the Global South
The negative effects of climate change are increasingly being felt across the globe. Countries of the Global South, which have contributed very little to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, are most exposed to the consequences and yet have the least financial resources available to deal with them. Rich countries therefore have a major responsibility to support the rest of the world through climate finance.
Towards a new policy for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, is developing a new policy document. While the general direction is determined by the coalition
Trilogy series: Decolonisation of development cooperation
This Future Brief, the first in a trilogy co-developed by Partos and The Broker investigates the legacies that development cooperation inherited from the colonial project.
Tough Sanctions against Taliban Undermine Right to Food
Afghanistan is experiencing an unprecedented hunger crisis, exacerbated by the sanctions against the Taliban regime and the withdrawal of most foreign aid. Yet western countries, including the Netherlands, will not commit to additional financial support if it cannot be ruled out that the Taliban would benefit from it in any way.
Who profits from inclusive business models?
Inclusive business models are increasingly called upon as a solution to the multiplex challenges of poverty and inequality while at the same time providing companies opportunities for profitability. However, a review of the literature shows that the development impact of inclusive business models is often uncertain and that it is important both for inclusive business partners and donors to track this impact carefully to ensure the benefit of inclusive business for low-income communities.
In conversation: Working with faith-based actors for development
Last year Prisma and four of its members – Dorcas, Tearfund, Woord en Daad and World Vision – initiated a new research project into the role and added value of faith-based actors in sustainable development. As an independent knowledge brokering organisation, The Broker was commissioned to carry out the research in a quest to bring to light the most important opportunities and barriers for collaborations between secular and faith-based actors. On the 10th of March we hosted an online workshop, marking the end of the first phase of this project. This article presents the most important take-aways and questions of the workshop, focusing particularly on the fruitful dialogues in the breakout sessions.
Decent youth employment: are internships the way forward?
This article examines the internship systems in the U.S. and the Netherlands, reflecting on what can the experiences of global North interns teach us about how to roll out successful internship programmes in the global South.
Beyond the Dutch Polder Model: A new model for collaboration
Is the Dutch Polder Model still fit for purpose? In this article Somaye Dehban, researcher and nexus strategist, sheds her light on the Polder Model, revisiting its history and discussing why and how it can be replaced.
Dutch Development Cooperation: 2022 and beyond
Following elections in March 2021, the Netherlands is still awaiting the formation of a new government. This article takes a closer look at recent trends in Dutch development cooperation policy and the choices that lie ahead to strengthen its relevance and effectiveness.
The Future Briefs Series: a new initiative by Partos and The Broker
What are the most pressing development issues and how can development organisations create dynamic and adaptive pathways that withstand future uncertainties? These questions lie at
Together on a complex journey: With donors towards decolonisation
The fifth session in a series on the decolonisation of aid: So much has been discussed up to this point; so many valuable insights, arguments
Taking the right path: An ethical perspective on the decolonisation of aid
Over the past years, the ideal of a true decolonisation of aid has been given increasing attention throughout and beyond the humanitarian and development sectors.
Embrace the Earth: Soil health as a foundation to sustainable food systems
Rabobank, the Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) organised an online event on soil health as a foundation to sustainable food systems. This article presents the key messages from the session.
A blind-spot mirror for evaluators
Prof. Dirk-Jan Koch has been working with a team on a multi-year research programme, which looks into the possible side effects of international development work. After 4 years of research, they have published a checklist that presents the 10 most common side effects of international development interventions.
The fault is not in our stars: Gender-bias in the European Troika’s policy design and implementation
What can a gender analysis teach us about the nature of Troika’s economic adjustment programs (EAPs) in Greece? Most importantly, the Troika has been found
A major pivot to innovations for business growth in times of COVID-19
An old joke has it that nostalgia is not what it used to be. In the same perspective, the future of the world economy is not what it used to be either, as the striking rise in COVID-19 pandemic rolls on.
COVID-19: towards a new economic order inspired by three visions of the Global South?
Accepting multiple worldviews could lead to greater understanding, convergence of ideas and solidarity.
Impact of COVID-19 in Africa: a scenario analysis to 2030
The coronavirus has once again brought to the fore the African challenges and exposed the frailty of many of the institutions across the continent.
Returning to Afghanistan: challenges for child returnees during COVID-19
In the context of COVID-19, the number of returnees from Iran to Afghanistan, including many children, has exploded. Running from the virus that is wreaking havoc in Iran, these minors have to reintegrate in their homeland where other challenges await.
When the pandemic hits poor nations, focus on the role of civil society
How civil society could play a key role in creating new perspectives for the people who are hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resilient food systems and COVID-19: lessons for a Just Transition
Intensification is not necessarily the solution – less intensive production systems produce less waste, as do localised food systems, making it easier to ensure food reaches those in need.