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.
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.