Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

This research paper by Chomba Chella and Simon Kabanda analyzes the 2000-2001 campaign in Zambia that successfully prevented President Frederick Chiluba from amending the Constitution to seek a third term in office. The authors detail the tactics used by the government to drum up support, the formation of the Oasis Forum coalition, and the specific methods of citizen activism that led to Chiluba's capitulation on May 4, 2001.

This research paper by Victoria Ayer provides strategic advice for civil society organisations (CSOs) to influence parliaments and achieve legislative change, particularly in developing democracies. It emphasizes the importance of understanding electoral systems, conducting non-partisan research, building long-term relationships with political 'champions', and maintaining organisational legitimacy through financial transparency and community rooting.

This guide, written by Victoria Ayer for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), provides strategic advice for civil society organizations (CSOs) on how to effectively engage with and influence parliaments to achieve legislative and social change. Drawing on the author's experience training over 120 organizations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkans, the document emphasizes the importance of understanding electoral systems, building long-term relationships with legislators, and providing high-quality, non-partisan data to fill resource gaps within parliamentary institutions.

This report summarizes a seminar held in Pretoria on June 6, 2008, which focused on the relationship between national constitutions and the security sector to promote democratic values, peace, and security sector reform (SSR) in Africa.

This research paper examines the socio-economic conditions of border communities between South Africa and Mozambique, highlighting how poverty, restrictive legislation, and corruption fuel organised crime and smuggling networks involving sugar, alcohol, and salt across Southern Africa.

This research paper examines the crisis of road infrastructure decay across Africa, highlighting the gap between maintenance needs and available national budgets, the resulting economic losses, and various funding and management strategies being tested to address the deficit.

This report provides a state-by-state overview of scheduled and potential elections across several African nations in 2008, noting a general trend where incumbents face little threat from fragmented oppositions, though some countries are experiencing significant leadership transitions.

The document discusses the state of democracy and elections in Africa, arguing that the legitimacy of power must rest on the principle of universal suffrage rather than the historical legacy of liberation struggles.

This research paper examines the systemic advantages held by ruling parties in African electoral democracies, noting that incumbents often maintain power through state resource control, weak opposition structures, and the legacy of liberation movements.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines a business-centric vision for Africa's economic development, arguing that the continent must prioritize political stability, basic infrastructure maintenance, access to credit, and the rule of law over large-scale projects or long-term social goals to achieve immediate growth.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) has failed to translate the identification of problems into actionable solutions. Based on dialogues with 56 business organisations and five studies, the text asserts that government priorities are misaligned with business needs, specifically regarding corruption and infrastructure, and argues that economic prosperity is a prerequisite for long-term political stability in Africa.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that international donor agencies and UN bodies are hindering malaria control in Africa by resisting the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and DDT in favor of less effective measures. The author contends that a 'vertical' health program approach, combining DDT-based IRS and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), is the most effective strategy, citing successful implementations in South Africa and India.

This research paper examines the challenges facing opposition politics and multiparty democracy in Africa, using the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe as a primary example of the struggle against dominant ruling parties and state-led electoral interference.

This research paper examines the structural challenges facing political opposition parties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), arguing that the fusion of liberation parties with state and economic power creates an environment where opposition is largely ineffective and marginalized.

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the economic, social, and political barriers preventing the adoption of clean cooking fuels in sub-Saharan Africa. It contrasts traditional biomass fuels with modern alternatives like LPG, ethanol, and biogas, highlighting how high capital costs, underdeveloped infrastructure, and socio-cultural norms sustain dependence on inefficient fuels. The authors propose a policy framework involving national bureaus, targeted subsidies, and community-led design to facilitate a transition to cleaner energy.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs assesses South Africa's foreign policy, economic relations, and security role within Africa since 1994. It highlights the transition from the 'principled' approach of the Mandela era to the 'pragmatic' African Renaissance agenda under Thabo Mbeki, while noting the tensions between South Africa's regional economic dominance and its desire to avoid being perceived as a 'big brother'.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the economic impact of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) on the North-South Corridor between South Africa and Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the Beit Bridge border crossing and Durban port. The study identifies administrative and trade policy barriers—most notably Zimbabwean foreign exchange controls and regional transport inefficiencies—as significant costs to businesses across various sectors including mining, fuel, and agriculture.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the typology of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the dynamics of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.