by soapbox | May 19, 2011
The International Budget Partnership, in collaboration with the Maternal Health Task Force, produced this paper as part of the Ask Your Government! Initiative. It provides an overview of how civil society groups and citizens can use independent budget analysis to hold their governments accountable for pledges made under the United Nations Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health. While the document focuses on those commitments that relate to maternal health it hopes to contribute to the accountability efforts of the child health community.
by Jay | Sep 1, 2012
By Peter Bofin (independent researcher).
In 2008 the Tanzanian Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda, ordered government ministries to reduce unnecessary expenditure on workshops, allowances, seminars, and luxury vehicles. While populist commitments by leaders are not unusual in Tanzania, this particular one seemed to be a direct response to Sikika’s media and advocacy campaign. This case study shows that a focus on media outreach and raising public awareness may not be enough to bring about changes in contexts where budget allocation processes are closed and there are strong internal pressures to maintain the widespread patronage and rents that can be drawn from recurrent expenditures in the budget. While Sikika has played a important role in ensuring that the Prime Minister’s commitments and the issue of unnecessary expenditure remains in the public eye, this case study also suggests that more persistent issues may require an approach that integrates analysis with targeted advocacy of key decision-makers and public mobilization.
The full version, short summary, and one-page summary of this case study are available in English. The short summary is also available in Spanish, French, and Arabic.
by David Robins | Oct 23, 2013
This paper provides a detailed overview of different aspects of the Tunisian budget system and process in order to assess prospects for improving transparency and participation of citizens.
by IBP Consultant | Oct 7, 2013
In September 2011 the International Budget Partnership (IBP) and civil society partners in 10 countries with limited transparency launched an advocacy initiative to increase the amount of budget information made available to the public. This note documents the partners’ experience of this initiative.
by IBP Consultant | Aug 26, 2013
By Alta Fölscher (Mokoro, Ltd.) and John Kruger (Oxford Policy Management).
The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa struggles with high poverty, poor public infrastructure, and dysfunctional administrative systems. One result is that the Eastern Cape has the worst health outcomes in the country. This case study illustrates how a South African civil society organization has used its budgetary analysis to advocate for improvements in health service delivery.
The full version, short summary, and one page summary of this case study are available in English.
