Dear colleagues,

This is the electronic news bulletin of the Mobility desk within the Social Development Division of SDC. We are sending this message to people who we believe are involved in transport related subjects and initiatives. Subscription issues for this half-yearly mailing are handled at http://www.trans-web.ch/news.htm.

This medium lives through interaction. You are invited to send us your articles, requests and information flashes to mailto:transweb@skat.ch. The editors are grateful for any contributions received!

Contents:

IFRTD's Executive Committee endorses the network's new strategy 2007-2011

The International Forum for Rural Transport and Development (IFRTD) works since 1992 with a range of stakeholders to make the transport sector more accountable to peoples' needs and more sensitive to poverty. SDC is a core supporter of the Forum's work, gaining through this partnership access to the wider international knowledge sharing, advocacy efforts and development actors in the sector. Each year IFRTD's Executive Committee meets as its highest governing body to discuss future plans and to reflect on the past year. This year's meeting took place in London from Nov. 27 to 29 and a wide number of participants from various bodies attended the event. Th. Zeller (SDC) made a communication on theme mobility as handled by SDC and R. Schmid (Skat) gave an insight into the SDC financed rural roads programme in Burkina Faso.

One entire day of the meeting was set aside for adopting the network's new strategy. The document has been developed during an intensive yearlong consultation taking into account recent changes in the external and internal environment of the network. Broad initiatives such as the MDGs are shaping the international transport and development sector whilst issues such as safety, gender, trade and urban transport are rising up the agenda. Increasingly transport is recognised as a crosscutting issue. In the five years since IFRTD developed its last strategy the network's membership has tripled, National Forum Groups and communities of practice have been expanded, regional networks have taken on their own identity and networked research programs have been established as a successful approach to bridging research, policy and implementation.

Against this backdrop, IFRTD's new strategy for 2007-2011 starts with a new vision: "Poor and vulnerable communities in developing countries are able to improve their lives through enhanced mobility, access and economic opportunity". In working to achieve this vision the strategy sets out the key principles that will guide the Forum's work. One of the major implications of this new orientation is that IFRTD has opted for autonomy and depart ways from the current host "Practical Action". More information about the new IFRTD strategy and the Executive Committee meeting can be found at http://www.ifrtd.gn.apc.org/new/about/strat.php.

The IISD has evaluated the SDC support mandate in mobility

Phase 1 (2004-2006) of the SDC support mandate in mobility outsourced to Skat will expire by the end of this year. Skat's services aim at fostering and making available innovations, learning, best practices, concepts and tools, by supporting knowledge platforms, communities of practice and networks linking competent national and international organisations and persons, as well as by providing advisory services. The mandate provides the offer and supports the activities of SDC's mobility desk by reinforcing and complementing the agency's limited internal thematic competencies and capacities. An external evaluation conducted by Heather Creech of the International Institute or Sustainable Development (IISD, Canada) assessed earlier this year the achievements and functioning of the mandate.

The evaluation states a professional delivery and steering of the mandate, resulting in appropriate and good quality services, provided by a committed team in a way that is mutually beneficial for both parties (SDC, Skat) - this although the modest financial investment. It recommends the mandate to be continued for providing the expertise and knowledge sharing needed by SDC to support its current commitments to mobility and transport projects, for demonstrating how mobility is enabling the achievement of the MDGs and for revitalizing SDC's corporate memory in the sector. It endorses that Skat provides to the mandate a sound team having legitimacy and credibility among the audience. Its proper in-country experiences, expertise in the sector and professional resource centre activities are most significant and widely recognized.

A number of suggestions to strengthen the delivery of the mandate were also formulated by the assessor. These consider mainly putting in place a more elaborated programme framework as well as a more powerful communication strategy taking into account the multilingual nature of the audience. Further the assessment suggests searching for increased synergies between Skat (focussing on evidence-based work) with the IFRTD (dealing with global networking, advocacy and policy dialogue). The issues raised in the evaluation have been addressed in the proposal for the phase 2 of the mandate submitted recently to SDC for appraisal. More information about the support mandate and a summary of the external evaluation can be found at http://www.trans-web.ch/mobility/desk.htm#Skat.

Intégration du système "Drysoil" dans le projet "Goy ga Zaada", Téra Nord / Niger

Le Nord du département de Téra est une zone périphérique du Niger, enclavée et pauvre. Le projet "Goy ga Zaada", financé par la DDC et mis en œuvre par le consortium Intercooperation / Perreten et Milleret S.A., vise la réalisation d'infrastructures locales (pistes, seuils, forages) avec une approche HIMO qui offre de nouvelles opportunités de production et la création d'emplois, permettant aux exploitations les plus pauvres de diversifier et renforcer leur équilibre économique. L'action est orientée sur l'accès à des infrastructures de qualité ainsi que sur leur valorisation et pérennité à travers une gestion durable avec les communes comme maître d'ouvrage.

Le problème majeur de la plupart des pistes rurales du Sahel occidental est l'insuffisance de leur stabilité lors des saisons pluviales. Les sols indigènes sont presque tous composés de sols argileux, sableux aux qualités hydriques médiocres, ou de sols d'érosion peu évolués sur matériaux gravillonnaires aux qualités hydriques très limitées. Ces sols étant très perméables en général, les pistes se retrouvent fortement endommagées lors de précipitations intenses. Grâce à l'hydrofugation de la chaussée avec un produit comme Drysoil (résine de silicone mélangée à d'autres composantes, commercialisé par la société suisse BAVER) la perméabilité pourrait être fortement réduite. Ainsi, même en période de pluie, les pistes conserveraient toute leur qualité, comme le montrent divers tests réalisés en Europe et en Afrique.

Pour garantir la praticabilité sur toute l'année des pistes réhabilitées ainsi que leur durabilité à long terme, le programme à Téra teste dans un projet pilote le comportement de pistes stabilisées avec le système Drysoil. Un monitoring après la construction devrait permettre à justifier l'application du produit du point de vue économique. Le système s'intègrera entièrement dans les concepts et approches existantes et fera recours uniquement à l'équipement déjà disponible sur place. Cette action pilote qui vient d'être lancée au début du mois de décembre vise la formation et le transfert du savoir sur le système aux autorités locales, planificateurs, instituts et laboratoires publics, ainsi qu'aux entreprises locales et populations engagées comme main-d'œuvre dans la construction des pistes. Pour plus d'information, veuillez contacter M. Stüdeli (ggzaada@intnet.ne) ou M. Gilgen (roland.gilgen@baver-drysoil.ch).

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Trends in development and the rural transport sector - extracts from a series of "think-pieces"

As part of its new strategy development process (see first article under "NEWS"), the IFRTD commissioned four "think-pieces" as cited below. Written by leading experts each think-piece assesses a different element of such a network's external environment. As well as providing the background and context to IFRTD's strategy development process, they are also a great resource for anyone interested in the changing face of international networks and the transport and development sector. The integral articles can be downloaded at http://www.ifrtd.gn.apc.org/new/about/strat.php.

"With universal agreement over the MDGs, the aid community (donors, actors and recipients) have a time-frame (2015) and framework to work towards. Bu there are serious doubts that: A) there will be adequate funding; B) adequate time; and- perhaps most importantly C) adequate systems that can or will deliver. "Effective Aid" is now the watchword, looking to reform the 'system' to more efficiently and effectively cope with the demands of meeting the MDGs and support pro-poor growth. There are obvious tensions. On one hand, there is an intensified effort to increase funding and support for the delivery of effective aid and the reduction of poverty. On the other, Northern trade and security priorities can undermine this. Harmonisation of effort is desired, but competition dictates fragmentation on all levels."

From: "Trends in the development sector" (by Steve Bonnist)

"In the 70's stand alone 'integrated regional development' projects were seen as major solution to rural development. Rural road investment was often a major component of these projects. By the 80's these were often regarded as failures in part because the lack of integration with the standard government structure. There was also an increasing realization that agriculture provided only a part of rural incomes. Development efforts switched towards community consultation and the widespread involvement of mobilizing groups such as NGOs. Community Driven Development (CDD) approaches were widely adopted. Again roads are often a major component of CDDs but they have encountered criticism because of the problems of follow up maintenance. On integration the wheel may have turned full circle as a number of successfully integrated, or area development projects (covering roads, water, electricity and telecoms) have recently been introduced."

From: "Trends in the rural transport sector (by John Hine, World Bank)

"Transport and infrastructure are still major items on the development agenda, especially as their role in supporting the achievement of MDGs is becoming clearer. However, some bilaterals are either opting out of transport as a sector, or moving their transport expertise under other sectors, reflecting a shift to support of the MDGs. A large proportion of the World Bank's and IMF's loans are on infrastructure, particularly in middle-income countries, where there is less risk and a greater chance of long-term maintenance. Regional banks have a major interest in infrastructure, although the focus is shifting away from rural transport to urban priorities and intra-city/port linkages. The EU has an active sector, focusing on maintenance and private sector involvement. NGOs are active on rural mobility and access in support of pro-poor agendas, but not as a primary issue. There are very few northern NGOs primarily concerned with transport / mobility and access."

From: "Trends in donor activities (by Steve Bonnist)

"Knowledge is a basic precondition for the development of countries in the East and the South. Networks linking individuals and organisations are powerful ways of sharing knowledge and experience, and hence of learning. Networks operate in a rapidly changing environment with new unforeseen challenges. They have to adjust dynamically following global trends in a proactive way with high professionalism and flexibility. Networks in developing countries have developed positive self-confidence, but management capacities for networking in the North and the South must still be strengthened. Networks have to improve their fundraising capacity and capability to tap new funding sources. "Glocalisation" of networks should be promoted, i.e. global coordination to achieve economies of scale and impact and local networking in local languages to reach and actively involve actors at the local level."

From: "The rewards and challenges for international networks" (Juerg Christen, Skat)

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The District Roads Support Programme (DRSP) Nepal entered phase III (by R. Schmid)

The SDC financed DRSP in Nepal completed its 2nd phase of four years (2002-06) in July this year and entered the subsequent phase III (2006-10). With the aim to improve the living conditions of the local population by facilitating easier access and improving mobility in six selected mid-hills districts (Okhaldhunga, Sindhuli, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk, Kavrepalanchowk), SDC initiated the DRSP in 1999. Following an extensive planning and bidding process, the Swiss Joint Venture Frisa-Iteco in association with Skat was entrusted with its execution. Since then, the programme has been functional in enhancing the capacity of the District Development Committees to maintain, rehabilitate and construct district roads following a labour based, environmentally friendly and participatory approach. Further it strives for enhanced capacities of the Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads to develop sector policies, coordinate initiatives, support districts in their tasks and put in place appropriate standards, work methods and management systems for local resource based, low cost, road works.

The long-term target set is to extend the sustainable accessibility to motorable roads to the remote rural population in all participating districts. A carefully designed programme of community development interventions complements the road activities. They aim at improving the socio-economic opportunities for the rural population at a pace set by the themselves, providing them with long-term sustainable income generation and encouraging equitable economic growth and social inclusion of marginalised communities. DRSP achieved good results during the previous phases, despite the ongoing political conflict in the country. The programme's pro-poor and gender-sensitive approach has resulted in a more equitable distribution of employment opportunities to the poorest communities, including women and disadvantaged groups. The money flowing in via road works has made the social development activities more relevant, effective and sustainable. There was a good level of target group participation in income generation activities and savings and credit groups, plus the programme has been well accepted by its beneficiaries.

Phase III of the DRSP will continue its current broad design, working in the same districts and continuing with the established partnerships. Several key issues have been identified that need more focused attention as DRSP moves forward. The ultra-poor and marginalised communities still do not have sustained engagement in the activities and the full benefits do not always reach them. A compensation mechanism is further required for land and property lost and the DRSP will integrate the national policy on resettlement and land acquisition as soon as it is approved. Local NGOs will have to play a more prominent role, especially in the area of community development. Worker's welfare and safety is another major issue that is being addressed more closely. Finally a self-evaluation and an independent social impact review reflected that, in the context of the present conflict, transparency and accountability are crucial to make space for development. Issues raised by communities in public hearings and other forums need therefore to be adequately followed up.

More information about the DRSP can be found at http://www.drspnepal.org where the "DRSP 2002-06 (phase II) Report" and other documents can be downloaded (http://www.drspnepal.org/drsp/dl-reppub.htm).

International Networked Research on Mobility & Health - in-country researches started (by R.Schmid)

The IFRTD, in collaboration with the SDC, the Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development (Skat) and the Swiss Centre for International Health (SCIH) is carrying out a two-year networked research programme on Mobility and Health. The programme aims to increase the understanding of the impacts of mobility constraints on the health, well-being and issues of poor people in different developing country contexts, and to develop tools that will enable transport professionals to include holistic health impact assessments and mitigation measures in the planning, design and implementation of transport interventions. It will result in an advocacy programme to sensitise the health sector to mobility and health issues.

After launching the programme in January 2006 and inviting researchers to submit proposals to research the links between mobility and health, the programme had received over 90 abstracts from 34 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 54 applicants had been selected to submit an elaborated proposal from which 24 have been carefully selected by the core team to participate in the programme. As a first step in applying the networked research methodology, the selected researchers came together in regional workshops in Uganda, Indonesia and Mexico during August / September 2006. The aim of the workshops was to let the researchers themselves design the analytical framework they will be using. These workshops enable the methodology to be more relevant to its context, encourage ownership, and stimulate debate at local and national level.

The research guidance manual that resulted from the series of workshops forms now the backbone of the programme. The various researchers embarked on their case studies in October 2006 looking at the theme from a variety of angles and perspectives. Topics such as the impact of rural roads on health are included as well as the potential of intermediate means of transport to help facilitate better access to health services. Once the case studies are finished (after 6-12 months), an international symposium will be organised to present the issues flowing out of the case studies and to develop outlines for a 'toolkit', book and an advocacy programme. For further information, please visit http://www.mobilityandhealth.org.

Bhutan: Trail Bridge Building in Transition (by Juerg Christen)

In the framework of an ongoing backstopping mandate of the SDC / Helvetas supported trail bridge sub-sector by Skat, in September 2006 the author undertook a review cum backstopping and planning mission of the Suspension Bridge Programme (SBP) to analyse the evolution and to review the achievements of the programme, focussing on aspects of decentralisation, governance and sustainability as well as providing the collaborating partners the basis for the planning of a next project phase. Through Helvetas, the Swiss Government has been supporting trail bridge building in Bhutan since 1985 with technical and financial assistance. The overall goal of the SBP is to create the social, physical and administrative infrastructure to promote a balanced socio-economic development through the provision of safe and economic river crossings in remote and particularly poor locations. Trail bridges are planned and supervised at the district level and implemented by skilled crafts persons from the district administration, with substantial contributions from the beneficiaries through free labour. Until today, more than 450 trail bridges have been constructed and many already rehabilitated throughout the predominately hilly districts of Bhutan.

Today, Bhutan is at the crossroads of an unparalleled political and institutional reform process. Although the forthcoming changes have been carefully prepared, there exist justified fears whether the transition will work out well. In this time of hope and uncertainty Bhutan seeks reliable partners and partnerships. The current situation is strongly influenced by the forthcoming political and institutional changes of 2008. The new constitution endows local authorities with more democratic legitimacy and political powers but also delegates more financial and operational responsibilities. With these new decentralised planning and decision-making processes, prioritisation of trail bridges has become more transparent and demand-oriented. However, at the local level there is still an undisputed lack of human capacities for planning, management and administration.

It is against this background that SDC/Helvetas have decided to support a next phase with emphasis on consolidating achievements and concepts developed during the previous phases and strengthen capacities at all levels, thus supporting the ongoing decentralisation process. The focus of the interventions will be on local capacity building, governance and sustainability. Contrary to previous phases more emphasis will be given to building up new partnerships and increased contribution and involvement of the Government in a more and more locally owned sub-sector programme. More information about the SBP can be found at http://www.helvetas.org.bt/sbp.htm or can be obtained from the author mailto:juerg.christen@skat.ch.

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"Transport, the missing link? A catalyst for achieving the MDGs" (id21 insights #63, July 2006)

What do poor rural farmers do when the rainy season cuts off their access to markets? What do women in labour do when the nearest health clinic is 30 kilometres away and transport is virtually non-existent? How can girls attend school if the journey isn't safe? How do women provide for their families when the transport burden of domestic chores takes up potential income generating time? Halving extreme hunger and poverty, reducing maternal mortality, achieving universal primary education, and empowering women are just four of the eight MDGs with important access and transport implications. The issue #63 of "id21 insights" shows how critical access and mobility issues are for achieving the MDGs: http://www.id21.org/insights/insights63/

"Work the net - a management guide for formal networks" (GTZ, 2006)

Networks are powerful mechanisms for sharing information and knowledge. They promote communication and coordination to achieve sustainable development. "Work the Net" is a hands-on guide for practitioners giving advice for setting up, managing and facilitating formal and controllable networks in an efficient and effective way. The guide, written by Urs Karl Egger (knowledge management specialist at Skat) on behalf of GTZ, focuses on operational issues of networks and explains the most important aspects making networks work. The guide addresses networking practitioners, as well as other professionals wishing to set up a network, but also established networkers will find some useful tips. You may download or order the guide from http://www.skat.ch/activities/prarticle.2006-06-28.1408839514/skatactivity.2005-10-14.9152204957

"Overseas Road Note 5 (ORN5): A guide to road project appraisal" (TRL / DFID, 2005)

The Overseas Road Note series is a widely recognised as a source of good practice and standards for road transportation in developing countries. The recently revised ORN5 is the flagship of the series and gives guidance on carrying out feasibility studies for 'capital' road projects dealing with all types of road that can accommodate motorized vehicles. It is intended for use by administrators, economists, transport planners and engineers in road and transport ministries, their organizations and local government who are responsible for preparing or appraising project submissions. The approach includes consideration of many aspects that support greater sustainability, for example, setting the appraisal within the context of an overall transport strategy and greater emphasis on social, environmental and policy issues. The document is available for download at http://www.transport-links.org/transport_links/publications/publications_v.asp?id=851

"Promoting Pro-poor Growth: Infrastructure" (OECD, 2006)

Insufficient, inadequate economic infrastructure is among the most pressing obstacles to achieving pro-poor growth. The need for increased investments in infrastructure and for making infrastructure management and maintenance more efficient is widely recognised. Yet, major questions remain, including: What is the proper volume and quality of infrastructure? How should infrastructure investments be funded and managed? How to maximise infrastructure's contribution to pro-poor growth? How can such investments be used to benefit poor people? By identifying weaknesses in their earlier donor approaches, the DAC/OECD developed principles to guide efforts by donors to promote pro-poor growth in partner countries through infrastructure and guidance in their application to various sectors, including transport, energy, information and communication technology, and water, sanitation and irrigation. More information and downloads can be found at http://www.oecd.org/document/30/0,2340,en_2649_34621_36567326_1_1_1_1,00.html

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CONFERENCE: International Conference on Sustainable Development in Conflict Environments

Sharing on challenges and opportunities in working towards sustainable development in conflict environments and contributing to conflict transformation and peace building. Kathmandu, Nepal, 16-18 January 2007. http://www.ceci.ca/eng/information/activities/2006_17aug_conf.htm

CONFERENCE: IRF International Conference on Road and Environment

Scientists, public regulators and the private sector examine environmental issues associated with roads as well as innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of roads on the environment. Geneva, Switzerland, 5-6 February 2007. http://www.irfnet.org/cms/pages/en/ViewPage.asp?id=25&mTitre=%20-%20IRF%20Events

CONGRESS: 4th African Road Safety Congress

The congress aims to advance the road safety agenda in Africa, ahead of the 1st UN Road Safety Week in April 2007. Accra, Ghana, 5-7 February 2007. http://www.who.int/roadsafety/events/4arsc/en/

For further events or event agendas you may visit http://www.trans-web.ch/links/events.htm

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IFRTD's photo library: http://www.ifrtd.gn.apc.org/new/res/i_photo.php

Access or contribute to the photo library of the IFRTD containing mobility and transport related pictures structured and searchable thematically and by country.

Planning rural roads: http://www.ruralroads.org

This tri-lingual website has been set up to help planners and managers of rural road networks in developing countries to ask the many questions which should be asked in planning a program, to better appreciate the considerations which led them to being posed, and to take account of the growing body of knowledge about rural transport systems available on the Internet

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-- DISCLAIMER --

The content of "FOCUS ON MOBILITY" does not necessarily reflect the official policies of SDC. Information contained may be freely used for non-commercial purposes, as long as SDC is duly acknowledged. For further information, please visit http://www.trans-web.ch/news.htm

The "FOCUS ON MOBILITY" team are:
- Thomas Zeller (SDC), mailto:thomas.zeller@deza.admin.ch, ++41 31 322 34 42
- Roger Schmid and Juerg Christen (Skat), mailto:transweb@skat.ch, ++41 71 228 54 54

"FOCUS ON MOBILITY" is a service provided by Skat within the "SDC Support Mandate in Mobility". More information at http://www.trans-web.ch

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