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Projects

Projects are undertaken and completed in terms of the strategic plan approved by the Management Committee. A few arise in the course of IGD’s normal programme activity but to the extent possible these are linked to current projects.

Cote d’Ivoire
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006

This follow-up activity builds on the successful outcomes of the dialogue forum which took place in Cote d’Ivoire from 8-9 November 2005.
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Sudan
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006

This dialogue forum will be modelled on the successful initiatives that took place on the DRC and Cote d’Ivoire.

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Zimbabwe
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006

Based on an exploratory visit in October/November 2005, great interest was expressed for IGD to convene a workshop which will examine issues that inform Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and what strategic policy approaches would be necessary for a stimulus package or measures that would lead to the revival of Zimbabwe’s economy.
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The Multi-Fibre Agreement Project
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
The IGD has commissioned three studies involving Lesotho, Mauritius and South Africa. The studies examine the extent to which the conclusion of the MFA and the liberalisation of clothing and textiles have had an impact on the competitiveness and export capacity of these countries. The studies examine regulatory measures, adjustment options and trade and economic policy alternatives to ameliorate negative impact of liberalisation. The studies will be presented at a workshop in June 2006.
Multilateral Environment Agreements
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This will be a publication based on the outcomes of a workshop in September 2005 which examined the linkage between trade liberalisation and environmental stability on the basis of agreements that are meant to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. The publication is due at the end of May 2006.
The DRC
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This proposed project will also build on a successful dialogue among major protagonists to the transition process held in Pretoria in May 2005. A smaller forum will be planned among the same participants in Kinshasa and will pick up some of the major transitional issues of the Pretoria discussion and how these will impact on the forthcoming elections. The event is planned for mid-April 2006.
UN Reform
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This book - scheduled for publication at the end of April 2006 - will bring together all the papers presented at the UN at 60 conference held in October 2005. The conference examined the challenges that face the UN in an era of globalisation, terrorism, poverty, and environmental degradation.
Cross border trade
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This commissioned research paper examines informal trade activity in Zimbabwe that has spread into different SADC countries, but primarily South Africa. It attempts to disaggregate the nature of such activity in terms of goods and services traded and the causal linkages and push/pull factors that impel informal trade. It is hoped that this case study will begin to throw light on a universe of actors and activity that is widely acknowledged but little understood.
Consumer Unity Trust Society (CUTS) Project
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006

This is a multi-country study over three years and is coordinated by CUTS (based in Jaipur, India). It examines the link between trade, poverty and development in the hope that research and policies in theses areas can be better informed and make a difference in the lives of people. IGD is responsible for coordinating the South Africa leg of the study which includes hosting meetings of stakeholders and conducting research.

Trade and Environment
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This is a policy workshop of experts  (planned for early July 2006) grows out of the previous exercise on multilateral environment agreements. It will focus on the production of environmental goods and services, such as water, waste removal, bio-products, etc.. and the extent to which these should be traded and subject to regulatory oversight. This has great consequences for development in Africa.
Social Movements
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This study, which will include field interviews, will examine the extent to which new social actors have been able to shape and influence global debates, especially as these relate to key policy issues such as trade, the environment, poverty reduction, and social development. The paper will also reflect on whether the phenomenon of social movements is indicative of a global civil society in the making. The study will be completed by the third week of July 2006.
Economic Growth and Natural Resources in Africa
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
On the basis of commissioned research and internal investigation, this project will develop a conceptual framework for understanding how natural resources can be used to promote economic growth. Currently, Africa labours under a resource ‘curse’, where natural endowments have proved more of a hindrance than an impetus to growth. This project will examine how best this can be turned around to give Africa the necessary benefits and comparative advantages that arise out of such endowments. The research will culminate in a workshop in early November.  
Development States and Industrial Strategies
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
The extent to which states in developing countries should directly intervene to improve economic performance (and social welfare) is an important debate for Africa, especially in view of the role that Nepad anticipates for state institutions in governance issues. This project will thus commission studies which highlight the nature of the challenge but which go further to examine the mix of policies which would make for appropriate industrial strategies that could stimulate growth and enhance citizens’ welfare. The workshop at which papers will be presented will take place in early July.
Economic Partnership Agreements: their impact on SADC
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
There has been important developments in the EU cooperation agreement with African countries in the form of the Cotonou Agreement (which succeeds the Lóme Convention). In the SADC region, the implementation of EPAs have been particularly controversial since they have balkanised the region between SADC and COMESA but have also undermined SADC’s regional agenda through fast-tracking free trade liberalisation on the basis of EPAs at a time when countries involved have not made the necessary transitions and adjustments to building competitive economies and industrial platforms. This internal research paper (with outside expert help) will examine these issues.
Middle East Conference
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
This major conference will examine the changing dynamics of the Middle East, concentrating on the peace process and its prospects. This is especially relevant in light of the emergence of Hamas as the new political custodian of the Palestinian Authority and possible shifts in Israeli politics on the post-Sharon era. The conference will invite important scholars and commentators from the Middle East and the conference will contemplate the relevance of their reflections for South Africa’s foreign policy. The conference is planned for early September 2006.
South African foreign policy and Conflict Diplomacy
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
On the basis of a mix of IGD research and commissioned work, this seminar will take place at the end of May 2006 and will consider how South Africa’s Africa policy has responded to managing and resolving key conflicts and what the outcomes have been from such interventions.
HIV/Aids in SADC
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
As the worst affected region in the African continent, this project will invite experts to present papers on how various governments have responded to the pandemic, what policy frameworks have been put in place, and what the consequences of state intervention have been. In addition, the research will consider regional frameworks and their efficacy. The results of this research is meant to improve the response environment and make appropriate policy recommendations. A focus group will launch the project in mid-March.
The AU and Constitutional Change
Written by Garth le Pere   
Thursday, 02 March 2006
Africa has experienced a marked decline in unconstitutional changes of government through, for example, coups d’etat. At its Algiers summit, the AU put in place a mechanism to prevent unconstitutional changes in government, with appropriate safeguards and sanctions proposed. This research paper by the IGD will examine how this has been implemented and how the principle can be broadened to improve the peace and security environment in Africa. Research has commenced and additional field work will take place in the third week of August such that the research is completed by the end of September.
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