Best Practices TransferBest Practices Transfer

Presentation by Wandia SeaforthUNHABITAT

Email: bestpractices@unhabitat.orgWeb: www.bestpractices.org

Why Transfers?Why Transfers?The Habitat Agenda and MDGs recognize partnerships, networking and decentralized forms of cooperation as effective capacity-building strategies. Transfer is one form of decentralized cooperation .

A transfer is a structured process of learning. It implies:

the identification of solutions, the matching of demand for learning with supply of experience and expertise and a series of steps that need to be taken to bring about the desired change. Such change may range from policy reform, management systems and technology to attitudes and behavior.

Characteristics of TransfersCharacteristics of Transfers

The value of a transfer starts with the quality of the practices that are being transferred. Such practices are characterized by:

tangible, positive impact on living conditions;partnership between two or more public/private organizations;sustainability in its social, economic, environmental and cultural components.

Characteristics of TransfersCharacteristics of Transfers

Other considerations:Adaptability: taking into account cultural, political, economic etc. context of recipient Format: visits (one/two way), direct hands-on training,Mentoring –coaching, joint initiatives

Types of TransfersTypes of Transfers

Different contents of transfers:

technical: the transfer of skills and technology applications/processes e.g. Medellin Award;information: the transfer and exchange of ideas and solutions e.g. Best Practices Database, CAIXA case studies;managerial: a system or series of decision-making and resource allocation processes that can be transferred and adapted e.g. participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Consideration for TransfersConsideration for Transfers

If technology or management systems are involved in the transfer, are these appropriate to local conditions?

Cultural Are potential environmental impacts resulting from the transfer addressed?

Are there special social, economic or environmental considerations that could make the transfer difficult?

Environmental Are the funding and accounting mechanisms transparent?

Have resources been secured for follow-up and long-term sustainability of the transfer?

Have resources been secured for the transfer? Economic Have women's issues and gender considerations been incorporated into the transfer?

If political change in any level of government is foreseen, will this change affect the long-term success of the transfer?

Does the transfer require any changes in legislation, policy or institutional frameworks in order to take place?

Does the transfer have the support of the central government? (What is its role?)

Does the transfer have the support of key community leaders and local government officials? (What are their roles and responsibilities?)

Does the transfer have the broad-based support of the community? (What is its role?) Social/Political

Is the quality and quantity of human resources sufficient to successfully implement the transfer?

Is the specific element of the best practice to be transferred clearly defined? Technical Key Questions When Considering a Transfer

Elements of a TransferElements of a Transfer

Match supply with demand: Documenting and exchanging successful solutions. This could be through an intermediary e.g. Local Authority Associations, UN-HABITAT’s BLP through its database, CityNet, Medellin Award, etc.

Define scope of transfer: Establishing a ‘transfer task force’ mandated to adapt the innovation

Adapt transfer: Innovation is adapted to local conditions.

Implementation and evaluation: Transfer is implemented (more adaptaion?) and its impact monitored through ongoing evaluations.

Process Indicators for Effective TransferProcess Indicators for Effective Transfer

SUSTAINABILITY: Does the initiative consider the economic, environmental and social needs without trading off one at the great expense of the other, now or in the future?

FINANACIAL FEASIBILITY: Are resources and / or funding available to realize and sustain the initiative? Are funding alternatives identified?

INCLUSION: Is the participation of all potential stakeholders considered in the transfer’s design?

ACCOUNTABILITY: Are mechanisms in place to ensure accountability for actions and responsibilities of all partners involved?

TRANSPARENCY: Is the transfer process open and accessible to allstakeholders?

PARTICIPATION: Does the transfer involve and / or promote participation of all possible stakeholders including the “donor” and implementers?

Medellin Award for Best Practice Transfer, LAC - 2005

Transfer as an AwardTransfer as an Award

Mayor of Medellin identified priority areas of the cityProductivitySafety and SecuritySolidarity and InclusionCity’’ place in the International arena

The mayor used an intermediar: Ibero-American and Caribbean Forum for Best Practices partners to:

Identify practices that addressed priorities of MedellinDesigned the transfer processFive practices identified from Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil: Slum upgrading, urban agriculture, “abuelas cuenta cuantos”

Transfer as An AwardTransfer as An AwardMedellin Award for Best Practice Transfer, LAC - 2005

Award consists of small ($5000) grant + opportunity to workwith Medellin over an 18 month period including visits.

Post Medellin:The initial idea was to replicate using another LAC city;This has not happened – cost, logistics, champion character ..ButMany aspects of the process have been used by other Forum Members – for example, El Agora in Argentina.

A best practice on BP transfersA best practice on BP transfers

Grassroots women’s International Academy (GWIA)

A transfer mechanism based on specific problems – childcare, livelihoods, access to land and housing, HIV/AIDS, disasters etc.

Most important outcomesVisibility of women and their knowledgeVariety of process options applicable to diverse problem areasIncreased inclusion of other non-excludedLocal-local dialogues – bringing in other stakeholders

Key Components of a TransferKey Components of a TransferIn summary, the key elements to a transfer include the following:

Information Dissemination and Exchange: Dissemination of innovative practices as a means for initial matching of supply with demand for knowledge, expertise and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities of Actors/Stakeholders: Further matching of supply with demand in identifying and defining the social, economic and environmental issues to be addressed and the roles and responsibilities of hosts and participants.

“Matched” Solution to Problem: Negotiation by two parties for a transfer commitment by recognizing that the host has been successful in implementing a process or solution from which the participant is willing to learn.

Education and Adaptation: Participants learn from hosts through site visits and surveys of the local application of program. The host also learns from the participants once they have implemented their initiatives.

Implementation Plan: A plan and/or feasibility study for the adaptation and implementation of the transfer is developed.

Transfer: Initially, a pilot demonstration should be undertaken to test the viability of the program followed by a full-scale transfer.

Follow-up: Monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness and impact of the transfer. Exploring opportunities for mutual learning by “donors” and implementers.

Adequate DocumentationAdequate Documentation

Documentation weaknesses identified that impact on matching demand with supply include missing or poor information on:

1. what actually triggered an innovation2. Details of process3. Policy framework – facilitative or constraining?4. “Bonus” gains of the initiative beyond what was originally addressed

Post Transfer DocumentationPost Transfer Documentation

Example of Grassroots Women’s International Academy1. Exchange involves learners and hosts2. Reviews what did not work and why?3. Reviews what turned out “even better” than the original4. Hosts describe what they learned by transferring and5. Apply lessons where possible to original initiative and6. Apply lessons learned to future transfers