Networks for resilience: The role of social capital

Abstract

established in 1975, provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. The Institute conducts research, communicates results, optimizes partnerships, and builds capacity to ensure sustainable food production, promote healthy food systems, improve markets and trade, transform agriculture, build resilience, and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is considered in all of the Institute's work. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world, including development implementers, public institutions, the private sector, and farmers' organizations.

How Should Rural Financial Cooperatives Be Best Organized? Evidence From Ethiopia

“…For example, introducing diversity in the formation of RFCs may help them generate economic (depositing and borrowing) opportunities. In a slightly different context, RFCs formed by homogenous groups of households living in the same village might not be more effective in providing credit services unless they are supported to mobilize external resources (see also, Bernier and Meinzen‐Dick, ). Similarly, embracing larger membership size and coverage may help mobilize domestic savings.…”

“…For example, introducing diversity (including heterogeneity in wealth) in the formation of RFCs may help them generate economic (lending and borrowing) opportunities. Conversely, RFCs formed by homogenous groups of households living in the same village might be more effective in providing credit services if they are supported to mobilize external resources, albeit the extent and timing of the external assistance needs to be well thought (Bernier and Meinzen‐Dick , Navarra and Vallino ). The results also hint that, without the necessary institutional capacity and risk bearing abilities, expanding the product range of these cooperatives may have conflicting implications (see also Huppi and Feder ).…”

Determinants of livelihood vulnerability in farming communities in two sites in the Asian Highlands

“…Therefore, in both locations, social networks need to be strengthened. Social assets provide bonding, bridging and linking capital that enables people to cope better (Bernier & Meinzen-Dick, 2014).…”

Disaster Response in Turkey: Conditions Promoting Cross-Sectoral Collaboration and Implications for Effectiveness

“…Many such actors are local and “local actors are faster and more effective in responding to disasters” while also “coordinating their response activities more effectively” (Kapucu et al, 2010, p. 240). Local actors are also key for effective disaster response as they can access disaster sites quickly, can mobilize social resources and networks effectively, possess valuable local knowledge that distant disaster managers and government officials lack, and often enjoy legitimacy in, and the trust of, their communities (Aldrich, 2012; Bae et al, 2015; Bernier & Meinzen-Dick, 2014; Miller & Douglass, 2015; Simo & Bies, 2007). Partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local governments, and civic organizations further facilitates resource distribution and information dissemination (Bernier & Meinzen-Dick, 2014; Jalali, 2002).…”

“…“Inclusory or community-based disaster response has rapidly become a major, if not the dominant, paradigm in international disaster policy” (Bankoff & Hilhorst, 2009, p. 700). The disaster management literature conveys part of the rationale for this; local and civil society actors provide local knowledge and access to various social networks, which contribute to more effective disaster response operations (Bae, Joo, & Won, 2015; Bernier & Meinzen-Dick, 2014; Jalali, 2002; Miller & Douglass, 2015; Simo & Bies, 2007). Yet, to be effective, local and civil society actors also need the support of governmental actors (Bernier & Meinzen-Dick, 2014), which introduces the need for collaboration.…”