Role of Diasporas in Non- Financial Transfers: A Missing Link in Policy Research By A.A. Mohamoud May 23 rd, 2007

Widening the conceptual framework of development Development should be considered in a broader context Diaspora contribution to peace building is a form of development Diaspora contribution to capacity building of governance institutions is a form of development

Widening the conceptual framework of development (continued) Diaspora contribution to advancing and deepening processes of democratisations is a form of development Diaspora contribution to knowledge transfer and brain gain is a form of development

Investing in research and policy analysis in non-financial transfers Investing in research and policy analysis of the non-financial transfers that diasporas mediate The impact of the value of social capital transfers is more enduring over financial remittances in many countries in Africa

Investing in research and policy analysis in non-financial transfers (continued) Lack of development is the consequence of weak social and political institutions (Liberia and Sierra Leone represent obvious cases) Sustainable development is not likely to take place without strong institutions of governance

Building formal partnerships with diaspora organizations  Diaspora organizations substantially contribute to the MDG’s goals  Diasporas initiatives are not integrated into the activities undertaken by international organizations in their countries of origin  Diasporas initiatives are not structurally mainstreamed with development activities implemented by homeland institutions

Building institutional links between diaspora and homeland governments (continued)  Building institutional links at the continental level (AU, Nepad)  Fostering institutional cooperation with homeland countries  Promoting institutional cooperation with sectors within a homeland such as health, education, etc

Role of diasporas in the reconstruction of local government institutions in post- conflict countries in Africa Post-conflict institutional reconstruction is one of the foremost priorities in many countries in Africa such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, etc Reconstruction of local government institutions has received less attention in research and policy analysis

Role of diasporas in the reconstruction of local government institutions in post-conflict countries in Africa (continued) Building viable institutions at the municipal and district levels remain a pre-condition for the realisation of good governance in any country at all levels.

The African diaspora professionals such as lawyers, public administrators, political scientists and municipal councilors are needed:  In drafting treaties, agreements and constitutions  Providing strategic advice to local government on diverse policy issues ranging from rebuilding justice systems to rehabilitating municipal administrations

The African diaspora professionals such as lawyers, public administrators, political scientists and municipal councilors are needed: (continued)  Providing skills training to local civil servants, municipal administrators, government officials and cadres of the political parties  Helping to identify policy priorities for social, economic and political reconstruction, and formulating strategies for implementation

Conclusion: key recommendations 1. Investing more in the building of viable governance structures as economic growth is not likely to take place without strong institutions of governance

Conclusion: key recommendations 2. Creating Migration and Development Funds that support initiatives such as good governance, democratization, human rights and brain gain projects that the migrant organizations and groups initiate

Conclusion: key recommendations 3. Producing knowledge and information targeted at the diasporas and policy makers in the homelands (so far the knowledge produced at targeted at policy makers in the host countries)