DevDispatch Recommends: Best of 2023
Every month we keep track of and share the latest knowledge released in the global development sector. Looking back at the year 2023, we invited members of the DevDispatch community to weigh in on their top publications across 10 thematic areas on the grounds of relevance, ease (relating to readability and conciseness) and design.
We proudly present to you the Top Recommended publications of 2023
Enjoy!
SECTOR: AFRICA'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
African Countries pay more to borrow
By the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
This publication emerged as a front runner in this sector because it touches on a subject that is not covered nearly enough and yet significantly hinders the continent’s economic advancement. Debt-servicing has become an overwhelming burden for African countries, inhibiting their ability to achieve optimal budget performance and impeding socio-economic development. The report closely examines the borrowing patterns of African countries and proposes solutions to change the status quo towards economic prosperity.
SECTOR: GENDER
Accountability Report 2023: G7 Partnership for Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion in Africa
By Sustainable Development and Solutions Network, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Of all the gender related publications released this year, this was voted favorite for various reasons. One, it reveals key statistics to demonstrate the grave gender disparities in digital literacy; with nearly 250 million Sub-Saharan African women facing financial exclusion. Two, it emphasizes the importance of addressing gender disparities in digital literacy towards the economic empowerment of African women and, it highlights the importance of digital financial services as a pathway to social equality.
SECTOR: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND DECENT WORK
Digital Africa: Technological Transformation for Jobs
By the World Bank
This publication epitomizes the intricate relationship between digital transformation and employment and we are not surprised to see it top the list in this sector. The publication shows how broader use of productivity-enhancing, digital technologies by enterprises and households is imperative to generate job opportunities that are key to Africa’s economic development, particularly for the continent’s growing young population.
SECTOR: HEALTH
Energizing health: accelerating electricity access in health-care facilities
By the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The relevance of this publication for our team who sit in the East, West and Southern parts of the continent contributed to it becoming a favorite in the health sector. The report highlights the importance of reliable electricity for the delivery of healthcare services with a focus on low and middle income countries. Each team member can name an encounter where lack of electricity in the health sector has been detrimental.
We love that it outlines the tools for assessing the energy needs of healthcare establishments, and highlights the technical and financial factors involved in transitioning to electricity as a primary energy source.
Transit Oriented Development in practice.
A powerful example of impact on the ground in the area of Housing by our Brazil Cities team – and a story of how interventions in one city led to an approach that was scaled up and adopted as part of a Brazilian national law that set the standards for better quality social housing.
Three Challenges to Safe and Affordable Urban Housing
The blog raises three critical challenges: (i) importance of core services in informal settlements and slums, (ii) need to support housing rental markets, and (iii) making better use of underutilized land in city centers.
Can Housing Be Affordable Without Being Efficient?
The blog highlights the importance of giving due attention to building efficiency in affordable housing projects, both location efficiency and on-site energy and water efficiency. The key message: over their lifetimes, efficient homes are more affordable, healthier and provide better opportunities for residents than conventional buildings.
SECTOR: ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions: Enhancing the foundations of resilient, sustainable and affordable power systems
By the International Energy Agency (IEA)
For quick reads, check out these blog posts
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the electricity grids worldwide, in their current state. What makes this publication a hit is the quality of thought and solutions offered. It examines various aspects such as grid infrastructure, connection queues, outage costs, grid congestion, generation curtailment, and the projected timelines for grid development. Its findings reflect that there are already indications that grids are impeding the progress of clean energy transitions.
Transit Oriented Development in practice.
A powerful example of impact on the ground in the area of Housing by our Brazil Cities team – and a story of how interventions in one city led to an approach that was scaled up and adopted as part of a Brazilian national law that set the standards for better quality social housing.
Three Challenges to Safe and Affordable Urban Housing
The blog raises three critical challenges: (i) importance of core services in informal settlements and slums, (ii) need to support housing rental markets, and (iii) making better use of underutilized land in city centers.
Can Housing Be Affordable Without Being Efficient?
The blog highlights the importance of giving due attention to building efficiency in affordable housing projects, both location efficiency and on-site energy and water efficiency. The key message: over their lifetimes, efficient homes are more affordable, healthier and provide better opportunities for residents than conventional buildings.
Malawi Economic Monitor, December 2020 : Doing More with Less - Improving Service Delivery in Energy and Water
By the World Bank
The pandemic has induced a sharp recession in many countries across the globe. Malawi’s economy has been heavily affected, with growth projected at 1.0 percent in 2020, down from earlier projections of 4.8 percent. With population growth around 3.0 percent, this represents a 2.0 percent contraction in per capita GDP. Political stability has returned following the June 2020 Presidential elections, which should support investment. However, global and domestic factors emanating from the pandemic are affecting Malawi’s economy, including: 1) disruption in global value chains and trade and logistics; 2) decrease in tourism; and 3) decrease in remittances. This has combined with social distancing policies and behavior to also reduce domestic demand. The Malawi Economic Monitor (MEM) provides an analysis of economic and structural development issues in Malawi. The publication intends to foster better-informed policy analysis and debate regarding the key challenges that Malawi faces in its endeavor to achieve high rates of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
SECTOR: TRADE
A Guide for Customs Administrations and economic operators on the practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area
By the World Customs Organization
This report topped our list in the ‘Trade sector’ because it advocates for consolidating customs regulations across the continent as a step towards the expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into a unified administrative union. This will enable the free flow of goods and services across borders, fostering the growth of trade through efficient customs administration. The guide provides practical steps in ensuring seamless border services.
SECTOR: CONFLICT + MIGRATION
Journey to extremism in Africa: Pathways to recruitment and disengagement
By the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Although several publications have been released on extremism in Africa, not enough has been shared on the recruitment and disengagement of those who fall prey to terrorist groups. This report shares important information on how terrorist structures can be dismantled and offers valuable solutions. It is also Insightful and well researched, which collectively makes it a winner.
Global progress report on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2021
By WHO
This report looks into how effective the strategies planned for 2016-2021 have been in the fight against HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs. Progress has indeed been made despite the disruption of the global pandemic but in the same breath, there are still many targets that have not been reached. The number of new HIV infections has fallen by 23% to its lowest rate since 2010 with 1.7 million new infections in 2019 however this is far from the target of only 500 000 new infections.
Stigma and lack of resources to implement people-centred policies and services still remain the largest hindrance. COVID-19 severely affected the ability for people to get tested easily. This report analyses the success and shortfalls of each WHO region. The report recommends that the only way to try and get back on track is for governments to collaborate their efforts into universal health care systems beneficial for the most vulnerable.
This report is targeted at anyone who works with marginalised communities of people infected by HIV, hepatitis or any STIs and is also a good read for health care workers and policy makers. It is moderately long at 108 pages.
SECTOR: FOOD + AGRICULTURE
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023
By The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Every year the State of Security and Nutrition report by FAO scores massive points for its enticing cover. In addition to its cover design, this year’s edition provides a detailed overview of how food security is key to the development of a nation. It also delves into agrifood system transformation, and healthy diets across the rural-urban continuum in the context of Africa, due to the continent’s rapid urbanization and reliance on agriculture, presenting crucial insights for addressing food security and nutrition challenges.
SECTOR: HUMAN RIGHTS
Legislating and enforcing the minimum age of marriage: A comparative study of experiences and lessons learned in ending the legalization of child marriage
By UN Women
This publication won our hearts for its no holds barred advocacy for the importance of implementing strong legal protections to prevent child marriage and restoring the dignity of African women. It presents a detailed analysis of child marriage reforms in 43 countries, highlighting various approaches taken to address this issue. The lessons shared in the publication can serve as best practices for different communities working towards ending child marriage.
SECTOR: SDGs
Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023
By UN Women
What makes this publication a leading contender in this sector is its demonstration of the importance of adopting a gendered lens in examining development issues. It suggests that a comprehensive understanding of the progress of the SDGs requires considering gender equality and women’s empowerment across all spectrums. The publication offers a thorough analysis of progress in gender equality across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides valuable insights into global efforts aimed at achieving gender equality and highlights the significance of measuring gender inclusivity within each SDG.
Thank you for allowing us to share your publications in 2023. See you next year!
The DevDispatch team