A discussion paper presented by Henry Charles, Regional Director of Commonwealth Youth Programme-Caribbean Centre (CYPCC) at the IICA Workshop on Leadership Development and Policy Integration for Youth in Agriculture held in St.Kitts and Nevis from 3rd-5th October 2005.
INTRODUCTION
The CYPCC is extremely pleased to be associated with this project organized by the IICA as it demonstrates yet another recognition of the important role young people are required to play in the sustainable development of our Caribbean society. This project is also very significant because it seeks within its own framework to provide another opportunity for capacity building among the youth of our region.
THE CONTEXT- CYP VISION
Young Commonwealth citizens maximizing their participation in development and democracy, shaping the present and future of their communities and societies.
It is in the context of this vision I have chosen to anchor my presentation.
PUBLIC POLICY- THE SCOPE
The central purpose of policy formulation and implementation is indeed the shaping of our present and future communities and societies. It is about developing a framework or an ethos for the orderly development of a community or society.
It is about the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development, the rule of law, good governance, elimination of poverty, freedom of expression, protection of human rights, non-discrimination and respect for diversity and human dignity.
Suffice it to say public policy is related to and impacts on all aspects of human existence.
However from a CYPCC perspective the formulation and implementation of public policy assume greater significance and effectiveness when a rights-based approach is adopted. That is the clear recognition and demonstrated acceptance that citizens have a fundamental right to participate meaningfully and effectively in the entire process.
THE BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE PEOPLES PARTICIPATION
The meaningful and effective participation of citizens in the formulation and implementation of Public policy will contribute to the following desirable outcomes.
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More relevant policies and programmes.
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Greater public support for and ownership of projects and initiatives.
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Greater cost effectiveness and efficiency.
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More reliable evaluation mechanisms.
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Reduces social alienation and dislocation.
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Engenders an environment of greater tolerance, and;
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Facilitates the adoption of more effective conflict resolution strategies.
Having examined the scope of public policy and the benefits of effective people's participation in the formulation and implementation process, it is extremely critical to reflect on the issues of leadership and advocacy in this process.
LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY
Effective leadership and advocacy are extremely critical to the formulation and implementation of public policy. Indeed the existence of an enabling environment without the ingredients of effective leadership and advocacy can be compared to building a house without a proper foundation.
The focus of this discussion is on youth participation and therefore the leadership issues will be considered in this context. What therefore are the critical leadership issues in the policy implementation process?
LEADERSHIP ISSUES
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Collective versus individualistic: youth should adopt an organized approach. They should form themselves into effective youth organizations. As the saying goes unity is strength.
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Democratization: every effort should be made to foster a climate of tolerance and democracy within the organization. This is the only way to ensure the broadest cross section of views is considered.
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Strategic management: far too often the management of youth organizations adhere to deformed and antiquated modes of management. There is a critical need for youth organizations to adopt relevant aspects of strategic management. These include visioning, programme budgeting, strategic planning, results oriented approaches to project implementation and effective evaluation methods.
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Capacity building: an integral component of the organizations work programme must include programmes and initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge base of its membership.
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Transparency and accountability: the integrity of the organization is enhanced when its affairs are conducted in a transparent manner and its leadership is accountable for their stewardship.
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Research capacity: youth organizations must develop a research capacity as far too often positions are developed on the basis of individual emotions and beliefs rather than on facts or empirical evidence.
ADVOCACY
Unfortunately advocacy is usually best appreciated as a confrontational relationship between two or more entities. However in the context of the policy implementation process advocacy must be seen as an efficient and effective strategy to formulate and promote credible perspectives and views on a particular issue or matter. In this regard youth organizations must consider the following issues.
· The message: it should be based upon facts, be carefully considered and formulated. In formulating the message consideration must be given to expected outcome and nature of the audience/recipients. In the process of advocacy it may sometimes be necessary to formulate varied styles without compromising the core message.
· Communication strategy: having developed the message it then becomes necessary to develop an effective communications strategy. This includes the determination of the appropriate channels of communication (press interviews, internet, seminars, conferences, symposia, lobbying, meetings with stakeholders etc) through which the message can be conveyed. It also includes the formulation of a proper publicity schedule including budget, desired outcomes, specific roles and responsibilities and execution timelines.
· Launching the campaign: arrangements must be made for an effective launching of the campaign. This can assume various forms such as press conference; public rally etc. The launching is an opportunity to outline the purpose of the campaign, the desired outcomes, and the scope of the campaign and to solicit public support for the campaign.
· Marketing: far too often marketing is viewed as a tool to be utilized by commercial entities for the purpose of selling goods and services. Social marketing using the core principles and strategies of marketing strategies must become a preferred option for social agencies in the policy implementation process.
· Evaluation: there must be ongoing and periodic evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the advocacy campaign and also be used as a guide to refine and reshape the strategy.
CYPCC's SUPPORT TO THE PROCESS
In attempting to ground these observations more in the context of CYPCC's youth empowerment and participation mandates, I want to point out some possible issues for further consideration.
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Membership of within National Youth Councils
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3.1 Becoming part of the NYC allows you to be part of a recognised national process for youth dialogue, participation and decision-making on issues that affect you such as polices on agriculture. CAFY needs structured avenues where you can influence policy makers
3.2 It can enhance access to technical support and development cooperation through established donor and other agencies.
3.3 As CYP channels development support towards Youth Councils, it gives us some leeway to dedicate leadership development support for CAFY in keeping with our overarching mandates for youth coupled with national mandates for rural and agricultural development.
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Youth Enterprise Development
3.1 CYP has modeled a successful youth micro-credit and enterprise model through the Commonwealth comprising small business and personal development training, support and mentorship that can be used to promote and develop business ventures for youth in agriculture.
3.2 The comparative advantage of IICA and CYPCC can be used towards developing unique micro enterprise projects in agri-business and agro-processing
3.3 IICA and CYP can design a research study on various aspects of micro credit and its effectiveness for rural youth as a means of having reliable data for policy formulation and implementation on micro and small enterprise development to have a lasting impact on economies of the Region.
3.4 Enterprise Awareness Camps (EACs) and Enterprise Development Programmes (EDP) can be jointly developed and mounted to sensitise and promote a sustained place for youth in agriculture and agro-business.
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Commonwealth as a significant resource pool
3.1 The Commonwealth is a diverse family of nations many of whom have agricultural-based economies and we are strategically placed to provide expertise in Agriculture under programmes such as the CFTC and the Commonwealth Services Abroad Programme.
The issues raised herein above do not represent an exhaustive examination of the issues in the policy implementation process. What I have sought to do in this presentation is to flag some central issues, strategies and techniques that IICA and the Caribbean Agriculture Forum for Youth (CAFY) can take into consideration in mobilizing national and regional membership and engaging partners towards an effective process.
I therefore crave your indulgence to extend the profound appreciation of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Caribbean Centre (CYPCC) for your generosity and patience.
Public Health Nurse, Ms Lorraine Archibald
