Strategic communications in PRSPs: Bolivia case study

Communications initiatives in the Bolivian PRS have worked towards building constructive links between very diverse groups with fragile relationships. The Bolivian government as a whole has long-term problems with clientelism and corruption, and an acrimonious relationship with a very vocal and internally divided civil society sector. Steps towards bridging these gaps through the PRS process have been made in three ways: First, consultation processes and participative monitoring at the relatively stable and coherent level of municipalities were undertaken. Secondly, an independent consultation on the PRSP was conducted by the Catholic Church - an organisation which cuts across disparate civil society groups - and run in parallel to the government-led National Dialogue. Finally, think tanks, such as ILDIS, have worked to mediate between government and the general public by promoting more informed and constructive debate. Steps are also being taken within the donor community to develop closer collaboration among themselves, with DFID leading a new network of bilateral donors. The links between donors and other stakeholders however have room for improvement: there have been calls for donors to capitalise on the success of the Bolivian think tank sector, and invest in research and analysis which can promote a better match between donor expectations of government, and its practical capacities.

(Author's summary)