2011

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Session Title: Measuring New Technologies and the Environment: Lessons From the Field
Multipaper Session 230 to be held in Laguna B on Thursday, Nov 3, 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Sponsored by the International and Cross-cultural Evaluation TIG
Chair(s):
Maureen Rubin,  University of Texas, San Anotnio, maureen.rubin@utsa.edu
Impact Evaluation of Irrigation Projects
Presenter(s):
Murad Mukhtarov, World Bank Project Implementation Unit, murad_mukhtarov@yahoo.com
Abstract: The present investigation being based on a standard evaluation approach goes beyond the indicators using modern economical, financial and statistical categories as structural components of the model. The article describes the approach to impact evaluation in the case of three World Bank projects in Irrigational Sector of Azerbaijan on rehabilitation of infrastructure and establishment of the WUAS (Water Uses Associations). The approach is time-invariant and can be applied as within the project cycle as well as in the long-term perspective after project completion. The initial impact of the projects has been measured through a baseline surveys and the follow-up impact studies at the projects' completion. Surveys have been based on quasi-experimental and longitudinal design. SPSS, Farmod software were used for economical, financial and statistical analyses and the Citizen Report Cards approach was used for social impact assessment.
Understanding the Social Impacts of Non-Governmental Organization Water Projects: Lessons From Western Kenya
Presenter(s):
Valerie Were, University of Minnesota, were0005@umn.edu
Karlyn Eckman, University of Minnesota, eckma001@umn.edu
Abstract: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are key change agents working with lakeshore communities and implementing projects around East Africa's Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). These NGOs must navigate complex laws that govern water access and use as they interact with government entities and local populations. Legal complexity exists because customary rules and norms as well as recently adopted statutory and codified laws govern water use. We seek to understand the nexus of NGO water projects, water law, and local participation in the Kenyan portion of the LVB. Ultimately, we will document engagement strategies that are most effective at fostering local participation in water conservation and management. Results will help NGOs, and officials responsible for managing water under statutory law, understand how customary rules influence local participation and rights of access. Overlooking this nexus can lead to more conflict over access to water and to failed projects.
Competition Calling, No Need to Shout: Diffusion and Use of Mobile Phones in Developing Countries
Presenter(s):
Ann Flanagan, World Bank Group, aflanagan@worldbank.org
Keta Ruiz, World Bank Group, kruiz@worldbank.org
Stephan Wegner, World Bank Group, swegner@worldbank.org
Abstract: Penetration and access to mobile phone technology has grown rapidly in developing countries, driven by private sector participation and enabled by reform geared towards increasing competition. Interventions by the World Bank in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector have focused on regulatory and sector reform. IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has focused on mobilizing and leveraging private sector investments. The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) has evaluated World Bank Group activities in the telecommunications sector. Drawing on the evaluation, we construct two unique competition variables (i) World Bank Group involvement in a country's telecommunications sector and (ii) achievement ratings associated with World Bank Group projects. This paper estimates the effects of World Bank Group interventions on the speed of mobile diffusion in developing countries. We find competition, including World Bank Group interventions aimed at increasing competition, have significantly impacted mobile diffusion in the developing world.
Tanzania Energy Sector Impact Evaluation: Findings from the Zanzibar Baseline Study
Presenter(s):
Denzel Hankinson, DH Infrastructure, denzel@dhinfrastructure.com
Lauren Pierce, DH Infrastructure, lpierce@dhinfrastructure.com
Duncan Chaplin, Mathematica Policy Research, dchaplin@mathematica-mpr.com
Arif Mamun, Mathematica Policy Research, amamun@mathematica-mpr.com
Minki Chatterji, Abt Associates Inc, m.chatterji@verizon.net
Shawn Powers, Princeton University, spowers@princeton.edu
Elana Safran, Harvard University, elana_safran@hks11.harvard.edu
Abstract: The Millennium Challenge Corporation is funding an electricity project in Tanzania that includes construction of a cable connecting the electricity grid on the mainland of Tanzania to Zanzibar. This report describes findings from a baseline study regarding the potential impacts of the new cable. Our results suggest that in recent years the quality and reliability of electricity in Zanzibar has deteriorated. In addition, Zanzibar has experienced two major blackouts, the most recent of which lasted from December 2009 to March of 2010. That blackout appears to have had large negative impacts on the hotel industry in Zanzibar suggesting that the new cable could have important economic benefits for the island. The cable is scheduled to be built in 2012. We will conduct a follow-up study at that time to assess the degree of improvement in electricity services and associated changes in the hotel industry.

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