15. This item was introduced by Foday Turay based on a presentation prepared jointly with Fabio Pittaluga. The preparation of poverty reduction strategy papers (PRSPs) is an ongoing process and it was noted that the SLA can contribute to PRSPs in a number of ways. At the level of analysis and diagnosis of poverty, because the SLA is a people-focused approach to poverty assessment, it goes beyond classical analysis of poverty to highlight strengths and opportunities available. In terms of strategy formulation, the SLA recognizes that livelihoods are intrinsically multisectoral and that problems in one sector may have solutions in other sectors. It can also help with the identification and prioritization of entry points, and with sectoral dialogue and synergy.
16. The SLA may contribute to the decentralization process through an enhanced participation at all levels, and an improved ownership of strategies at all levels. It too can contribute to the monitoring and implementation aspects of PRSPs by providing a framework for results-based monitoring of livelihoods, the use of appropriate indicators, setting of targets, assessing impacts outside the realm of the entry point, and strengthening the learning process which is intrinsic to the PRS process. In addition, the SLA as applied to fisheries can assist PRSPs because this approach:
looks at more than just catch or production levels;
helps with a recognition that fisheries supports more people than if you only consider production; this is important given that PRSPs attempt to identify key sectors which can contribute to economic growth;
can help to identify opportunities for diversification to help with overexploitation of inland water bodies and marine fisheries;
can help administrators understand that fishing communities have needs, problems and opportunities outside the sector;
helps to strengthen the synergies between stakeholders at all levels;
supplements money-metric assessments of poverty, and helps to explain the causality of poverty;
enhances policy-makers’ understanding of human and social capital for developing anti-poverty strategies;
focuses on vulnerability to make analysis dynamic and flexible.
17. However, some important questions remain. Can a multisectoral approach function with heavily sectoralized budget allocations? Should/does the SLA improve the visibility of individual sectors?
