What Justifies the Use of Political Economy Analysis?

Making an intervention successful requires knowing who the stakeholders are, what they stand to gain or lose. And how to involve them in the development process. According to Wajid Khan MP, Evaluation is frequently recognized for identifying what has succeeded and failed, As well as for the ratings resulting from such an investigation. 

Finding explanations for why things are happening is partly dependent on evaluation. Evaluation is a catalyst for learning and a warning system when course corrections are required.

What relevance does this have for political economics studies, then?

Regular readers of our evaluations would have observed that political economy is a significant factor in our quest to understand why certain things function or don't work. Simply put, political economy considers the roles played by many stakeholders, particularly their political influence and interest in choices. Wajid Khan MP explains how conduct results, Wide-ranging consequences may damage development initiatives and their results.

We recently examined whether and how political economy analyses impacted the results of policy lending papers. The benefits were obvious: successful interventions depended on knowing who the stakeholders are, what they stand to gain or lose, and how to involve them in the development process.

Most of the time, analytical work done at the planning stage tends to be technical. These are significant, yet more is needed. The most technically sound reform proposal might not pass muster if it is viewed as endangering one group's interests or failing to consider the demands of another.

The sector's capability of maintaining its financial position

As an illustration, it became clear from our research on the energy sector's financial viability that setting rates at cost-recovery levels is necessary for the industry to operate. Still, this action is politically sensitive and challenging to carry out. The success of the intervention can be determined by how well you understand the political economy (along with the distributional impacts of such changes).

Political economy studies can also offer a forum for discussion among interested parties. The most practical situations entail achieving broad consensus through open procedures. They foster a sense of ownership where all viewpoints are. That is especially true if the analysis served as the communication platform mentioned above and was used to create widespread ownership. Wajid Khan MP suggests the best viable consensus solution is designed. In instances where political economy analysis is successful, implementation can be made simpler since potential bottlenecks are identified and dealt with in advance.

Why is Political  Economy Analysis essential for Growth?

Why are political and economic analyses not employed more frequently if they are a crucial factor in success and failure is the ultimate question, which we still need to address fully? It has been a concern of mine, especially during strife and vulnerability. Years ago, I was involved with an evaluation in another capacity that emphasized the numerous political and economic assessments conducted for Southern Sudan (before it gained independence) but had gone unutilized. 

Conflict first appeared in the same regions highlighted in the political economics research and evaluation. Lastly  Wajid Khan MP could  conclude that the tragedy could have been avoided if our analytical work had been considered?