Multi-stakeholder Platforms (MSPs) are mechanism that catalyzes dialogue for sectoral transformation in many developing countries. The design and operationalization of a sustainable MSP is critical in order to realize its impactful role for stakeholder involvement in sector development and value chain optimization. This is possible through credible scientific review/study/analysis of existing MSPs and other related dialogue mechanisms in Agriculture and other sectors. IFDC-FERARI has been supporting the GOG/MoFA with scientific evidence on critical issues in the establishment of a representative and inclusive fertilizer sector MSP in Ghana, the Fertilizer Platform Ghana (FPG).

Questions about how to design and operate a truly representative MSP, who should constitute the core members, what should constitute priority issues for the MSP’s relevance and goals, how a level playing field could be attained to guarantee scaling in the fertilizer value chain, and how issues could be communicated effectively to sector stakeholders, have duly been answered by studies.

Arguably, the biggest issue yet that needs another scientific investigation in this enterprise of applying MSP approach as a mechanism to address sectoral development issues effectively is sustainability. It is key in ensuring not only the MSP’s continuous existence, but also its relevance, in supplying new ideas/innovations in matters of sustainable development. Sustainability ensures that the role of the MSP in sector policy and program is present, enhanced and pronounced. It continues to fuel sectoral growth and development with effective and active involvement of relevant stakeholders. Sustainability means the vision of a competitive, vibrant and inclusive fertilizer sector, for instance, is pervasive and shared among stakeholders.

In This Regard, This Study Of The Determinants Of Sustainability Of MSP, In The Case Of FPG, Will Seek To Find Answers To Questions Such As

It is often argued that the sustainability of a course, mechanism or system such as the multi-stakeholder dialogue platform is effectively realized if measures of evidential value are in-built in its onset.

• What are the critical factors accounting for MSP’s sustainability?
• How are sustainability measures conceptualized and contextualized in the onset of MSP?
• What is sustainable funding and to what extent is it critical to entire MSP’s sustainability?
• To what extent is decision making and implementation affect an MSP’s sustainability?
• To what extent do inclusiveness affect MSP’s sustainability?
• What are the specific mechanisms in MSP guarantee its sustainability?

Methodology

This student shall collect primary data from fertilizer stakeholders in Ghana. With support of the FERARI’s fertilizer platform team, the student shall produce a clear study methodology including sampling procedure and sample size for this research. This will also entail desk review of stakeholder platforms in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa to harvest data on their sustainability, and together with the primary data, generate implementable recommendations for the FPG.

Output

At the end of the research, the student shall produce a report to FERARI on this research and extract the most important findings in a policy brief. The student would also be assisted to produce a research article that can be published in a scientific journal for our wider international audience.

Qualification

An MPhil/MSc student in Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Management, Political Science or Sociology. Applicant must have completed his/her course work and ready to start the research component. The applicant must demonstrate high analytical and data processing skills, especially with the use of STATA and Microsoft Excel.

Duration

The duration for this assignment shall be seven (7) months. The student is expected to deliver specific activities within the following timeline (student can propose a revision to the timeline).