This note outlines two methods developedby the Mobilizing Rural Institutions study to assess andcompare the governance capacities of local institutions andtheir network relationships in any local context. Localinstitutions and their institutional networks play afundamental role in shaping governance and livelihoodsoutcomes in rural areas, particularly for more marginal anddisadvantaged populations. A review of local institutions innearly 50 cases in 5 countries found that networkrelationships and linkages among local and externalinstitutions were a key element in promoting governance andlivelihoods, as well as more equitable allocation ofbenefits. Yet despite the consensus that local institutionsand their links with other institutions are important indevelopment and conservation efforts, we lack tools toassess and compare networks of local institutions, thestrength of their links, and how these contribute tolivelihoods outcomes. This note identifies two such tools tohelp identify leverage points through which new policies canbe introduced to maximal effect, and to select appropriatelocal institutional partners for policy and projects. Thefirst section summarizes two key findings from the report oninstitutional linkages, governance and livelihoods outcomes.The second section describes the Institutional NetworkAnalysis tool. The third looks at the IAPA (Inclusion,Accountability, Participation and Adaptability) governanceindex. The final section draws conclusions and identifiesrecommendations for how the two indexes can be a useful toolfor policy and implementation projects that view localinstitutions as an important partner in development efforts.
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