Nepal’s political transition to federalism presents a potential opportunity for creating a more inclusive social contract and strengthening economic development. Leaving no one behind requires a substantial broadening of political and economic opportunity and depends upon citizens having a greater political and economic stake in the country’s future.
This research collaboration led by researchers from Yale University, SOAS and London School of Economics seeks to understand whether and how policy can support these objectives in the context of Nepal’s move to a federal system using two types of research: ‘tracking research’ which is designed to track the progress of federalization and ‘targeted studies’ addressing specific research questions. The collaboration will seek to understand how research can help identify: (i) policy interventions that seek to best support progressive change in a fast-changing, but messy political transition? (ii) practical, politically smart ways for development partners with relatively small budgets to support a more inclusive political and economic environment? (iii) whether the logic and efficacy of current policies and strategies still hold in the changing political landscape? (iv) new opportunities or challenges in enabling inclusive growth? (v) Finally, are different development strategies currently supported by DFID Nepal working together or at cross-purposes?
