DFID produces many publications, such as white papers, reports and policy documents on the ways we fight poverty. Find what you need here.
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Electoral assistance and politics: Lessons for international support [PDF - 1.1 MB]opens in a new window
30 September 2011
This paper draws on a number of reviews and case studies of elections in the last four years to draw out key lessons, in the form of ‘principles for election support’.
Empowerment and accountability summary note [PDF - 209 KB]opens in a new window
29 September 2011
This paper provides an overview of why and how DFID is aiming to enable poor people to exercise greater choice and control over their own development and to hold decision-makers to account.
How to note: Managing fiduciary risk when providing financial aid [PDF - 599 KB]opens in a new window
01 June 2011
This How to Note provides operational guidance on how to manage fiduciary risk in DFID’s financial aid projects. It updates and replaces previous guidance focused on managing fiduciary risk when providing Financial Aid
Strengthening Accountability in Budget Support Countries - DFID’s 5% Commitment: Briefing Note for Country Offices [PDF - 63 KB]opens in a new window
28 April 2011
What DFID Country Offices need to do to meet, monitor and report on the commitment to spend an amount equivalent to 5% of Budget Support on strengthening domestic accountability.
Governance & Fragile States Department [PDF - 95 KB]opens in a new window
01 April 2011
Effective governance is essential to achieve sustainable development results. There is considerable evidence that effective governance matters for development.
Electoral assitance and politics: Lessons for international support [PDF - 1.3 MB]opens in a new window
01 December 2010
Elections are increasingly accepted as a key component of establishing and maintaining state legitimacy, an important step on the path to forging an inclusive and stable political settlement.
Elections in Sierra Leone in 2007 and 2008 [PDF - 591 KB]opens in a new window
The restoration of peace in Sierra Leone, the succession of reasonable elections since 2002, and the peaceful change of government via the ballot box in 2007 are all rightly seen as huge accomplishments.
How to note: On electoral assistance - summary version [PDF - 688 KB]opens in a new window
This How To Note provides guidance for UK country posts on when and how to support elections internationally. It is issued jointly by FCO and DFID, and covers both diplomatic engagement and development assistance.
How to note: On electoral assistance [PDF - 1.1 MB]opens in a new window
Elections in Pakistan in 2008 [PDF - 1.1 MB]opens in a new window
The 2008 election in Pakistan marked an important watershed in Pakistani politics, and took place in unique circumstances.
Elections in Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006 [PDF - 644 KB]opens in a new window
In the wake of decades of authoritarian rule and protracted violent conflict, the DRC held its first multi-party elections in nearly forty years in 2006.
Elections in Bangladesh in 2008 [PDF - 1.2 MB]opens in a new window
After two years of a military-backed Caretaker Government, in December 2008 Bangladesh held the most free and fair election since the reintroduction of parliamentary democracy in 1991. The successful election brought Bangladesh back from the brink ...
Elections in Kenya in 2007 [PDF - 278 KB]opens in a new window
The closely contested Kenyan elections in 2007 were based upon a flawed election process, and led to a deepening of ethnic divisions and serious post-election violence lasting well into 2008.
Elections in Nigeria in 2007 [PDF - 597 KB]opens in a new window
The Nigerian elections of April 2007 were judged by most observers to fall a long way short of the standards for credible, free and fair elections and to be the worst in Nigeria’s post-independence, electoral history.
Elections in Nepal in 2008 [PDF - 1.1 MB]opens in a new window
The Nepali election held in April 2008 was probably the most critical to regime legitimacy in Nepal’s political history.
DFID How to Note on corruption in health [PDF - 233 KB]opens in a new window
01 November 2010
Tackling corruption in the health sector is essential for achieving better health outcomes
Building peaceful states and societies [PDF - 1.5 MB]opens in a new window
12 March 2010
This paper outlines a new, integrated approach, which puts state-building and peace-building at the centre of our work in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
Measuring change and results in voice and acccountability work [PDF - 3.5 MB]opens in a new window
01 December 2009
Citizen voice and accountability (V&A) work has emerged as a priority in the international development agenda, and is part of the broader debate about the importance of governance in improving prospects for poor people. (DFID Working paper 34)
Review of public financial management reform literature (EV698) [PDF - 1.9 MB]opens in a new window
01 January 2009
Effective Public Financial Management (PFM) systems are required to maximise the efficient use of resources, create the highest level of transparency and accountability in government finances and to ensure longterm economic success.
Joint evaluation of citizens' voice and accountability (EV 692) [PDF - 1.3 MB]opens in a new window
28 November 2008
Since the 1990s, the quality of governance has been recognised as one of the central factors affecting development prospects in poor countries.