During this quarter ERC continued work on IE baseline reports, drafted new pre-analysis plans and accompanying data collection tools, launched the new USAID LandLinks website, held several public land educational events, developed the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) 2.0 (to launch in January 2017), supported the ONF as it adapts the Mobile Application to Secure Tenure (MAST) for use in Burkina Faso, and selected partners for implementation of a Responsible Land-Based Investment pilot project. This represents progress in line with ERC’s Year 4 work plan (May 2016-April 2017).
Under Task 2, ERC completed the draft of the Community Forest Program (CFP) IE baseline report in Zambia, completed the draft of the Tenure Security research paper, and prepared two abstracts of papers that were accepted for presentation at the 2017 World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty. Also under Task 2, a firm was selected to do the midline data collection for the performance evaluation (PE) of the Community Land Protection Program (CLPP) in Liberia, and additional preparation for this effort was made. For the SEA IE in Indonesia, ERC developed an IE Design Report and associated baseline data collection indicators.
Under Task 3, ERC launched the re-designed website (LandLinks) on October 11, carried out website troubleshooting and QA tasks, and launched the Wrike project management system. In addition, ERC produced a photo essay on apricot farmers in Tajikistan, held a webinar on the Kosovo Country Profile, and hosted a panel event on Artisanal Mining, Property Rights, and Development. Also under Task 3, ERC-produced fact sheets on food security and women’s land rights were published, and work on several country profiles continued. Finally, ERC also supported ad hoc requests to develop a Gender Analysis for the Urban Team at USAID and promote the U.S. Government’s National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct, which featured Land Tenure Country Profiles, the Land Tenure and Property Rights MOOC, and pilot 3 activities.
Under Task 4, ERC prepared for the launch of MOOC 2.0 on January 23, 2017. ERC filmed and began the editing process for three new MOOC modules on Geospatial Data, Customary Tenure, and the USAID Programming Cycle. ERC also re-filmed the introductory module and developed a promotional video. During the quarter ERC worked with third party platform Canvas to set up the new MOOC, including updating videos, quizzes, and required readings. ERC also developed a promotional plan and syllabus for the new MOOC.
Under Task 5, ERC submitted its final report on the MAST pilot project in Tanzania, thus closing out the pilot. ERC also scaled-up adaptation of the MAST technology for use in Burkina Faso, with the highlights being a launch event on October 27 and completing the field processing of 2,173 land parcels in Boudry Commune. Finally, on Pilot 3 ERC signed a contract to carry out a responsible land-based investment pilot in Mozambique and Cameroon, and planning for implementation commenced.