I’m not very confident on this estimate, but I’d hazard that between 5-50 causally connected groups will have made a recommendation related to the balance of research vs direct work in global health as part of the DfID budget (in either direction).
“The development of ODA five year strategies at Dfid and elsewhere are the result of an enormous number of factors and the interventions of hundreds of experts and even more interventions by NGOs in developing countries. I could name 50 or more groups in regular relationship with Dfid who, along with folks from the GPP could and will be taking a share of the credit.”
“Yes, it’s great that GPP got to have some input, but I agree with Frances to remember all the vast number of others having input.”
“5% credit for any single small organization involved in ODA advocacy would be incredibly high, the main inputs most listened to in ODA come from major players like the World Bank, WHO, Gates Foundation, IMF, individual other ODAs, certain independent and university based researchers ( say Chris Murray,in his own way Hans Rosling, certainly Angus Deaton; Dfid staff talk to tons of people at various levels) to a lesser degree groups like the African Union; when you then move to NGOs, the input of World Vision, Save the Children, CARE, Caritas, etc are strong. I think it is great that GWWC, CEA have worked hard on this effort and join in congratulating them. In fact, the release from GWWC, et al and Seb’s comments here are right on in appropriate modesty about their impact. Groups that promote the importance about having evidence of impact are especially subject to criticism if they overstate “hype” achievements. So, checking the desire to trake more credit than due is wise. The important news is what Difd is setting in place and howmuch goos it can do. Kudoes to Dfid which has played a leading role in the ODA community in pushing and researching measuring effectiveness. Hope this is not seen as poring cold water on an important collaborative effort by EA.”
Although note that “one of several” referred to groups making this particular direction of recommendation. That will cut it back a bit from the full set of people advising DFID.
(Disclaimer: I work at the Global Priorities Project)
“you rather than the very many other groups” The post above said “several.” I think the number of players here is incredibly important.
Can we get ballpark estimates on how many is the several/very many other players of equivalent or higher weight in this field? 5? 50? 500?
EDIT: Why was my question downvoted? I feel like it’s an important question, and asked in good faith.
I’m not very confident on this estimate, but I’d hazard that between 5-50 causally connected groups will have made a recommendation related to the balance of research vs direct work in global health as part of the DfID budget (in either direction).
That’s maybe a 75% confidence interval.
Here are the relevant comments from one of the posts:
“The development of ODA five year strategies at Dfid and elsewhere are the result of an enormous number of factors and the interventions of hundreds of experts and even more interventions by NGOs in developing countries. I could name 50 or more groups in regular relationship with Dfid who, along with folks from the GPP could and will be taking a share of the credit.”
“Yes, it’s great that GPP got to have some input, but I agree with Frances to remember all the vast number of others having input.”
“5% credit for any single small organization involved in ODA advocacy would be incredibly high, the main inputs most listened to in ODA come from major players like the World Bank, WHO, Gates Foundation, IMF, individual other ODAs, certain independent and university based researchers ( say Chris Murray,in his own way Hans Rosling, certainly Angus Deaton; Dfid staff talk to tons of people at various levels) to a lesser degree groups like the African Union; when you then move to NGOs, the input of World Vision, Save the Children, CARE, Caritas, etc are strong. I think it is great that GWWC, CEA have worked hard on this effort and join in congratulating them. In fact, the release from GWWC, et al and Seb’s comments here are right on in appropriate modesty about their impact. Groups that promote the importance about having evidence of impact are especially subject to criticism if they overstate “hype” achievements. So, checking the desire to trake more credit than due is wise. The important news is what Difd is setting in place and howmuch goos it can do. Kudoes to Dfid which has played a leading role in the ODA community in pushing and researching measuring effectiveness. Hope this is not seen as poring cold water on an important collaborative effort by EA.”
Hmm, “one of several” does seem to be a significant overstatement in that regard.
2.5 billion is also a lot though.
Although note that “one of several” referred to groups making this particular direction of recommendation. That will cut it back a bit from the full set of people advising DFID.
(Disclaimer: I work at the Global Priorities Project)