Kivu designed a programme of work supporting local think tanks to influence policy on tobacco taxation. This programme is being implemented in both Nepal and Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, Kivu is working with a local think tank, the Institute for Policy Research (IPS). We have developed an approach to strategic policy advocacy which reflects the changing political context in Sri Lanka. In response to a change in government the programme adopted a strategic influencing strategy which prioritised elite-level ‘insider’ advocacy. The research conducted, and the dissemination approaches used, reflected the high concentration of power within the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government. To support this work we have also partnered with other CSOs to balance the elite-level advocacy with some well judged public campaigning activities.
Kivu supports IPS to undertake locally relevant, policy-focused research. In addition to providing advice on policy influencing strategies, Kivu also provides IPS with hands-on mentoring-based capacity building support. After listening carefully to IPS’s senior leaders, this support has been highly tailored to the needs of the local partner.