DRG Learning Agenda Overview

The agenda includes 20 Learning Questions across five themes: Participation and Inclusion, Transparency and Accountability, Human Rights, DRG Integration, and Theories of Democratic Change. These questions were formulated through a consultative process with internal Theme Teams and USAID field staff. The DRG Center created action plans for each question and a Learning Agenda Advisory Group to oversee annual updates to the agendas. The Center then funded evidence reviews, research, and evaluation activities to fill evidence gaps. In preparation for the 2021-2023 Learning Agenda, USAID reviewed past research supported by the DRG Center and assessed the degree to which the questions from the latest agendas were addressed. The DRG Learning Agenda is organized around five themes, each with multiple Learning Questions. The Participation and Inclusion theme includes questions on civic engagement, youth participation, women's participation, and social movements. The Transparency and Accountability theme includes questions on external vs. internal accountability, decentralization, and e-governance. The Human Rights theme includes questions on human rights awareness campaigns, support to human rights defenders and institutions, and radicalization. The DRG Integration theme includes questions on the implementation of participation, inclusion, transparency, and accountability elements in non-DRG programming. The Theories of Democratic Change theme includes questions on the factors that explain momentary openings and lasting liberalization of authoritarian systems. The DRG Center has identified several program areas that are relevant to the Learning Questions, including Political Competition and Consensus-Building, Rule of Law, Good Governance, Independent Media and Free Flow of Information, and Human Rights. The Center has also established a Learning Agenda Advisory Group to oversee annual updates to the agendas and a Evidence & Learning Team to provide further information and support. Research and evaluation activities are being conducted to address the Learning Questions and fill evidence gaps. The results of these activities will inform DRG programming and help to improve democratic governance outcomes. The DRG Center is committed to using evidence-based approaches to inform its programming and to promoting democratic governance and human rights around the world.