This resource corner builds on Issue 35 of Capacity.Org journal, which focused on the capacities required to link evidence-based policies and practices for development. In addition to core research and analytical capabilities (the evidence base) for effective development action, this resource corner explores a range of crucial, but often neglected, capacities that are needed to drive the research message home. These include how to: identify and understand the key stakeholders in the policymaking process; adapt to the dynamics of the political debate; get the timing right in disseminating research results; and communicate in a language that policymakers can understand.

The growing demand for food, the rise of international specialty value chains such as those for organic and fair trade products, and the renewed interest in bio-fuels in response to the ongoing energy crisis, have opened up opportunities to enhance the participation of agricultural smallholders in global markets. As service providers and advocacy networks, producer organisations can play an important role in strengthening the position of farmers and local producers in global value chains. This resource corner builds on Issue 34 of Capacity.Org journal to highlight the latest research, case studies, policy developments and emerging issues on this topic.

Building on Issue 31 of Capacity.Org journal, this resource corner explores the issue of capacity development for accountability and good governance from diverse perspectives. It highlights citizen-led initiatives from around the world, as well as the ongoing international dialogue emanating from the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, aimed at enhancing mutual accountability in donor-recipient relationships.

How can the international community support sustainable capacity development in fragile state contexts? Stabilising the governance infrastructure in post-conflict situations sometimes requires the outsourcing of nearly all government roles in the early stages of recovery. It is nonetheless critical for external interventions to support the transition to country-owned and country-led development by strengthening emerging capacity where it crystallises. This resource corner builds on Issue 32 of Capacity.Org journal to highlight the latest debates and emerging best practice in this area.

Effective and enabling leadership is critical to the success and sustainability of development efforts. A growing number of development organisations offer diverse leadership support services, ranging from short-term training, on-the-job coaching and peer-reviews. Building on Issue 28 of Capacity.Org Journal, this resource corner is updated regularly to highlight the latest approaches and experiences of leadership development in different socio-cultural contexts.

This Resource Corner is dedicated to sharing the latest research findings, tools and practical experiences relating to Evidence-Based Learning and Communication in development cooperation. It highlights some of the information and exchanges shared through The Pelican Initiative, an active learning network bringing together more than 400 learning specialists, development practitioners, policymakers and researchers. It also builds on articles published in Issue 33 of Capacity.Org Journal on Organisational Learning.