2003 Vincent Lemieux Prize

Winner: Cornelius Chipoma (University of Toronto)

Beyond Participation: Mapping the Institutional Dimensions of Collective Action in Zambia

Excerpt from jury report: The Chipoma dissertation on collective action in Zambia is intellectually rich, and is developed out of extensive field research. The amount of field research done by Chipoma is truly remarkable and worthy of distinction. The author provides a strong theoretical justification for his selection of cases, and provides detailed treatment of theoretical perspectives on empowerment, institutional analysis and social capital, making an original theoretical contribution through the concept of “political capital”. The case studies demonstrate the crucial role that leadership plays in collective action. The dissertation was audacious in its scope and execution, and has significant implications for the way aid programs are administered and implemented.