Government Strategies, Donor agendas and the Coordination of Development Aid: Evidence from Rwanda 1994-2004

Lead Research Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Social and Political Science

Abstract

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Description This postdoctoral research fellowship grant allowed me to build on and publish my PhD research on aid effectiveness in Rwanda since 1994. The research explored the politics and theories of international aid in the post-conflict period in Rwanda, examining relationships between the recipient government and donor agencies. Case studies were conducted of UK and Belgian aid to Rwanda between 1994 and 2004 to compare different historical and political trajectories relative to aid delivery. Rwanda was extremely dependent on aid from external donors, but was able to retain a great deal of ownership over policy imperatives because of how the government negotiated and managed its relationships with different donors. The research was conducted at a time when new forms of aid were being implemented in an attempt to improve the effectiveness and impact of aid in bringing about poverty reduction. The research explored how the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness was translated into policy and practice in Rwanda, resulting in a range of coordination activities amongst donors and Rwandan ministries.
Key achievements under the grant were:
- Publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and as book chapters
- Involvement in a collaborative research project on post-conflict democratisation, contributing expertise on Rwanda and international aid to democratisation processes
- Expansion of knowledge exchange activities at the University of Edinburgh between academics and the Scottish international development policy community and international development NGOs.
- Gaining additional teaching and supervising experience, including setting up a new MSc programme in Africa and International Development at the University of Edinburgh
Exploitation Route The findings contributed empirical data on aid relationships and aid governance in Rwanda in the post-1994 period, as well as in-depth case studies of how aid was delivered in Rwanda by the UK and Belgian governments. The findings might also be used in studies on aid effectiveness and aid modalities, such as budget support.
Sectors Government

Democracy and Justice

Security and Diplomacy
 
Description Research findings were fed back to relevant policy-makers in the Rwandan, British and Belgian governments through meetings, policy briefings and seminars. Research findings have been used in research by other academics on aid modalities, donor politics, governance and Rwanda, as well as follow-on research commissioned and grant-funded projects involving the researcher. Research findings were fed into debates and discussions amongst academics, policy-makers and practitioners through invited talks and written contributions. Examples include contributions to Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on International Development, Rwanda Scotland Forum, Liberal Democrats (UK), All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes and Genocide (UK). Belgian NGO 11.11.11, Christian Aid Scotland, BBC Newsnight, Chatham House (working group on the UK's international policies. Findings and research expertise formed the basis for commissioned research consultancies and policy advisory roles, for example by Oxfam America on aid to Rwanda in 2009, for a systematic review on aid effectiveness for the Department for International Development, and in advisory positions for SCIAF and Link Community Development. Research also fed into university-level teaching.
First Year Of Impact 2008
Sector Government, Democracy and Justice
Impact Types Policy & public services