Power and development in practice: NGOs and the development agenda setting. Issue 3 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Makuwira, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 28:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 422
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Aid – Development policies -- Civil society – NGOs -- Labour and livelihoods – Poverty reduction; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2018.1433816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: There is a firm belief and evidence to suggest that local communities benefit when they are actively engaged in development processes. A parallel discourse has also gained ascendancy – one which posits that if the poor have power, they will influence institutions and processes to their advantage. NGOs have been, and continue to be, the primary proponents of this thinking. While the assertion holds some substance theoretically, in practice, there is a dearth of evidence to substantiate this claim. Using post-development and post-colonial theories, this article examines ways in which NGOs exercise and govern power in development practice.