Sustainable value for money – a glimpse of the holy grail?. Issue 5 (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kemp, Steffie; MacLennan, Rob; James, Rick
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 30:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 672
• Page End: 680
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: Aid – Aid effectiveness, Development policies -- Civil society – Participation -- NGOs -- Methods -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2020.1752152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This practical note presents striking findings from a research project in Malawi, comparing the cost effectiveness of a traditional project approach with a church and community mobilisation approach (CCM). The research found that CCM had the same level of positive impact on quality of life but at 4% of the cost. It also found that CCM communities were almost four times more confident in solving problems themselves, indicating a much greater likelihood of sustainability. To realise the potential advantages of faith in development means funders and faith-based organisations have to mobilise local faith communities. CCM is a challenging but cost-effective alternative to the NGO-project approach.