The Development Dance: A Humanitarian Aid Worker's Perspective

As a humanitarian aid worker, I'm constantly seeking out resources to understand the bigger picture of development. That's why Haley J. Swedlund's "The Development Dance" caught my eye at the New Delhi airport. The book offered a refreshing perspective on the challenges that often cause well-meaning foreign aid projects to falter.

Swedlund dives into the concept of "aid churn," the constant shift in funding mechanisms from project-based to budget support to cash transfers. This resonates deeply with my experiences in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Syria and South Sudan. For instance, a recent water well project funded through a humanitarian grant prioritized speed over long-term sustainability. The chosen location wasn't ideal for the aquifer, and the community lacked the maintenance skills necessary to keep the well functional long-term. This aligns perfectly with Swedlund's analysis of how donor priorities can clash with actual community needs, leading to wasted resources.

The book emphasizes the importance of trust-building between aid providers and recipients. This is where aid workers like myself become crucial bridges. Swedlund's concept of "credible commitments" perfectly reflects the need for genuine partnerships built on shared accountability. For example, when we received bacon and beans as part of food aid during the 2001 India earthquake, being a vegetarian and Hindu community, it was not received well. By working with community leaders to develop a program tailored to their needs and utilizing local resources, we were able to build trust and achieve far greater success. This exemplifies how long-term partnerships, as Swedlund suggests, can empower local communities and lead to sustainable development.

Here are some thoughts for achieving greater sustainability in foreign aid, drawing on both Swedlund's insights and my own experiences:

• Long-term Partnerships: Move away from short-term projects and cultivate long-term partnerships between all stakeholders, including donors, recipient governments, and local NGOs. This fosters trust, shared goals, and a commitment to a long-term development strategy. Strengthening collaboration between humanitarian and development efforts is crucial, especially in protracted crises. For instance, in countries like Ethiopia and Afghanistan, a combined humanitarian and development approach could focus on immediate needs like WASH while also investing in long-term Water development projects to build resilience.
• Local Ownership: Empower recipient communities to take ownership of aid projects. This can be achieved through participatory planning processes that equip them with the skills and resources to manage their own development. While challenges remain, as I witnessed in the Afar region of Ethiopia in 2009, where a lack of community ownership led to a non-functional water system despite years of implementation, this approach is essential for long-term success.
• Evidence-Based Approaches: Prioritize interventions backed by strong evidence of long-term effectiveness. Invest in research and data collection to measure the impact of different programs and adjust strategies accordingly. Building a culture of evidence-based decision-making is vital, especially in countries facing protracted crises. In countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria etc, years of data on previous humanitarian responses could be analyzed to inform the design of future programs, maximizing their effectiveness.
• Focus on Effectiveness: Bureaucratic hurdles and delays can be incredibly frustrating for aid workers who see urgent needs every day. Swedlund's emphasis on "commitment problems" resonates with this experience. Delivering programs that demonstrably improve lives must be the top priority, and delays due to bureaucracy or politics should be minimized. For example, currently, in Gaza, supplies are significantly delayed due to administrative hurdles at the border. This highlights the need for streamlined processes that prioritize getting aid to those who need it most quickly.
• Building Trust with Communities: Trust is the foundation of successful aid programs. Swedlund highlights this, and as aid workers, we play a crucial role in building trust with local communities. For example, mistrust surrounding water treatment chemicals leading to infertility when consumed can perfectly illustrate this point. I've also encountered similar situations, such as a hygiene promotion program that failed because the community's cultural beliefs were not taken into consideration. By fostering open communication and respecting local customs, aid workers can build trust and ensure the success of aid programs.

"The Development Dance" offers a valuable perspective for policymakers and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of foreign aid. By highlighting the challenges of negotiation and commitment, Swedlund encourages a more critical look at how aid is delivered and how to ensure its long-term effectiveness. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in the field of foreign aid, particularly those working on the ground like myself.