Governments worldwide have intensified their efforts to institutionalize policy evaluation. Still, also in organizations with high evaluation maturity, the use of evaluations is not self-evident.... Show moreGovernments worldwide have intensified their efforts to institutionalize policy evaluation. Still, also in organizations with high evaluation maturity, the use of evaluations is not self-evident. As mature organizations already meet many of the factors that are commonly seen to foster evaluation use, they constitute an interesting research setting to identify (combinations of) factors that can make a key difference in minimizing research waste. In this article, we present an analysis of the use of evaluations conducted between 2013 and 2016 by the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a typical case of relatively high evaluation maturity. Methodologically, we rely on Qualitative Comparative Analysis as an approach that is excellently suited to capture the causal complexity characterizing evaluation use. The analysis provides useful insights on the link between knowledge production and use. We highlight the relevance of engaging policy makers in developing the evaluation design, and fine-tune available evidence as to what is perceived a good timing to organize evaluations. Contrary to existing research, we show that the political salience of an evaluation does not matter much. Show less
Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is gaining ground in evaluation circles, but the number of applications is still limited. In this article, we consider the challenges that can emerge during a... Show moreQualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is gaining ground in evaluation circles, but the number of applications is still limited. In this article, we consider the challenges that can emerge during a QCA evaluation by drawing on our experience of conducting one in the field of development cooperation. For each stage of the evaluation process, we systematically discuss the challenges we encountered and suggest solutions on how these can be addressed. We believe that sharing this kind of lessons learned can help evaluators become more familiar with QCA, shedding light on what it is to be expected when considering the application of QCA for an evaluation, at the same time reducing unfounded fears and promoting awareness of traps and requirements. The article can be insightful and potentially inspirational for both commissioners and evaluators. Show less
The Netherlands has been an active supporter of international development aid. Dutch development cooperation started in response to Truman's 'Four point programme' announced in 1949. It began as... Show moreThe Netherlands has been an active supporter of international development aid. Dutch development cooperation started in response to Truman's 'Four point programme' announced in 1949. It began as technical assistance, channelled through multilateral channels. Bilateral aid started in 1962 and was introduced by (then) Minister for Development Cooperation Berend-Jan Udink. Since then, the priorities, target countries and budget of Dutch development cooperation have continuously shifted. This thematic map illustrates how the partner countries for Dutch development cooperation have changed throughout the years. Show less
This paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 1949-2015 with particular attention for private sector development (PSD). Over the years, poverty alleviation, private... Show moreThis paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 1949-2015 with particular attention for private sector development (PSD). Over the years, poverty alleviation, private sector development and security have been dominant focus areas of Dutch development cooperation, with PSD taking a central role as it was assumed that poverty could only be alleviated when a country's economy is stimulated. Therefore, the Dutch government has been strongly supporting policies and initiatives stimulating PSD in the Netherlands and in developing countries. The long history of Dutch development cooperation shows continuity in its approach towards development policy as a way of promoting Dutch businesses and export in developing countries. Show less
This paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 2010-2015 with a particular attention to the private sector development (PSD). Historical perspective is also added to... Show moreThis paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 2010-2015 with a particular attention to the private sector development (PSD). Historical perspective is also added to this review. Dutch government has been strongly supporting policies and initiatives stimulating PSD in the Netherlands and in developing countries. The long history of the Dutch development cooperation can serve as a valuable lesson for other countries. Show less
This chapter revisits the issue of elections and democracy in Africa, a theme that emerged as dominant in scholarly discussions in African Studies in the 1990s. The trigger for featuring Ethiopia... Show moreThis chapter revisits the issue of elections and democracy in Africa, a theme that emerged as dominant in scholarly discussions in African Studies in the 1990s. The trigger for featuring Ethiopia as a case study was the May 2010 parliamentary elections when the incumbent party, which had been in power since 1991, took 99.6% of all the seats. While the various Ethiopian elections will not be discussed in detail, the political culture or wider context in which they occur - and always produce the same overall result - will be highlighted to demonstrate the enduring mechanisms and problems of hegemonic rule and how difficult it is to create a democratic system that allows for changes in power (i.e. alternation). The relationship between one-party rule and economic development will also be discussed - the latter being a donor obsession that clouds the political agenda. The chapter closes with some reflections on the recurring donor-country dilemmas when it comes to dealing with electoral autocracies, such as Ethiopia. Show less
The history of development cooperation has attracted very little research to date. This volume offers an innovative interpretation by considering the history of SNV Netherlands Development... Show moreThe history of development cooperation has attracted very little research to date. This volume offers an innovative interpretation by considering the history of SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, which has been in existence for over forty years now. Through SNV's history, an analysis emerges of the role of the Netherlands in development cooperation and the attitudes of Dutch society towards it over the last fifty years as well as the changing ideas, practices and policies in development work more generally. The views and expectations of (former) SNV staff and those of local participants who were ultimately to benefit from the development activities were the focus of this historical research. This has resulted in a socio-cultural history 'from below' rather than a dry description of the organisation's administrative changes and formal bureaucratic structures. Show less
This book is about the relationship between donors and aid recipients in bilateral development cooperation programmes. Using the example of the Dutch District Rural Development Programmes (DRDPs)... Show moreThis book is about the relationship between donors and aid recipients in bilateral development cooperation programmes. Using the example of the Dutch District Rural Development Programmes (DRDPs) in Bukoba, Tanzania, it examines the processes in which the aid beneficiaries are engaged, so that they can appropriate opportunities that accrue from the donors' projects. Carried out from 1987 until 2004, the programmes have not been evaluated as successful. However, instead of being guided by the pessimism of a perspective of failures, this thesis focuses on the processes in which aid is made relevant by the recipients. Aid recipients engage in organizing practices, that is, manoeuvre in a power-charged relationship in order to access and make use of the opportunities in an aid fabric. The overall conclusion of the study is that even though donor-funded development projects may not have achieved the donors' objectives, the resources (material and financial) that have come along with the projects have proven useful to the beneficiaries through the use of organizing practices with respect to livelihoods promotion. [ASC Leiden abstract] Show less
'Partnership' is the new keyword in donor-community circles, and multilateral organizations and national departments responsible for development cooperation both seem to have embraced the conccept... Show more'Partnership' is the new keyword in donor-community circles, and multilateral organizations and national departments responsible for development cooperation both seem to have embraced the conccept of 'public-private partneships'. This paper is the first in a series that examines partnerships in ecotourism initiatives in the Maasai region of Kenya, i.e. Kajiado, Narok and Trans Mara Districts. A discussion of the partnership concept is followed by a brief introduction to wildlife-based tourism in Kajiado District. Subsequently, two public-private partnerships - the Kimana and Selengei group ranches - are presented. A detailed analysis of the origins and development of these wildlife-based ecotourism projects tries to answer the main research question about the extent to which these partnerships are genuinely community-based and potentially successful alternatives for livestock-keeping communities. [Book abstract] Show less
Avant-propos de P.J.C. van Dijk. Résultats d'une enquête effectueé dans une région de la province d'Al Hocaime, surpeuplée, montagneuse et sujette à l'érosion, sélectionnée pour une contribution... Show moreAvant-propos de P.J.C. van Dijk. Résultats d'une enquête effectueé dans une région de la province d'Al Hocaime, surpeuplée, montagneuse et sujette à l'érosion, sélectionnée pour une contribution néerlandaise au développement. Il paraît que tout politique de développement visant les plus déshérités se heurte à des difficultés majeures, problème qui dans une large mesure s'explique par le fonctionnement plutôt médiocre des instances marocaines. Atténuer cette dépendance serait la meilleure contribution qu'une aide extérieure pourrait apporter. Show less
