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The Development Project as an Institution for Agency and Capability Expansion: The Case of the Njombe Milk Project

Author

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  • Francesco Burchi

    (German Development Institute, Department ‘Sustainable Economic and Social Development’, Bonn, Germany.)

  • Pasquale De Muro

    (Roma Tre University, Department of Economics, Rome, Italy)

  • Sara Vicari

    (Co-operative College, Manchester, United Kingdom)

Abstract

Most development organisations have traditionally used the Logical Framework Approach to design, monitor and evaluate development projects. We depart from this mechanical view and join an emerging literature that recognises project complexity as well as the importance of institutional dynamics. The article deals with an evaluation of a multi-sectoral project in Tanzania, centred on the production, selling and distribution of milk in schools. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods and using the capability approach as conceptual framework, we analysed the project’s effect on selected functionings, entitlements and agency of the different stakeholders. We found a positive effect on nutrition knowledge, farmers’ earnings and milk production, and an interesting unintended outcome of the project, an increase in children’s school attendance. However, an in-depth institutional analysis reveals problems in the institutional setting and in the relationships between stakeholders that undermine a sustainable human development process.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Burchi & Pasquale De Muro & Sara Vicari, 2015. "The Development Project as an Institution for Agency and Capability Expansion: The Case of the Njombe Milk Project," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 27(1), pages 19-36, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:27:y:2015:i:1:p:19-36
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Marie-Luise Matthys & Patrick Illien & Sushant Acharya & Michèle Amacker & Sabin Bieri & Ildephonse Musafili & Outhoumphone Sanesathid, 2024. "The Role of High-Value Agriculture in Capability Expansion: Qualitative Insights into Smallholder Cash Crop Production in Nepal, Laos and Rwanda," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 36(1), pages 243-262, February.
    2. Francesco Burchi & Federico Roscioli, 2022. "Can Integrated Social Protection Programmes Affect Social Cohesion? Mixed-Methods Evidence from Malawi," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(3), pages 1240-1263, June.
    3. Melinda Schmidt & Harald Strotmann & Jürgen Volkert, 2022. "Female and Male Community-Level Empowerment: Capability Approach-Based Findings for Rural India," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(2), pages 754-784, April.

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