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Exploring ‘Country Ownership’: An Analysis of Development Cooperation Practices of Selected European Partners in Bangladesh

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  • Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
  • Fahim Quadir

Abstract

Recognizing that the political environment that once fostered a global culture of top down, conditionality-driven aid delivery is no longer in place, this theoretically informed study provides insight into the emerging ‘aid and/or development effectiveness’ narrative. By exploring a case study of Bangladesh, it offers a nuanced analytical perspective on the role of donor agencies in managing development partnership at the country level. It interweaves a critical review of the concept of country ownership, the historical role of three major European donors, namely FCDO, DANIDA, and GIZ, and the conversation with select stakeholders to illuminate the ineptness of the ‘development effectiveness’ narrative in guiding our efforts aimed at creating a new aid architecture. In particular, our research findings call into question the assumption that donors are committed to the principles of country ownership. Contrary to the claims of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC), our study observes that the new language of development effectiveness and/or country ownership did not create a positive space for Bangladesh to manage its own development agenda. Instead of demonstrating their desire to promote self-reliant development, donor agencies and countries appear to have leveraged the development effectiveness rhetoric for advancing their own sociopolitical interests.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Mizanur Rahman & Fahim Quadir, 2023. "Exploring ‘Country Ownership’: An Analysis of Development Cooperation Practices of Selected European Partners in Bangladesh," Journal of South Asian Development, , vol. 18(1), pages 70-89, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soudev:v:18:y:2023:i:1:p:70-89
    DOI: 10.1177/09731741221143843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bigsten, Arne & Tengstam, Sven, 2015. "International Coordination and the Effectiveness of Aid," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 75-85.
    2. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman & Fahimul Quadir, 2018. "The civil service’s “fast food approach” to development policy-making in Bangladesh: critique and agenda for reform," Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(3), pages 159-174, July.
    3. Abdel-Malek, Talaat, 2015. "The global partnership for effective development cooperation: origins, actions and future prospects," IDOS Studies, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), volume 88, number 88, March.
    4. Quibria, M.G., 2014. "Aid effectiveness: research, policy and unresolved issues," MPRA Paper 86215, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2014.
    5. Steven Radelet, 2004. "Aid Effectiveness and the Millennium Development Goals," Working Papers 39, Center for Global Development.
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