Where do we go from here? Navigating power inequalities between development NGOs in the international aid system

• In Event: Third sector professionalization and action research

Abstract

How Northern NGOs and other stakeholders in the aid chain can shift power and resources to their partners globally is one of the biggest and most important questions dominating the aid sector globally. These debates are accompanied by clear and loud demands from Southern NGOs that the time for more equitable systems and relationships is now. Many conversations and initiatives are being planned and/or taking place around these themes (Van Wessel et al., 2023). There is a need for these discussions and actions to be accompanied by strong academic research to explore what actions are being taken, by whom and to what effect. This research provides more ‘clarity about how to achieve the envisioned shifts in power’ and contribute to ‘a shared sense of future direction and the upscaling of concrete actions’ (Kapazoglou 2021: 16).

This study examines the extent and nature of concrete actions undertaken by Northern NGOs and Southern NGOs to tackle power asymmetries, explicitly comparing their understandings, perspectives and initiatives. It has been conducted by a team of researchers based in Ghana, The Netherlands, Uganda and the United Kingdom. The research draws upon on a mixed-method design employing an extensive survey, in-depth interviews, document analyses and case studies. A global survey collected 458 responses to explore "shift the power" initiatives. The survey compared responses between organizations in the Global North and South. A range of 33 stakeholder interviews were conducted across Europe, Ghana, and Uganda to understand perspectives on local-led development and power shifts. Three in-depth case studies in Ghana and Uganda delved into programs addressing power imbalances between Northern and Southern NGOs, examining outcomes from various perspectives.

The study finds that despite efforts to address power imbalances, progress has been slow and limited. Actions have been taken in areas such as policy, programming, funding, and language, but the most significant steps have been in programming and funding. Southern NGOs are gaining more influence at the programmatic level, but they struggle to impact the broader policy framework. Northern NGOs are often seen as the dominant force in addressing power imbalances, and actions taken so far are considered minimal. Challenges include a lack of time, resources, and fear of change. Southern NGOs and Northern NGOs also face difficulties in communication, with Southern NGOs feeling their voices are not heard, and their agendas may be co-opted by Northern NGOs. Partnership is seen as crucial to rebalancing power dynamics, involving mutual respect, understanding, and trust-building. However, question is whether merely being "good partners" is enough to bring about real change in the North-South power dynamic. The study emphasizes the need for systemic change involving not just NGOs but also institutional donors, as they play a pivotal role in the international aid system. A call for deeper, more transformative, and Southern-led change across all development actors is made, focusing on reconfiguring the broader framework in which aid operates, including setting agendas, resource distribution, and accountability.

References

Kapazoglou, M. (2021). Building forward more inclusively. Report on the conference hosted by
INCLUDE 8-16 June 2021, Leiden, INCLUDE
Knowledge Platform: 16.

Van Wessel, M., Kontinen, T., & Bawole, J. (2023). Reimagining Civil Society Collaborations in Development: Starting from the South. Abingdon: Routledge.

Authors

• Margit van Wessel, Wageningen University

• Nicola Banks, University of Manchester

• Willem Elbers, University of Nijmegen

• Lau Schulpen, Radboud University Nijmegen

• Gijs Marijn van Selm

• Innocent Kamya, Makarere University

• Badru Bukenya, Makarere University

• Emmanuel Kumi, University of Ghana

• Thomas Yeboah, University of Ghana