Failing development paradigm for Africa

The Afro-pessimism of the past is changing to growing optimism about Africa’s future.

However, five major research collaborations – among them the DIIS based Elites, Production, Poverty programme (EPP) – say this strong focus on growth is a mistake and that African countries badly need to embark on processes of economic transformation, not just growth.

They are not helped by adoption of the institutional ‘best practices’ in much richer countries since development in poor countries depends on the political incentives facing political leaders.

The research calls for a fundamental shift in aid philosophy in OECD countries, away from focus on financial transfers towards greater recognition of the importance of institutional change.

The key speaker at this IDA-seminar, David Booth from the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) leads the Africa Power and Politics Program (APPP). This is a five-year consortium research programme dedicated to “discovering institutions that work for poor people.”

Programme
At this seminar David Booth will focus on three key issues - see below. Each presentation will be followed by comments from the panel and discussions with panel and audience.

17:00
Welcome and Introduction
Erik Blas, Chairman of the Society for Int. Development

17:10
Need for a new aid philosophy – different ways of working in recipient countries?
Which are the implications for aid organizations and practitioners?

18:00
Sandwiches and refreshments

18:30
Aid to agriculture – how to make it more effective and pro-poor?
What could be done differently?

19:15
Good governance gets it wrong – is there a better approach for aid to governance?
A rights based approach is now the foundation for the new Danish Aid Strategy. What are the implications of the research for governance and rights-based aid?

20:00
Summary (David Booth and the panel)

Panel

• Tove Degnbol, Head of Department, Technical Advisory Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Helle Munk Ravnborg, Senior Researcher, DIIS
• Vagn Berthelsen, Secretary General (IBIS).

The seminar will be conducted in English.

Fee: Participation for members of the Danish Society for International Development (ULAND) is free; others DKK 250; DKK 50 for students.

Registration: The conference is open to all. Register by e-mail to moede@ida.dk with the following information: Arr.no. 997206, name, telephone no., e-mail, invoice address. Please inform us if you are a member of Danish Society for International Development (Ulandsfagligt Selskab) or IDA.