Development theory and practice - a comparative study of New Zealand and Norwegian bilateral official development assistance (ODA)

Abstract

In the course of the last decade or so, the concept of development has been increasingly questioned and discussed. The field of development thinking or development theory, after finding itself in a state of "impasse" for some time, now produces much exciting work. The "post-impasse" agenda is characterised by plurality, and various approaches to development have emerged, and subsequently become influential. Among the most important of these areas of concern are concerns about the global natural environment; perspectives on gender issues and development; and approaches to local participatory development. A fundamental research concern in, and rationale of this thesis is the relationship between theory and practice. One is often left with an impression of a substantial gap between the field of academic development thinking and the reality of foreign aid as practised by aid agencies around the world. To gain a perspective on the theory-practice relationship, this thesis examines the incorporation and integration of environmental concerns, gender issues and a commitment to local participation into the policies and performances of the state aid agencies of New Zealand and Norway. A natural starting point when examining an aspect of the foreign policy of two small states is small state theory. An important objective in the thesis is to evaluate the utility of this conceptual framework for explaining the ODA behaviour of Norway and New Zealand. Although progress is seen in the ODA of both countries, particularly in policy formulation, important challenges remain for ODA to totally integrate and perform in an environmentally sustainable manner, taking full account of gender issues and in accordance with the needs, interests and priorities of local people.