Actor strategy and prospective approaches: an attempt to formalize power mechanisms within development projects and programs financed by international aid in Cameroon

Abstract

This paper is based on the intelligent analysis of the actors' games within the Development Projects and Programs (DPP). Indeed, an empirical study was conducted with eleven (11) groups of essential actors of the DPP system in Cameroon, following the MACTOR approach (Method of Actors, Objectives, Power Relations). The aim was to analyze the structure of the influences between the actors and to define the position of each one with respect to the objectives. The actancial results recorded show that the power relationships are established in four (04) types: dominant, relay, dominated and autonomous. The results highlight the participatory management of the DPP system by the Technical and Financial Development Partner, the Regulator, the Technical Team Leader and to some extent the Steering Committee. In addition, a need for transparency, power organization and dynamization was identified as a necessity, in order to positively impact the performance of DPPs in Cameroon. Prospects for the development of the DPP system as a trial were proposed.