Evidence on aid (in)effectiveness in highly fragile states: A synthesis of three systematic reviews of aid to Afghanistan, Mali, and South Sudan, 2008–21

Abstract

analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research and training centre of the United Nations University. Today it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency-providing a range of services from policy advice to governments as well as freely available original research.The Institute is funded through income from an endowment fund with additional contributions to its work programme from Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as well as earmarked contributions for specific projects from a variety of donors.

The Impact of Civilians Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) on Post-Conflict Security in South Sudan

“…Effective reintegration programs have met the psychosocial needs of former combatants in addition to offering them opportunities for alternative sources of income. By facilitating the acceptance and reintegration of former combatants into their communities, this all-inclusive approach to reintegration has helped to promote social cohesion (Zürcher, 2022). Still, there are difficulties.…”

Do the effectiveness principles matter for development? Evidence from aid effectiveness data

“…Nevertheless the overall impact of aid on development, and especially on economic growth, has been sharply debated in research (see e.g., Arndt et al 2010Arndt et al , 2015Dollar 2000, 2004;Mosley 1986;Rajan and Subramanian 2008). While cross-country studies now provide strong evidence of its overall positive impact (Arndt et al 2015;Juselius et al 2014), it is also clear that development cooperation is not always effective and that its record appears to be especially mixed in fragile and conflict-affected states (Carment and Samy 2023;de Ree and Nillesen 2009;Findley 2018;Zürcher 2017Zürcher , 2022. Elaborated in their current form at the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan in 2011 and reiterated in the Effectiveness Development Co-operation Summit in Geneva in 2022, the Principles of Effective Development Co-operation provide an important reference point for international development assistance, with broad multilateral support.…”

Do the principles of effective development co‐operation improve development outcomes? The case for clearer definitions and measurement

“…Although cross‐country studies now provide strong evidence of its overall positive impact (Arndt et al. 2015; Juselius et al., 2014), it is also clear that development co‐operation is not always effective and that its record appears to be especially mixed in fragile and conflict‐affected states (Carment & Samy, 2023; de Ree & Nillesen, 2009; Findley, 2018; Zürcher, 2017, 2022).…”

“…Nevertheless, the overall impact of aid on development, and especially on economic growth, has been sharply debated in research (see, e.g., Arndt et al, 2010Arndt et al, , 2015Burnside & Dollar, 2000Mosley, 1986;Rajan & Subramanian, 2008). Although cross-country studies now provide strong evidence of its overall positive impact (Arndt et al 2015;Juselius et al, 2014), it is also clear that development co-operation is not always effective and that its record appears to be especially mixed in fragile and conflict-affected states (Carment & Samy, 2023;de Ree & Nillesen, 2009;Findley, 2018;Zürcher, 2017Zürcher, , 2022.…”