Power relationships and the formulation of anti-poverty policies in emerging countries: the case of Palestine

Abstract

The process for developing social policies in the Palestinian Territories has undergone several changes in recent years. Most recently, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) formally adopted the partnership approach whereby policies are developed with participation by the civil society sector and international donor organizations. However, it is unclear whether these partnerships have been realized as little is known about the power relationships between PNA and these other parties. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 Palestinian ministry officials and a review of archival materials. The findings confirmed that Palestinian agencies, civil sector organizations, and international donor organizations are now helping formulate anti-poverty policies. However, the partnerships are far from balanced or equal. Due to strained relationships with the PNA characterized by tension, conflict, and competition, the influence of the civil society sector remains modest. Conversely, international donor organizations continue to exert extraordinary influence on the policy-making process through financial and technical assistance. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.

The experience of social protection in Palestine: An exploratory study of beneficiary perspectives

“…roadblocks and withholding of tax revenues), structural issues (e.g. weak economy and high unemployment), and shifting international funding threaten even the most carefully constructed cash transfer program (PNA, MoSA, 2010; Safadi and Easton, 2014; Safadi et al, 2015). Rather than the exception, periodic shocks and fluctuations appear to be the norm for Palestinian families in poverty.…”

“…To advance the goals of the PNCTP, findings suggest that assistance levels are inadequate and should be increased considerably, or varied to include other types of support that reflect beneficiaries’ needs. To generate sufficient program funding, PNA will need to continue its efforts to form effective partnerships and collaborations with contributors, such as international donors, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities, as noted by others (Safadi et al, 2015). Additionally, effective cash transfer programs require complementary actions, including other social protection programs and services (e.g.…”

“…This exploratory study was a qualitative analysis of data gathered during semi-structured interviews with Palestinian families in the West Bank. The interviews were part of a larger research project that examined the formulation of anti-poverty policies in Palestine (see Safadi, 2012). All data were collected by the second author (N.S.S.)…”

“…For nearly 30 years (1967–1994), social welfare programs in Palestine were administered by occupying Israeli authorities (Jones and Shaheen, 2012). At the start of the era of limited self-governance in 1994 (Safadi et al, 2015), the PNA inherited social programs from the Israeli government. These programs provided basic services to specific groups, but were insufficient in meeting the broader needs of Palestinians living in poverty (Safadi and Easton, 2014).…”

“…A decade after assuming governance in 1994, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) instituted a series of anti-poverty reforms and attempted to transition to a social protection approach. In 2010, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) developed and implemented the Palestinian National Cash Transfer Program (PNCTP), an initiative that remains in effect (Jones and Shaheen, 2012; Safadi, Easton and Lubben, 2015). Despite the theoretical and strategic intentions of the new social protection approach, little is known in the scholarly literature about the ramifications of such programs on the lives of everyday Palestinians.…”