General

This project questions the view, mainly based on Putnam´s theory of social capital that civil society in form of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in developing countries can act as agency for social change. Based on this view, large funds have been channeled to NGOs with the assumption that NGOs can advance development and stimulate democracy. Where corruption is the social norm due to the lack of appropriate rules, empirical evidence does not correspond to social capital theory. There is often a discrepancy between the assumed role of NGOs according to the premises of social capital and their behavior that has been described as being corrupt and self-serving. There is however no conducted studies to explain from a theoretical point of view why NGOs often perform the way described. Thus our research aims to bridge this academic gap. We put forward and examine the applicability of game theory to explain the behavior of NGOs. We explore the different rationales of NGOs in relation to their specific context. The research is designed as case studies and will use the described qualitative and quantitative methods. We aim to contribute to theoretical development of our understanding of civil society, in particular regarding the role of the social context and linking theory with practice. The research will also generate knowledge for policy measures on the usefulness of aid to fulfill the purposes of advancing development and democracy goals.

General

This project questions the view, mainly based on Putnam´s theory of social capital that civil society in form of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in developing countries can act as agency for social change. Based on this view, large funds have been channeled to NGOs with the assumption that NGOs can advance development and stimulate democracy. Where corruption is the social norm due to the lack of appropriate rules, empirical evidence does not correspond to social capital theory. There is often a discrepancy between the assumed role of NGOs according to the premises of social capital and their behavior that has been described as being corrupt and self-serving. There is however no conducted studies to explain from a theoretical point of view why NGOs often perform the way described. Thus our research aims to bridge this academic gap. We put forward and examine the applicability of game theory to explain the behavior of NGOs. We explore the different rationales of NGOs in relation to their specific context. The research is designed as case studies and will use the described qualitative and quantitative methods. We aim to contribute to theoretical development of our understanding of civil society, in particular regarding the role of the social context and linking theory with practice. The research will also generate knowledge for policy measures on the usefulness of aid to fulfill the purposes of advancing development and democracy goals.

General

We Effect has applied for support from Sida for the implementation of the regional development project "Sustainable Cotton for Women and Youth Empowerment in Southern Africa" (Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbawe). With reference to the Strategy for Sweden's Regional Development Cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa 2016-2021 and the prioritized strategy objective "Improved conditions, especially for women and young people, for productive employment with decent working conditions", Sida will make a decision to finance the first phase of the project (2019-2021) with a budget of SEK 28,150,000. The plan is to finance also the final years of the project (Phase 2) via a later decision on support for 2022 and 2023 of SEK 16,850,000. The total budget for the four-year intervention is SEK 45,000,000. The specific project objective is women, men and youth cotton farmers have increased incomes and sustainable livelihoods in targeted communities in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe through the creation of 55,000 decent jobs (of which at least 50% are women). It is expected that this goal be achieved through strengthened capacity of partner organizations and ginning companies to implement a certified cotton standard scheme and create decent jobs for women and youth; improved volume of certified seed cotton/lint and cotton value addition products supplied by smallholder women and youth cotton farmers entering local, regional and international markets; and targeted women and youth smallholder cotton farmers have increased resilience to climate change through the adoption of sustainable agricultural land management practices. The project begins with a six-month inception phase during which several studies are carried out in order to design and plan the project in detail including studies on cotton certification and market analysis, environment and social impact, conflict sensitivity approach, gender and power analysis, and on detecting constraints affecting women and youth smallholder cotton farmers. The studies form the basis for the final design of the project implementation phase. The project is implemented by We Effect in close cooperation with identified regional and national cotton producer organizations who, through advocacy, promote improved political conditions for environmentally and economically sustainable cotton production and increased trade. Sida will enter into an agreement with We Effect who in turn will forward funds to Eastern and Southern African Cotton Organization (ESACO).

Objectives

The project objective is women, men and youth cotton farmers have increased incomes and sustainable livelihoods in targeted communities in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe through the creation of 55,000 decent jobs.