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Sustainability or Dependency?

Hellerup, Ella LU (2025) STVK04 20242
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis explores how Sida’s understanding and application of local ownership in Kenya’s development projects have evolved between 2003 and 2023. Using postcolonial theory as a framework, the study examines how historical and structural power dynamics influence the concept and practice of local ownership in the development cooperation and aid relationship between Sweden and Kenya. Through a qualitative case study approach, the analysis focuses on Sida’s policies and practices, considering their alignment with global development trends such as participatory development and localization. The findings indicate that Sida has increasingly prioritized inclusivity, community participation, and sustainability in its strategies. However, the... (More)
This thesis explores how Sida’s understanding and application of local ownership in Kenya’s development projects have evolved between 2003 and 2023. Using postcolonial theory as a framework, the study examines how historical and structural power dynamics influence the concept and practice of local ownership in the development cooperation and aid relationship between Sweden and Kenya. Through a qualitative case study approach, the analysis focuses on Sida’s policies and practices, considering their alignment with global development trends such as participatory development and localization. The findings indicate that Sida has increasingly prioritized inclusivity, community participation, and sustainability in its strategies. However, the lingering effects of colonial legacies and systemic inequalities continue to present challenges. Sida’s initiatives to support civil society organizations, decentralization, and environmental sustainability highlight progress in promoting local agency. Nonetheless, balancing donor priorities with recipient autonomy remains complex. This study adds to discussions on equitable development partnerships and offers recommendations for strengthening local ownership to foster more effective and sustainable development cooperation. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hellerup, Ella LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Two Decades of Sida's Approach to Local Ownership
course
STVK04 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Sida, Kenya, Bilateral Financial Aid, Local Ownership, Development
language
English
id
9179497
date added to LUP
2025-03-04 12:54:23
date last changed
2025-03-04 12:54:23
@misc{9179497,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores how Sida’s understanding and application of local ownership in Kenya’s development projects have evolved between 2003 and 2023. Using postcolonial theory as a framework, the study examines how historical and structural power dynamics influence the concept and practice of local ownership in the development cooperation and aid relationship between Sweden and Kenya. Through a qualitative case study approach, the analysis focuses on Sida’s policies and practices, considering their alignment with global development trends such as participatory development and localization. The findings indicate that Sida has increasingly prioritized inclusivity, community participation, and sustainability in its strategies. However, the lingering effects of colonial legacies and systemic inequalities continue to present challenges. Sida’s initiatives to support civil society organizations, decentralization, and environmental sustainability highlight progress in promoting local agency. Nonetheless, balancing donor priorities with recipient autonomy remains complex. This study adds to discussions on equitable development partnerships and offers recommendations for strengthening local ownership to foster more effective and sustainable development cooperation.}},
  author       = {{Hellerup, Ella}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Sustainability or Dependency?}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}