Presentation on Accelerated Development at the Pacific Local Government Forum 2014 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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Denika Blacklock 


Synopsis of Presentation



This presentation discusses critical issues pertaining to the theory behind accelerated development. Policies espousing accelerated development process are driven by good intentions and a desire to ensure that no group or community is ‘left behind.’ However, accelerated development policies and programmes often result in the beneficiaries becoming targets rather than drivers of development in their own communities, and makes a number of concessions which call into question whether or not ‘accelerated development‘ programmes align with the principles of aid effectiveness and accountability.




The first concession is absorption capacities. How much information and new skills can the members of a target community conceivably absorb in a short time frame? How effective and efficient can such programmes be in terms of delivery approaches for capacity building, and allowing for time to support beneficiaries to put new knowledge and skills into practice.



The second concession is local wisdom. It is difficult to make any new system or process work if it does not account for existing traditional systems (such as customary law, or decision making structures). Finding ways for formal and informal systems to work side by side cannot be a rushed process. When it is rushed, it is often the informal mechanism which is disregarded.





The third concession is good governance and sustainability. Building on the first two concessions, working fast does not necessarily allow for working accountably. It also limits the time and opportunities available to ensure that new knowledge, systems and skills are being effectively implemented and tested to the point at which outside (foreign) support is no longer necessary.

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