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Editorial, volume 4, number 2, 1994
Our understanding of what constitutes development and humanitarian relief is in constant flux, and is currently under greater scrutiny than at any time since most of the existing inter-governmental agencies and international NGOs came into being. The boundaries defining the proper activities of the non-governmental aid sector are always subject to debate and negotiation, as are its relationships with elected governments, and with people's own representative channels. At present, there is ever-greater pressure on NGOs to take responsibility for areas of development which previously fell to the state - and to accept government aid in order to do so. As we have argued on earlier occasions, the line between clear-sighted cooperation and blind compromise is not an easy one to draw. And there is a real danger that valuable practical experience is lost in the process.
This issue of Development in Practice brings together a range of practical examples which illustrate constructive collaboration between the governmental and non-governmental sectors. K. Pushpanath reflects on how Oxfam's drought-response programme in Zambia challenges conventional thinking and practice concerning the assumed divisions between emergency relief and development. This work drew largely on his previous experience in emergency programmes in south India. The far-sightedness of the approach to disaster mitigation enabled peasant farmers, with little prior organisational or political experience, to establish well-informed and effective dialogue with government officials in the country; and laid the foundations for longer-term development activities in the region. Local lobbying, as well as campaigning on an international level, was crucial. Lala Steyn and Dawie Bosch also show the importance of drawing on international experience -- from Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile -- in pressing for appropriate government policy on land reform and rural development in post-apartheid South Africa.
The role for non-governmental agencies does, however, depend on the clarity with which governments themselves are equipped to outline the frameworks for policy and practice. Often, the capacity to do this is very limited, with confusion and improvisation the inevitable result. Drawing on a case-study of Malawi, Trudy Harpham and Jane Pepperall describe the detailed planning implications of decentralising government health and environment services in the urban sector. Any development NGO trying to operate within such a context is almost bound to find itself having to `muddle through' in a similar way. Nigel Poole nevertheless argues the case for formalising the use of service NGOs as a delivery system for specific public services -- such as agricultural extension and research -- with reference to Paraguay. Finally, Martin Whiteside reports on the successful application of an NGO-run extension package for promoting more sustainable farming practices among women farmers in rural Malawi.
In response to the article on working with victims of political violence published in the February 1994 issue of Development in Practice, Jane Shackman and Jill Reynolds write with sensitivity and authority on the subject of mental health and emotional well-being in situations of prolonged war and conflict. While their article focuses on the case of former Yugoslavia, the detailed suggestions they make for training local health workers are timely, and highly relevant to the resurgence of ethnic conflict (armed and non-violent) around the world. Related to this, David Tolfree examines alternatives to residential care for children in developing countries, many of whom are orphaned and abandoned as a consequence of the cycles of war and deprivation in which they are trapped. Ian Linden rounds off this theme by reporting on a recent conference dedicated to exploring the political and emotional complexities facing societies emerging from a culture of violence and repression.
As you will see, a summary of replies to the recent readership survey has been printed in a separate leaflet, included with this issue. Many thanks to everyone who replied. If you have any further general comments to make, or comments on the contents of this particular issue of Development in Practice, we would be pleased to hear from you.
From the beginning of Volume 5 (1995), we plan to introduce a new regular feature entitled 'Research Round-Up'. It will consist of brief summaries (approximately 1,500 words), describing recent or current research, particularly highlighting its relevance to development and relief practice. If you wish to receive further information about Research Round-Up, or would like extra copies of the Feedback leaflet, please contact the Assistant Editor at the address given on the inside front cover.
Deborah Eade
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