Ehsaas Program’s Post

Is Decolonising Aid a bold vision? And are we ready? The recent article by Halima Begum Oxfam GBs CEO in The Guardian efforts to decolonise the aid sector, is strucking a chord. An inspiring commitment to solidarity over charity, but it also raises important questions about what true decolonisation means and how we get there. For too long, the aid sector has been shaped by systems and structures that prioritise the perspectives and priorities as seen by those in the Global North. So for people like me it has been more than just a concept, it’s a journey of learning, unlearning and reimagining. It requires a lot of work and personal capacity invested to shifting and understand power, funding, and to sum extent decision-making to those closest to the issues we aim to address. But are we in the sector challenged by our vision? You could argue that we are! and is there willingness to move beyond rhetoric? Can we embrace structural change that may challenge our relevance? The pragmatist in me is saying it’s all incremental, but my opinion even with my lived experience of conflict and shades of poverty doesn’t matter! It’s only the opinion of those in the frontlines our local partners that matter the most. In the coming years, the challenge will be to ensure localisation ‘locally led’ doesn't become a tick box exercise! Can we genuinely drive change, shaped by communities on their terms. And finally, how we can ensure our drive for greater accountability doesn’t clear or reinforce power imbalances? In my team at Oxfam GB, the vision for decolonisation aligns with the belief that humanitarian, development, and peace interventions must be locally conceived, developed, and implemented to achieve meaningful, sustainable impact. It’s about having a level of meekness, the ability to truly empower, while embracing equity and respect for local expertise. The road ahead is not easy at all for people like me and have not been from the start! As I started in the localisation space, but it is necessary journey we must undertake. Can we end up in true partnerships rounded by shared purpose, yes but it will be difficult. 💭 Always respect others thoughts 💭

When a government lacks its own means to provide basic services (health, education, R&D etc), or chooses to prioritise areas such as defence (imagine the savings if we stopped killing each other!), civil society funding and action fill the gap. As this is universal, even if the needs and priorities vary, the government's role should presumably be to conduct risk-based assessments. In India, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) "dates from 1976, a time of national emergency declared by Indira Gandhi, the prime minister then, who was seen as using the law to target critics of a civil rights clampdown. "In 2020, the regulations were tightened to include a ban on nonprofits transferring money from overseas contributions to other nonprofits with similar licences and imposed a spending limit of 20% on administrative costs such as staff and offices. "“Many grassroots organisations, that had the FCRA licence but didn’t have fundraising capabilities, would depend on larger organisations for their funding,” said Avinash Kumar, the former head of Amnesty India, who left after the organisation shut down operations in India in 2020 after the government alleged it had committed FCRA violations. "Kumar said the 2020 amendment meant funding for grassroots organisations was completely “choked”." Read the Thomson Reuters Foundation piece for names of some other well-known international NGOs that have been impacted. We shall see what the new government does: will it accept evidence like this, replicated across the country, and concede to foreign funds and assistance?

DONORS AND INTERMEDIARIES: Critical self-awareness and a conversation guide This is our second briefing and reflection paper on intermediaries. It contributes to an ongoing critical reflection in the aid sector.The behaviours of notably international aid agencies, acting as ‘intermediaries’ for the funding to local and national actors (LNA), have come under scrutiny, given the international commitments to better support and reinforce national and local actors. Several INGOs have also been developing their ‘localisation’, ‘partnering’ and at times ‘anti-racism’ and ‘decolonisation’ policies. The first paper ‘Intermediary organisations under the spotlight. Why?'  looks at what we mean with ‘intermediary’ and why ‘back-donors’ or ‘funding partners’ use them. Given that aid donors will continue to use intermediaries, this second paper focuses on what donors can and must do to ensure that intermediaries use their power responsibly, strive towards equitable partnership with national and local subgrantees, and intentionally work towards role changes, with the national-local actor taking on more and more leadership. The paper consists of three components: 1. A practical conversation guide for donors to use, proactively, with organisations they intend to fund which in turn will subgrant to (other) national and local actors. 2.  An invitation for back-donors to be self-critical about how their behaviours influence how an intermediary organisation plays that role: sometimes donor requirements are such that it becomes difficult for an intermediary organisation to play a truly supportive and enabling role for its local and national subgrantees/partners. 3. An answer to the question whether a direct communication is appropriate between a back-donor and a LNA which receives its funds through an intermediary.

Impending Civil Unrest in some African Nations Amid Economic Hardships!!? ............................ Several African countries are on the brink of civil unrest due to escalating economic challenges. In Nigeria, the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation have led to soaring inflation, significantly diminishing citizens' purchasing power. This economic strain has resulted in widespread protests and, tragically, deadly stampedes at charity events as people scramble for basic necessities. Former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed concerns that the current economic hardship in Nigeria could lead to social unrest. He emphasized that inadequate wages and inflation have eroded workers' purchasing power, leaving many financially worse off than previous generations. In Côte d'Ivoire, citizens are grappling with some of the highest tax rates in the region, further straining their financial resources. The government's fiscal policies, aimed at economic recovery, have inadvertently placed a heavy burden on the populace, leading to growing discontent and the potential for civil unrest. These situations underscore the urgent need for African governments to address economic policies that disproportionately affect their citizens. Without immediate intervention and inclusive economic reforms, the risk of civil unrest remains high, threatening the stability and development of these nations. https://lnkd.in/dtgybmic

NGOs in Africa play a significant role in providing health care and education, but they are also criticized for their focus on technical solutions to poverty and their dependence on donor funding. Critics argue that NGOs may not be the most suitable actors for improving people's lives due to their limited accountability and potential reinforcement of power imbalances. However, some argue that NGOs can still contribute to social justice by operating in ways that challenge injustice and open the door to new possibilities. https://lnkd.in/gsdY793R

#crisis #worsethan #Trump #financialcrisis #USfederalgrants #usaid Many of the executive orders Donald Trump signed this month are likely to incapacitate social change organisations and could force many to close. As well as domestic organisations, US-based international organisations supported by Federal grants could face funding crises too. Thousands may lose jobs, and the people they were helping won’t get that help. This is a crisis if you are a fundraiser in the USA, even if the Federal government does not directly fund you. If you work at an international NGO in other countries, your federation could be facing a crisis, too. One Australian-based worker told me today that cuts had already been implemented across the global network. For domestic charity fundraisers outside the USA, you may not be safe. When the most influential world leader unleashes policies like these with immediate impact and without debate, populist parties in your country—in power or waiting in the wings, left and right—will be emboldened in their hard-line agendas. Legal challenges will resist many of the changes. But even then, uncertainty will hang over many people, leading to fear, rushed decision-making and worry for the most vulnerable. As a fundraiser, you need to understand the implications of these cuts for your organisation’s implications. Even if they are not directly impacted, the massive demand for private funds to make up the trillion or so lost could affect you. If you are facing cuts directly or work in any international charity, I strongly encourage you to talk to me and get an outside view of your options. Just this morning, I met one fundraiser who is now considering how a public appeal may work during the uncertain period between the executive order and a judge partially halting the order that would end her funding. Use this link to book a free chat about the impact of the USA federal government funding cuts: https://lnkd.in/g7XzjznF Bring your leadership team along, and please provide detailed information on the booking form to maximise the benefits of our session. If you work for a non-USA domestic organisation, please support those directly impacted by sharing advice, ideas, tips, and results in forums such as Moceanic’s Fundraisingology Lab. Consider the implications for your organization, and if an emergency appeal seems appropriate, you can also schedule a chat with me. Moceanic and our members helped each other through COVID-19; we can do it again through this crisis. Sean https://lnkd.in/gspEzzFf

The Impact of USAID Pulling Out Aid to Zambia The United States Agency for International Development has played a crucial role in supporting the development of various African nations, including Zambia. As one of the primary sources of international assistance, USAID’s initiatives have historically focused on health, education, economic development, and governance. However, the potential withdrawal or scaling back of aid from USAID has far-reaching implications for Zambia and the broader African continent. Economic Consequences The cessation of USAID assistance would likely have immediate and detrimental impacts on Zambia's economy. USAID has been integral in funding various programs aimed at economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. With limited resources, the Zambian government could struggle to sustain these initiatives, leading to increased unemployment, economic stagnation, and a higher poverty rate. Moreover, Zambia's reliance on foreign aid for budgetary support means that the withdrawal of USAID could exacerbate fiscal deficits and limit the government's ability to finance essential services. Social Impact USAID's contributions have significantly improved access to healthcare and education in Zambia. The agency has supported programs that address major health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and nutrition. A reduction in aid could undermine these health initiatives, potentially leading to higher rates of disease and mortality. The educational sector, which has received funding for school construction, teacher training, and learning materials, may also face setbacks, affecting the quality of education and literacy rates among the population. Governance and Political Stability Good governance and democratic institutions in Zambia have benefited from USAID support over the years. The agency has funded programs aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and civil society engagement. The implications of USAID pulling out of Zambia would extend beyond its borders. Zambia is often seen as a stabilizing force in Southern Africa, and any retreat in U.S. aid could ripple through the region. Moreover, a reduction of U.S. aid could lead some countries to seek assistance from alternative sources, including China and other emerging powers, which may not emphasize democracy or human rights in their aid partnerships. This shift could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape in Africa. USAID's role in Zambia and across Africa has been instrumental in fostering development and stability. The potential withdrawal of aid would have cascading effects that could undermine economic growth, social welfare, and governance. As Zambia navigates the challenges of aid dependency, there is a pressing need to cultivate sustainable domestic policies and alternative funding mechanisms to mitigate the fallout from decreased international support.

Great read and real effects of this withdraw. But relying on USAID is like a parent who constantly depends on neighbors to pay rent, fix leaks and feed their family, neglecting their own ability to budget, plan or grow resources. It is time African nations focus on mobilizing domestic resources, enforcing financial discipline and reforming inefficient government systems to sustainably support their development without perpetual external dependency. #departmentofgovernmentefficiency

The aid sector is in turmoil following the recent policy shifts announced by the new U.S. administration. For decades, Africa has been at the receiving end of billions in foreign assistance, yet the continent still grapples with poverty. Perhaps this is the time to ask: Has the aid model, in its well-intended generosity, created a cycle of dependency rather than self-sufficiency? At Musana, we have long championed a different approach, one that moves away from handouts and toward investment in economic development. We believe that philanthropy should serve as a catalyst for local entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable job creation, rather than merely filling gaps with short-term relief. Here our co founder Haril kazindra shares his thoughts..

While foreign aid has undoubtedly played a role in addressing immediate challenges, it's worth reflecting on the insights of Baroness Dambisa Moyo's book where she warned us 15 years ago in her book Dead Aid. She writes, "The most successful countries in the world—those that have emerged from poverty—did so not through aid, but through trade and investment." This shift presents Zambia with an opportunity to focus on building robust local industries, attracting meaningful investments, and fostering innovation among its people.