Julia Morrell

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Country: England
Background: BA Anthropology and Geography
Research Project: Harmonisation of aid in the health sector: a case study of the implementation experience of Irish Aid in sub Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND: Current policy amongst aid agencies is to harmonise their engagement in developing countries through sector rationalisation. The aim of this study was to provide insights into the factors which support or constrain successful implementation in the health sector.

METHODOLOGY: An evaluation perspective was adopted with a qualitative case-study analysis of Irish Aid and two ‘embedded units of analysis’ Uganda and Zambia. A conceptual model was developed drawing on approaches from the literature on policy implementation and the management of change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 key informants in varying positions and perspectives in the organisation. Observation and documentary analysis provided additional and corroboratory data.

FINDINGS: The goal of sector rationalisation has been achieved but it is too soon to know if this will lead to improved aid effectiveness.
Key factors in the implementation are firstly the situation in each country including stake-holder positions and secondly aspects within IA including strong leadership and the organisation’s commitment to shared values. However, the pace of change was probably too precipitate in terms of adequate preparation of exit strategies and achieving country ownership by Ministries of Health.
Devolved decision-making meant there was less management of the process from IA headquarters with the danger of a lack of coherence with the organisation’s strategic goals and lack of coordination of the impact of staff.
Concerns were raised about the uncertain impact of the policy in Zambia and of the future human resource implications for Irish Aid.

CONCLUSIONS: The study described the policy context of harmonisation in the aid effectiveness agenda. In examining the steps taken by the Irish Aid it demonstrated the difficulty if implementation and the factors which need to be addressed for success. Whilst recognizing the not insignificant achievement of harmonisation, areas of concern for the future were highlighted.