NGOs Advocate for Local Decision-Making in UK Aid Amid Global Funding Reductions
As the consequences of the UK's decision to reduce international development funding become increasingly apparent, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are urging a fundamental shift in how aid projects are managed. They argue that local communities should have greater control over spending decisions in a rapidly changing world.
Impact of Aid Cuts on Marginalised Communities
Over a year ago, the Labour government announced cuts to UK aid, contradicting a manifesto promise to restore Britain's reputation in international development. This move, combined with similar reductions by the United States, France, Germany, and Sweden, is causing significant hardship for the world's most vulnerable populations. Health centres are shutting down, family support systems are being scaled back, and girls' education programmes are diminishing rapidly.
Rather than dwelling on past approaches, NGOs are using this frustration as a catalyst for change. They are looking forward to reshaping development practices that have been dominated by top-down conditions from donor governments for decades.
A Call for Equity and Local Leadership
At a recent event, development leader Keith Kibirango emphasised that if aid funding returns, it should do so on equal terms. This sentiment aligns with the UK government's priority, as outlined by Baroness Chapman, the minister for international development, to move away from international intervention towards local provision where partners drive their own solutions.
International NGOs have been grappling with these issues for over a decade, piloting new approaches to become more locally led. They are now eager to share their learnings with the UK government and other partners to collaboratively define a way forward.
Initiatives Driving Change in Development Practices
Across the sector, organisations are questioning who should drive solutions, whose knowledge matters, and what genuine partnership entails. Initiatives like the Grand Bargain, Pledge for Change, CREED, and Charter for Change demonstrate a commitment by international NGOs to transform themselves and shift decision-making to local people and organisations.
Some NGOs are implementing participatory grant-making to ensure funding decisions rest with the groups they aim to support. For example, ADD International's Disability Justice Fund for Women placed grant decisions in the hands of a panel of women with disabilities, reaching over 1,000 applicants, including informal groups previously excluded from funding.
In Uganda, this approach benefited Juliet's organisation BUDWA, which trains women with disabilities in skills like tailoring and welding and runs a community savings group. As Juliet stated, "Teach me how, but don't do it for me."
Transform Trade found that providing funding to local farmers for collective seed purchases increased farming productivity by an average of 225 percent. Meanwhile, HelpAge International is decentralising decision-making by empowering national organisations rather than concentrating authority in its UK head office.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite progress, disparities remain in the locally led agenda, and more work is needed. Governments and philanthropies that have historically funded international development must also play a role. The upcoming Global Partnerships Conference in May offers a chance to translate words into action, redesigning development to be rooted in fairness, equity, and sustainability.
Civil society has developed concrete ideas and recommendations in collaboration with global partners. NGOs look forward to working with the UK government and other conference attendees to turn these proposals into reality, ensuring that aid spending truly serves those it aims to help.
