Aid effectiveness in fragile states

The broader framework for the aid effectiveness agenda was set by the OECD-DAC Paris Declaration of Aid Effectiveness (2005) and includes five principles: ownership, mutual accountability, harmonisation between donors, alignment between donors and national governments, and managing for results. Recognising that complementary principles were needed for fragile states, OECD-DAC members agreed on twelve ‘principles for good international engagement in fragile states’. These expanded on issues specific to aid effectiveness in fragile states, and emphasised the need for state-building and improved governance.

The OECD-DAC High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Accra in September 2008 resulted in the Accra Agenda for Action. In preparation of the Accra meeting, Roundtable 7, which focused on fragile states, was held in Kinshasa. During this meeting monitoring principles for engagement in fragile states, peace-building and state-building, and improving delivery for aid for fragile states were discussed. The results of these discussions are reflected in the Kinshasa Statement, which emphasises the importance of aid effectiveness in fragile states, the need for improved aid mechanisms, and better strategies during the transition from conflict to peace.

The discussions also reflected the findings of a study evaluating the applicability of the Paris Principles to fragile states. This study found that harmonisation of donors was particularly important, and should be complemented by a whole-of-government and a state-building agenda. The specific approach taken is to depend on governance conditions, and on whether a country is heading into conflict, is in an impasse, or is improving in terms of governance.