UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
DeCarlo, Anjanette
Dept./Program:
Natural Resources
Year:
2012
Degree:
PhD
Abstract:
For international development projects to be more successful, the interface between aspirations of developing communities and them methodologies of development donors needs to be better calibrated, particularly in remote or restricted regions. In this context three ongoing projects have been selected thatane guided by flexible and participatory development approaches and a drive for sustainability to gauge their relative efficacy in different stages of development in a conflict, post, conflict and stable political context.
Case Study 1, "Sustainable Business in Somalia's Critical Green Zone: Somaliland and the Frankincense Industry" shows the potential power of socially responsible enterprise to increase quality of life in an active conflict zone and failed state. Using Rapid Appraisal techniques and semi-structured focus groups/interviews which are analyzed for content using Mayring method and MAXQDA software, this case study emphasizes the need to understand the problems facing the industry from the harvesters themselves; who report that harvesters are often underbidding each other driving the already artificially lowprice of their product lower. This in turn leads to overharvesting of the trees, which they report, are in danger of dying out. The potential impact of the demise of the second largest industry in an area striving for peace must not be minimized on the local or regional level.
Case Study 2, "In Her Words: Female Genital Mutilation and Empowering Women in Sierra Leone" shows some of the obstacles to women's advancement in a post-conflict and nascent democracy. Using Rapid Appraisal techniques, narrative focus groups/interviews and girls photography projects which are analyzed for content using Mayring method and MAXQDA software, this case study shows that Female Genital Mutilation can start a ripple effect that renders women underpowered in society and lacking the skills to contribute to positive economic growth and development of the country.
Case Study 3, "NGO Ownership in the Dominican Republic; Professional Capacity Building between Developed and Developing Countries" shows the impact on Dominican NGO volunteers and staff, of transitioning organizational ownership in a stable developing country democracy. Using Rapid Appraisal techniques, formative program evaluations before and after the transition and SPSS statistical analysis, the empowerment experienced with local ownership is demonstrated. Moreover, it underscores the need for local NOG's to educate citizens on specific techniques for civic involvement that assist with reducing government corruption. Each case study contains policy recommendations geared toward development professionals, multilaterals/bilateral agencies, foundations, government officials and civil society organizations.
Case Study 1, "Sustainable Business in Somalia's Critical Green Zone: Somaliland and the Frankincense Industry" shows the potential power of socially responsible enterprise to increase quality of life in an active conflict zone and failed state. Using Rapid Appraisal techniques and semi-structured focus groups/interviews which are analyzed for content using Mayring method and MAXQDA software, this case study emphasizes the need to understand the problems facing the industry from the harvesters themselves; who report that harvesters are often underbidding each other driving the already artificially lowprice of their product lower. This in turn leads to overharvesting of the trees, which they report, are in danger of dying out. The potential impact of the demise of the second largest industry in an area striving for peace must not be minimized on the local or regional level.
Case Study 2, "In Her Words: Female Genital Mutilation and Empowering Women in Sierra Leone" shows some of the obstacles to women's advancement in a post-conflict and nascent democracy. Using Rapid Appraisal techniques, narrative focus groups/interviews and girls photography projects which are analyzed for content using Mayring method and MAXQDA software, this case study shows that Female Genital Mutilation can start a ripple effect that renders women underpowered in society and lacking the skills to contribute to positive economic growth and development of the country.
Case Study 3, "NGO Ownership in the Dominican Republic; Professional Capacity Building between Developed and Developing Countries" shows the impact on Dominican NGO volunteers and staff, of transitioning organizational ownership in a stable developing country democracy. Using Rapid Appraisal techniques, formative program evaluations before and after the transition and SPSS statistical analysis, the empowerment experienced with local ownership is demonstrated. Moreover, it underscores the need for local NOG's to educate citizens on specific techniques for civic involvement that assist with reducing government corruption. Each case study contains policy recommendations geared toward development professionals, multilaterals/bilateral agencies, foundations, government officials and civil society organizations.