An Untold Story of Aid Localization
This report is not about the localization trend per se, but about a different, related topic: the increasing operational burden that localization has sparked. This story of growing operational challenges has gone largely untold, even though it has a direct impact on the overall effectiveness of aid and the ability of countries to reach development goals.
This report focuses on this untold story and describes some of the creative solutions being implemented by the operations professionals confronting these challenges. The logistical issues associated with localization impact both donors and recipients. The development community’s responses to these challenges will do a great deal to shape the field in the years to come.
““The story of aid localization is not a simple narrative. In theory, localization channels more money directly to recipients, cutting out expenses that do not directly benefit aid recipients. In practice, though, it can be hard to find local partners with the structures in place to handle the sometimes onerous bidding rules and reporting requirements imposed by donors, according to many stakeholders.”
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