SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: History & International Studies

CONTRIBUTORS:

Anyikwa, C.N
Igwe, U.A

ABSTRACT:

In spite of the considerable resources and contributions of donor agencies to the development of Anambra state since 1991 when it was created from the old Anambra state, their roles have not been sufficiently researched. At most, the available academic works on donor activities are known to be in fragments. This study however, tried to examine the roles and contributions of donor agencies and other project implementers in disbursing the resources mapped out for the development of the state from 1991-2017. It critically assessed the intervention programs which donors (especially the United Nations backed donors) such as: United Nations Children’s Fund; United Nations Development Programs; World Bank; among others, claimed to have implemented in five key sectors of the state-health, education, agriculture, water, environment and government reforms. The study adopted the qualitative method of research and used both primary and secondary sources of data. It also adopted the basic needs theory which advocates reduction of poverty and provision of basic physiological needs such as food, water, medicare (provided by donors) to the ordinary man to equip them to aspire to higher levels of development. The study further adopted the sustainable development theory that advocate for the development that meets with the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The study discovered that the citizens of the state have indeed benefitted from numerous development programs including immunizations, child and maternal healthcare, HIV/AIDs advocacy and treatment, agricultural loans, educational materials and water boreholes. It identified some of the challenges facing donors and their development activities in the state to include corruption, capital flight, weak program implementation, weak monitoring and maintenance framework, slow release of funds, among others. The study concluded that the intervention activities of donors in Anambra have contributed greatly to the socio-economic development of the state. To ameliorate the challenges to donor activities, the research recommended the institution of strict monitoring and evaluation measures to checkmate ongoing programs and their implementors by the government. It also advocated for the government to adopt practical policies to ensure that projects installed are properly maintained. The study opined that the adoption of these recommendations would facilitate increased socio-economic development of the state.