Northern NGO-centrism in localisation processes: reproducing power inequities in the aid field

van Selm, Gijs, Bukenya, Badru, Kamya, Innocent, Kumi, Emmanuel, Yeboah, Thomas, Banks, Nicola, Elbers, Willem, Schulpen, Lau and van Wessel, Margit (2025) Northern NGO-centrism in localisation processes: reproducing power inequities in the aid field. Development in Practice. ISSN 0961-4524

Text (Northern NGO-centrism in localisation processes reproducing power inequities in the aid field) - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (633kB)

• Scopus publication

Abstract

This paper examines the process of discussing and designing actions to tackle power inequities by Northern and Southern NGOs. Drawing on 53 interviews with Northern and Southern NGOs, and NNGO networks, we argue that current localisation processes produce a form of cultural capital leveraged by competing Northern NGOs rooted in signalling solidarity with SNGOs and/or communities to donors through rhetorical and symbolic practices, reinforcing their access to and authority over social and economic capital as intermediaries. For Southern NGOs, leveraging their cultural capital, rooted in community affiliation, local knowledge and astuteness, places too great a demand on the scarce economic resources necessary for organisational survival. This study thus finds it improbable that current Northern-led localisation processes will go beyond extending the shelf life of power inequities. To disrupt these dynamics, we propose reorienting localisation towards the investigation and facilitation of locally-led competition for authority.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Authors
Divisions:	International Development
Subjects:	J Political Science > JC Political theory J Political Science > JZ International relations
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2025 10:03
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2025 16:04
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/129008

Actions (login required)

View Item