In recent years, the term "self-reliance" has gained traction in international development discourse, yet its interpretation varies widely among stakeholders. In a comprehensive study, researchers Lia R. Kelinsky-Jones, Kim L. Niewolny, and Max O. Stephenson Jr. from Virginia Tech dissect USAID's "The Journey to Self-Reliance" policy framework, revealing an intricate balance between reinforcing neoliberal ideologies and embracing community self-reliance.
One key finding highlights the agency’s "anti-dependence" bias, which reframes sustainability as a tool for economic growth, aligning with modernization/neoliberal assumptions. The article states, "We have documented the hegemonic importance assigned to business leadership, illustrating a deepening commitment to neoliberal ideology."
The discussion extends to the potential shift in funding dynamics, moving from direct support to land-grant institutions to sub-recipient roles via local institutions. The article notes, "The legacy of self-reliance could be that 'the funding relationship from development agencies to land-grant institutions will change from direct recipient of funds to sub-recipients—via local institutions.'"
The examination of USAID's self-reliance construct serves as a crucial reminder of the power dynamics at play in international development and the ongoing quest for a more equitable global food system.
Decoding Self-Reliance in USAID's Framework
The study employs critical discourse analysis of USAID policy documents from 2018 to 2020, uncovering that USAID's notion of self-reliance both perpetuates neoliberal outcomes and, at least nominally, supports localization. The agency positions market actors as leaders while casting local governments in passive roles, sparking debate among scholars and practitioners.One key finding highlights the agency’s "anti-dependence" bias, which reframes sustainability as a tool for economic growth, aligning with modernization/neoliberal assumptions. The article states, "We have documented the hegemonic importance assigned to business leadership, illustrating a deepening commitment to neoliberal ideology."
Implications for Global Development
The policy implications are significant. First, the neoliberal slant of self-reliance limits self-directed development in target countries. Second, the market-driven framing could consolidate power in agricultural development. Third, there exists a stark lack of solidarity with civil society organizations striving for a voice in policy deliberations.The discussion extends to the potential shift in funding dynamics, moving from direct support to land-grant institutions to sub-recipient roles via local institutions. The article notes, "The legacy of self-reliance could be that 'the funding relationship from development agencies to land-grant institutions will change from direct recipient of funds to sub-recipients—via local institutions.'"
A Call for Inclusivity and Balance
Ultimately, this study underscores the need for inclusivity in policy discourse. To advance development efforts genuinely, diverse voices from across the global food system must be acknowledged and integrated. As the article concludes, "Until international and local agricultural policy deliberations include a broad swath of food system actors, development efforts toward greater social, economic, and environmental equality will falter."The examination of USAID's self-reliance construct serves as a crucial reminder of the power dynamics at play in international development and the ongoing quest for a more equitable global food system.
