Rural Development and the Private Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa: Sida's experiences and approaches in the 1990s

Description:
Sida EVALUATION 03/18 / The main purpose of the evaluation is to assess the extent to which Sidas support to rural development has adopted a private sector development (PSD) perspective during the 1990s. The findings and recommendations of the evaluation are to be specifically used in developing Sidas PSD approach. The focus of the study is on Sidas PSD interventions and approaches in rural sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular emphasis on Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Qualitative methods, mainly interviews with Sida personnel and consultants, combined with an extensive review of Sida documentation are used to identify the varying Sida PSD perspectives and interventions. Findings from the interviews and document review are linked and analysed in relation to an analytical framework that examines changing conditions and preconditions for rural development.
The evaluation reveals that during the period, Sida has been able to enhance its PSD perspective in rural development interventions. However, Sida has been weak in integrating socio-cultural aspects and in developing micro-macro linkages in its PSD approach. Further work also remains to be done as regards Sidas understanding