What Works? Why? And for Whom? Impact of Norwegian and Chinese Development Assistance in Malawi and Zambia, 2016

Even among the most ardent supporters of foreign aid, there is a recurring desire to ensure that disbursed funds are used efficiently and effectively to meet project and programme goals. Thus, we have witnessed, in recent years, a growing interest among aid agencies and consultants to monitor and evaluate what is often termed as “aid effectiveness”. The purpose of this study was to go beyond typical project evaluations and single case studies and develop new research-based knowledge on the comparative impacts of aid on two crucial pillars of development – gender equality and food security. Towards this goal, the study contributed to a more knowledge-based Norwegian development policy based on an examination of development theories on the one hand, and development policy objectives, practices and effects on the other. The project thus adapted an integrated (theory-policy-practice) and interdisciplinary approach. This dataset includes data from two surveys collected in Malawi and Zambia.