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Development Cooperation Experiences from Uzbekistan
By Lykke Andersen
Abstract
Since the late 1980s there has been considerable focus on and debate about the purpose of technical cooperation its performance and long-term impact. (This article refers to technical cooperation based on the OECD/DAC definition. OECD/DAC defines technical cooperation as: (a) grants to nationals of aid recipient countries receiving education or training at home or abroad, and (b) payments to consultants, advisers and similar personnel as well as teachers and administrators serving in aid recipient countries, (including the cost of associated equipment).) Several studies have been undertaken since the beginning of the new millennium on the effectiveness of technical cooperation and development cooperation. UNDP has been very active in this area and has undertaken much work on the contribution of technical cooperation to capacity development.
In general, technical cooperation has led to very mixed results. There have been numerous micro-successes for millions of people around the developing world in improving infrastructure, health care, education, housing, as well as improving means of productive livelihoods in agriculture and industry. Evaluations show that the proportion of "effective" projects is usually over 60%.