Svenska civilsamhällesorganisationers arbete i Kenya under ny svensk biståndspolitik; En kvalitativ studie av problem och lösningar efter reformagendan och den nya CSO-strategin

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the problems and solutions identified by Swedish strategic partner organizations (SPOs) to Sida, operating in Kenya in the fields of poverty reduction and global justice, in their development cooperation work. The study is based on the changes introduced by the Swedish government’s reform agenda and the new CSO strategy. It examines how these policy changes have affected the organizations’ focus and capacity to achieve their development goals, access funding, and maintain relationships with local partner organizations. The research uses a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews with representatives from three major Swedish SPOs – We Effect, ForumCiv, and Diakonia. A thematic analysis identifies the key problems and solutions within the organizations, which are then analysed through Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework. The findings show that the reform agenda and the new CSO strategy have caused problems regarding these organizations’ ability to reach their established development goals, long-term funding, and sustaining partnerships with local partner organizations, since their contracts with Sida have been terminated. However, the representatives reveal that their organizations have responded by developing new strategies for diversifying funding sources, enhancing communication and cooperation with local partners, and advocating for political change regarding donor requirements. The study indicates that while the new political landscape leads to significant challenges, Swedish SPOs show resilience and adaptability. The findings also show that active participation of local partner organizations and transparent collaboration are crucial for successful development cooperation.