Foreign aid and the development of Bougainville

: 'Australian aid as catalyst for economic development'

Abstract

This study explores whether the development assistance delivered by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) can be better utilized to achieve Bougainville’s future economic development. In investigating the factors, issues and challenges that currently constrain aid and development in Bougainville, I focus upon aid policy and procurement processes, Bougainvilleans’ socio cultural features, the post-conflict situation, and aspects related specifically to SIDS (Small Island Development States). Analysis of these factors provided understanding of aid-driven development issues and challenges within a post-conflict, culturallybased Melanesian SIDS territory.

In an attempt to address such problems, a case study of the cocoa industry has been conducted as a model to illustrate how and what aid resources can be used to assist Bougainville’s future development. A variant of neo-liberal aid-driven development theory, plus the untied aid model and formal aid management principles are adapted to develop a road-map for improving the cocoa industry with DFAT aid, in pursuit of Bougainville’s future economic development.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	English
Supervisor	Rolf Gerritsen (Supervisor)