This paper describes research undertaken by INTRAC into the relationships between northern and southern NGOs working in partnership. It summarises European and southern perspectives on partnership based on research and three case studies, and draws out the key themes. It concludes with some recommendations, especially around funding, accountability/transparency, and working together as organisations rather than pairings of individuals or departments
This paper argues that while UK NGOs and donors claim to support downward accountability and promote local ownership and control of development, the policies and procedures that surround the disbursement and accounting for aid money ensure upward accountability dominates. This domination is part of a wider problem of domination by donors of their recipients, which skews the relationship and undermines the potential for these relationships to work well as partnerships
