If there is one thing one might have a hard time avoiding nowadays is digital and online culture. While it was possible to slip through the net some decades ago, today they are integral part of international development communication practices and people’s daily life. Digital communication has a central role in the international aid and development sector. Ranging from organizational communication to government development planning communications or participatory ICT4D, online and digital culture weight in much more that it has in the past.
But what does it have to do with decolonization? And what does it mean for the aid sector?
Though decolonization can refer to a state withdrawing from a former colony, I would like to point to the idea of deconstruction here rather.
“[for] those who are most impacted by violence [decolonising aid means] producing knowledge, diagnosing problems, finding solutions to the problems and addressing them. For people in power, it means acknowledging and unlearning patterns of dominance, like taking charge, leading, making decisions. Getting out of one’s comfort zone, materially, emotionally and sometimes physically, and following the lead of those who are most impacted by violence and injustice.”
‘Time to Decolonise Aid’ (2021)
Understanding that ICTs and International Development aid are biased and not neutral is crucial. It gets us one step closer, but it is not enough to identify those shortcomings. One must go beyond as it requires a critical structural power shift. When a Eurocentric conceptualization of the future is dominating the discourse on aid, and international development what does it reveal about the drivers of development practices?
So, what’s the plan?
All along the following weeks we will attempt to explore different discussions surrounding the idea of decolonizing aid. We will look at practical examples to understand the implication of a deconstruction project would have within different settings. We will try to familiarize ourselves with the notions shaping the discussion on decolonization. Finally, (note to self!) we will not misevaluate the limits of a decolonization project. I believe deconstruction is a collective endeavor so our discussion will be fueled by questions, lots of questions!
Let’s get chatting. What is your perspective on the decolonization of aid? What practical experiences can you share to illustrate the importance or lack there of decolonization mechanisms/efforts with the aid/development aid sector?
