Page 444 - Volume 2_CHANGES_merged_with links

Phased Development & Osmosis

“If real development is to take place, the people have to be involved.”

I'm sure they have discussed it. I'm fairly sure they think they are doing it. But where's
the detail on this? And is it sufficiently robust? I know it ought to be robust. Heaven sakes

the money that's involved deserves this. But is it?

Formal education & Cognitive Development
Global-wide use is made of the theories of Cognitive Development in the design of

Educational curricula and the relevant syllabi and lesson plans.
The concept behind this is to try to best match subject matter in line with the actual

ability of the students to absorb, respond and benefit from matters introduced to them by
their teachers. A concept that requires teachers as a profession to be able to identify and

work within the natural limits that each age group of students will bring to the teaching

environment.
It’s difficult to envisage that anyone employed with World Bank, IMF and DfiD/FCDO

have not been the beneficiary of an education which was consciously delivered in phased

stages.
And yet I can't see any meaningful reference to World Bank. IMF or DfiD/FCDO making use

of a thought through tool which would allow a similar matching of aid donor demands with

a robust perception of an underdeveloped African country's actual ability to absorb the
changes / progress the aid donors desire.

The need for Phasing in Development
The following is just an illustration of why phasing in elements of an overall development

programme for an underdeveloped African country is essential.

The Fragile States Index (formerly the Failed States Index) has been compiled by the USA
think tank Fund for Peace. This listing should help readers to appreciate just how many of

Africa's underdeveloped countries are fragile. And also appreciate how imposed 'off the
shelf' 'adjustment' programmes with imposed conditionalities can so easily ignite greater

social conflict.

It’s just one of the reasons that underpin the need for phasing in development but it’s
an important one.

“ A fragile state has several attributes. Common indicators include a state whose central
government is so weak or ineffective that it has little practical control over much of its