Shifting Sands: The Evolving Landscape of Aid Conditionality and its Effects

This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review examines the evolving landscape of aid conditionality since 2010, highlighting its debated effectiveness and shifting focus.

Traditional conditionality, often tied to policy reforms, showed limited success, prompting a move towards ownership, dialogue, and results-based approaches. Major donors now emphasize collaborative, context-specific strategies.

New forms of conditionality, including those tied to human rights and migration, face challenges and mixed results. The rise of “new” donors like China, offering fewer conditions, further complicates the effectiveness and future of traditional aid models.