Jul

Myanmar Case Study | Exploring Evaluation Method for In-Kind Aid

ECC Program, Low Carbon Development Toolkit, Rural Energy

Beginning in the 1950s, China provided foreign aid to its neighboring countries, evolving into what we know now as South-South Cooperation (SSC). The long-term implementation of SSC on climate change, related to in-kind aid, is crucial for China and other developing countries to tackle climate, foster low-carbon economic trajectories, and develop clean energy sectors.

So, how do we effectively evaluate this in-kind aid?

GEI recently conducted research from a third-party perspective to explore such methodology.

What is South-South Cooperation (SSC)?

SSC is a broad framework for exchange and collaboration between developing countries – which make up the Global South – around political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technological areas.Through resource-, knowledge-, and technology-sharing, its aim is to strengthen and achieve international development cooperation. For a long time, China has been a leader, in these efforts, offering aid and aiming to provide a free trade zone among the countries.

Photo Credit: Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development

In the climate arena, China has contributed significantly to support low-carbon projects in the ‘South.’ From 2005 to 2010, China carried out 115 foreign aid projects related to climate change, totaling RMB 1.17 billion.In addition, China’s National Development and Reform Commission since 2011 has provided in-kind aid of energy efficient, low-carbon products. Over the past five years, the NDRC has signed 22 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on technology assistance with 20 developing countries, for materials like LED lights, energy-saving air-conditioning equipment, and solar photovoltaic systems.

Why is it necessary to assess this in-kind aid?

To provide the resources and funds for this aid, in 2015, the Chinese government announced that its plans to establish the China Climate Change South-South Cooperation Fund, dedicated to expanding SSC on climate change and renewable energy development.

A comprehensive assessment and feedback on aid projects ensures effectiveness and sustainability of SSC on climate change. Lack of such follow-up procedures has led experts and outsiders to question:

– Where did the donated materials go?– Is the donated material the best choice for the recipient country?

– Did the material deliver positive change to the recipient country and local community?

– Does the material contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change on recipient countries?

What are the findings?

Since 2015, GEI has piloted a clean energy project in a rural community in Myanmar. It is against this backdrop and subsequent assessment gap that catalyzed GEI to evaluate this project. From this case study, GEI hopes that it can serve as a resource for the assessment of current and future Chinese material assistance in SSC.

For material assistance projects, climate mitigation and livelihood development serve as prioritized indices for evaluation of in-kind aid.

To explore these concepts further, as well as understand how to measure a project’s overall performance and economic, environmental, and social impacts, click ‘Read More‘ for access to our newly released report:

Myanmar, Report, South South Cooperation