The effectiveness of International Development Programs on Poverty Reduction: The Case of Gaza Strip

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to take this chance for thanking my research facilitator, friends and family for support they provide, their belief in me as well as the guidance they provided me, without that I would have never been able to do this research.

DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, & this dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level previously. It also represents my own views & not essentially the ones associated with university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSii

DECLARATIONiii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Problem Statement1

Aims of the Study1

Objectives of the Study2

Structure of Study2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Development4

Modernization for achieving Development4

Association between Development and Growth5

Importance of Economic Growth for Development6

Association of Development with Human Needs7

Poverty8

Poverty and Development8

Poverty Defined By Amartya Sen9

Relationship between Poverty and Development9

Efforts for Poverty Reduction10

The Israeli Palestinian Conflict11

Cease Fires12

Deterioration of Palestinian Economy13

The Blockade Effects14

Effect of Blockade on Agriculture and Livelihoods16

Access to Services17

Tunnel Economy17

Approaches for Reducing Poverty19

Social Protection20

Social Protection Approach21

REFERENCES23

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

Development for freedom as Amertiya Sen (1999) has defined development should be expanding individuals' freedoms or capabilities. On the other hand, for Sen, poverty entails lack of capabilities or freedoms (ibid). These two definitions would be applicable to the case of Gaza Strip. Gaza Strip lacks freedoms towards achieving development. These freedoms as Sen (1999) has identified are political, economic, and social. The lack of freedoms cause poverty and has resulted in having opportunities to make choice (Ibid).

The study highlights how Gaza Strip challenges for development and poverty reduction due to the humanitarian conditions especially under the impact of the blockade imposed since 2007. Second, the study intends to assess how the international NGOs have contributed to reduce poverty in Gaza Strip. The study intends to assess whether the programs initiated by international organizations contribute to poverty reduction in terms of sustainability.

Problem Statement

To assess how international development programs contributes to poverty reduction in particular sustainable development

Aims of the Study

The aims of the study are based on achieving different goals. Among the current aims, the important ones are to identify the impact of the blockade on the living conditions of Gaza people, examine the role of international organizations in reducing poverty exemplified by their development programs, suggesting suitable strategies to empower the poor. For approaching these goals, the study intends to assess how cash transfer money would contribute to meeting the basic needs of the poor and it will highlight the gender issues that implicate this approach. Finally, the aim of the study also includes in suggesting procedures to help in empowering the poor in Gaza Strip.

Objectives of the Study

The main objectives that are to be covered in the study are:

To identify how poverty can be reduced in Gaza Strip that is exemplified by the work of international organizations. For Example: UNRWA has social safety net program, UNDP has economic empowerment for deprived families, Islamic ...