ABSTRACT

This thesis examines the evolution of Jordan's development process as affected by political and economic factors, and within this context traces the growth of a Jordanian NGO as it responded to conditions at the local, national and international levels. Looking at the development process in Jordan from the 1950s to the 1990s shows that this process has been a product of the country's specific circumstances. Two predominant factors have defined directions taken, namely regional instability and limited internal resources. Furthering the country's development objectives has come with a heavy reliance on external aid, necessitating constant reconciling between the external political environment and internal conditions.

In examining the interface between international donors, state, and local NGOs, within the Jordanian development setting, this thesis focuses on the organic approach of one national NGO, the Queen Alia Fund (QAF), now called the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD), and its efforts to promote development initiatives in local communities. The study reveals that tensions similar to the broader national context have arisen for Jordanian NGOs, in trying to meet the needs of the grassroots, while contending with limited resources. These are the
requirements of mediating between local realities and international donor conditionalities.

The contradictions created for state, society and NGOs by the reform-driven climate of the 1990s demonstrate the interrelation between economic and political factors impacting development in Jordan, and the significance of context and historical timing in pushing for reform.

An underlying theme which emerges in the thesis is an approach to development in Jordan that is anchored in Arab culture in the contemporary political field. While striving to mediate the priorities and conditions of international donor agendas, development in Jordan remains largely oriented by its own set of cultural values and traditions.