Paper short abstract:

International development cooperation is mainly implemented within the scope of projects. What makes the project form an interesting anthropological approach and analytical lens in this context is the fact that the perception of the associated time levels often varies among the different actors.

Paper long abstract:

International development cooperation is mainly planned and implemented within the scope of projects of a certain duration, with a specific goal and a clearly defined, though not always clearly communicated, end. What makes the project form an interesting anthropological approach and analytical lens is the fact that the perception of the associated time levels within development projects often varies among the different actors. Some of the dichotomous tendencies that thereby become apparent are the subject of this paper: While the planning side often focuses on a formulated goal, that has positive connotations and almost takes on the form of utopia, the local partners and the target groups tend to focus on the current course of events and the resulting concrete changes for their working and social life. After the project is completed, some remain only with written reports and portfolios that fit into a few folders while the local communities are left with material remains of a much larger scale: buildings, infrastructure, forests of sign posts etc. These material witnesses can evoke or fuel certain, often negative emotions as well as nostalgia, disappointment or trauma. However, such interpretations are constantly changing and overlaid with subsequent projects as well as their absence. This contribution mainly draws on empirical data from Burkina Faso and focuses on those that are most affected by development projects: NGO actors and beneficiaries. It argues that contrary to some expectations, the project form has not led to a homogenisation of lived realities - neither globally nor locally.