An evaluation of the role of the Palestine economic council for development and reconstruction (PECDAR) in palestine's infrastructure development since the 1993 Oslo accords

This researcher investigated and evaluated the role and performance of the Palestine Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR) as the central Palestinian organization responsible for infrastructure development. Data gathering, analysis, results and generalizations all have focused on the structure, activities, and performance of PECDAR. The study was conducted by using the case study methodology. The design of the research encompassed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Three research questions were investigated: (1) How does PECDAR's structure enable or impede its effectiveness? (2) To what degree and how successful has PECDAR been in implementing and affecting economic development in Palestine? (3) What are the internal and external factors impeding PECDAR's progress? Data were collected and analyzed for each of the three research questions. Data sources and instruments have included interviews, documents, reports, articles, questionnaires, and the Internet. Data were analyzed by quantitative/statistical means using SAS as well as by qualitative procedures. Pledged funds were compared against disbursed funds. Completed projects were compared against projected or planned projects for each sector. Results show that PECDAR has demonstrated a moderate effectiveness in promoting infrastructure development in Palestine. It was found that the structure of PECDAR was effective in implementing development projects; however, it is inadequate to meet all Palestinian demands for development projects. Adverse financial and political setbacks have impeded PECDAR effectiveness. The major barriers to PECDAR's effectiveness have included Israeli restrictions on movements of people, goods, and services, and the lack of full disbursement of funds by donors. This research has profound social significance. It has the potential to contribute to positive social change in Palestine. This research was done to provide remedies to the mission of PECDAR. In doing so, PECDAR would then be more effective in improving conditions in the Palestinian society.