This paper is part of a series synthesizing work on PRSPs; aid modalities; and aid harmonisation to encourage dialogue between UK and Japanese researchers on these issues.

This paper starts the project by setting out the UK development context, providing background information on DFID, the research context and other developments. The second section provides an overview of the three core issues to be looked into – PRSPs, aid modalities and aid harmonisation, including short sections on DFID’s stance on them. The third section takes the form of a directory of the main organisations and teams working on the issues in the UK. These three sections are followed by a short conclusion.