The collection comprises reports and files accumulated by Bryant Allen and his colleagues Gaye Thompson and Doug Porter while researching their book Development in practice: paved with good intentions (Routledge, 1991) on Australia's role in the Magarini Settlement Project in Kenya. The papers include data on rainfall, research notes, articles, Joint Review Mission papers, correspondence, interview transcripts, drafts, illustrations and chapter outlines. Interviewees include Bob McCown, Paul McGowan, Henry Nix, Coral Bell, Kevin Stephens, Helen Hughes, Doug Campbell, Anthony Vale and Bill Hayden. There are also unpublished reports and official reviews and documents which were used as source material for the book.