Uncovering the promises & challenges of aid localization
On 30 April, Global Finance Strategies, Devex and InsideNGO brought together top development experts to discuss a growing trend in the development world: the shift by major aid donors toward giving money directly to developing country governments and local NGOs, bypassing traditional international development organizations.
Participants included:
- Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex
- Ariel Pablos-Méndez, Assistant Administrator, USAID
- Carlos Carrazana, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Save the Children
- Karen Sichinga, Executive Director, The Churches Health Association of Zambia
- Elizabeth Warfield, Local Solutions Coordinator, USAID
- Linn Dorin, Principal, Global Finance Strategies
- Tom Dente, Chief Operating Officer, InsideNGO
The Launch Webcast
THE REPORT
This discussion was the official launch of a new report titled, "Going Local: The Promise & Challenge of Aid Localization". Developed by Global Finance Strategies, this report sheds light on some of the challenges and solutions resulting from aid localization for operations professionals working on the ground to administer aid programs. This story has gone largely untold, even though it has a direct impact on the overall effectiveness of aid. Report findings come from a survey and in-depth interviews with more than 50 leaders in the development field.
Voices
#GoingLocal: Participant coverage of the conversation
Through the use of Twitter, we asked the community to help us capture the conversation through the use of #GoingLocal. Below is a snapshot of the coverage and some of the major themes that emerged.
Sustainability should be at the forefront of the discussion
Local NGOs are closest to the beneficiaries. Give the 'local local' orgs. the TA to become primes. That's #GoingLocal
— URC (@urcchs) April 30, 2015
Remember, the ultimate goal for intl dev is to put ourselves out of business. #GoingLocal means TA, QI, sustainability.
— Christina Zola (@ChristinaZola) April 30, 2015
A shift in organization mindset is needed
We need to shift from a project mindset to an institution mindset. @KarlHofmannPSI of @PSIimpact at #GoingLocal w @devex @InsideNGO @GFStrat
— Partners for Develop (@Partners4Dev) April 30, 2015
I really like Karen Sichinga's honesty. 'An iNGO's branch in Zambia is not really local.'Thank you for inviting her. She's great #goinglocal
— Leah Erica Chung (@leahericachung) April 30, 2015
Build centers of excellence. Share back office resources. #GoingLocal get more $$ in the field. --Lynn Dorin
— URC (@urcchs) April 30, 2015
Accountability vs. Delivery
"We can't compromise on accountability. However, we spend more time accounting for $ than implementing it. Must be better way" #GoingLocal
— MSH Policy&Advocacy (@MSHACTS) April 30, 2015
Listening & Responding to the need
Karen Sichinga: "We have not yet arrived...we want our partners and donors to think alongside us so let me tell you what I need" #goinglocal
— Erin Houston (@ErinAtDevex) April 30, 2015
There will always be inequality and therefore always a space for aid. But the roles of NGOs will change to meet those needs. #GoingLocal
— ACDI/VOCA (@acdivoca) April 30, 2015
Embracing & managing Risk
Intl dev world needs to embrace failure as much as the tech/design industry does. Great things come from failure & risk taking #goinglocal
— Leah Erica Chung (@leahericachung) April 30, 2015
Big risk is failed investment. If there is too much time accounting for $, activities can't be implemented, that is not success #goinglocal
— ACDI/VOCA (@acdivoca) April 30, 2015
VIEWS FROM THE AUDIENCE
IN the News
By Linn Dorin
For donors, ensuring sustainability and managing risk remains a significant concern when it comes to localizing aid. “Localization is not an end unto itself,” said Elizabeth Warfield, speaking to USAID’s Local Solutions framework. “The endgame is sustainability and country ownership.”