At this year’s Philea Forum I was particularly struck by two strings of conversations, one on the relationship between Africa and Europe and one on localisation and partnership. 

Like any good conversation, they caused more questions than answers.

After 17 years as a practitioner and consultant in an NGO working with communities in 11 countries on the African continent, the question I have never stopped asking myself and others is:  what does one need to know to engage in a process of change?

From a grassroots perspective and truly place-based experiences, I can safely say that small actions often proceed and succeed within a broader contextualising framework.

Is local knowledge sufficient to make an impact?

Does the local community have a vision or does it ‘only’ have needs?

If ‘they’ know more than we do, is starting from needs a rationale to be overcome?

I dare say it depends. Working in all sectors of society, it is clear that social change happens in inter-relational processes with others.

It is true, today I tell you that my need is a well or a school, access to energy; maybe tomorrow I will want my children to have a voice, to find a place where there is room for me and for them. So, there are needs, but I do not decide them. They unravel in a dialogue in time. It is the logic of relationship that introduces the politics of life.

Embracing the idea that the other is a resource and not someone who needs to receive requires a change of mindset that recognises the intrinsic value of diversity and the potential for growth and learning that comes from confronting different perspectives. When we open ourselves to the richness of human diversity, we expand our horizons, challenge our assumptions and discover new ways of thinking and being in the world.

Only by embracing these qualities can we create spaces where everyone’s voices are heard and respected, regardless of their origin or identity.

In short, knowledge of a developing place is a collective endeavour involving communities, trust-building intermediaries and partnerships. Recognising and valuing community knowledge contributes to making development interventions more context-appropriate, sustainable and impactful, in line with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

Anna Tramonti, Strategic Philanthropy, AVSI Foundation