The international development community has coalesced around an overarching objective to localize. USAID defines localization as “the set of internal reforms, actions, and behavior changes USAID is undertaking to ensure our work puts local actors in the lead, strengthens local systems, and is responsive to local communities.” The rationale for localization is straightforward. First, international development actors have long acknowledged it as a moral and ethical imperative, and they consider locally led development to be more effective and appropriate than externally led development. More recently, development institutions have made compelling arguments for the economic benefits of localization, suggesting that shifting ownership and resources to local actors is the most efficient use of resources. Given the value of localization to international development program efficiency and effectiveness, Digital Frontiers has regularly selected and empowered local actors to lead work on the ground. Through formal and informal capacity-building and mentorship support, the project has served as a bridge between local partners and USAID.
The Digital Frontiers Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning team conducted a study to identify the approach, results, and lessons learned from three formal capacity-development support efforts with organizations AirJaldi and AFCHIX, and through the South Asia Regional Digital Initiative (SARDI) Regional Co-Creation Symposium. Through desk reviews and qualitative interviews and analysis, the evaluation team sought to answer four core questions:
- What were the approaches to capacity-building of local partners?
- What approaches worked (and which were less effective) in building partner capacity?
- What were the results of improved capacity among local partners (e.g., application of new knowledge, ability to implement programming more effectively, or ability to attract future funding)?
- What are the main lessons learned from the capacity development initiatives?
This study highlights key outcomes and lessons learned from these capacity building support efforts.
