This report examines local knowledge integration in the context of global development and humanitarian aid work. It builds upon a recently published report by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) called Integrating Local Knowledge in Development Programming. That report sought to “share knowledge of how development donors and implementing organizations leverage local knowledge to inform programming. This study aims to extend the original methods to better understand grassroots actors’ own interpretations of local knowledge and its integration into programming in their communities. It examines the perspectives of 29 grassroots leaders from women-led organizations around the world, looking deeply at the ways in which they conceptualize local knowledge and local knowledge stakeholders, their approaches to designing their own projects based on local knowledge, and their experiences sharing knowledge with international actors and donors. This builds the broader evidence base on integrating local knowledge to incorporate the perspectives of grassroots actors into the same conversation as the original study.
A CARE multi-country study analyzing government-supported community health worker programs in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Nigeria and the United States using the CHW Assessment and Improvement Matrix (AIM) found that insufficient funding of these programs affects remuneration and other incentives for community health workers but also leads to inadequate resources for training, data collection, and equipment and supplies. This negatively impacts community health workers’ motivation, retention, and recognition and, in general, poses major barriers to achieving Universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Governments must step their support and investment in community health workers, properly integrate them into health systems and ensure a broader enabling environment for them to unleash their full potential. Read More
Increases in global conflict, the economic impact of COVID-19, market inflation, and the growing effects of climate change are compounding global crises. Those crises disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, especially women and girls. Addressing the unprecedented and overwhelming humanitarian crisis requires response and recovery efforts to listen to and address the needs of those affected the most, especially women and girls. Read More
Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WFSS) is a vital approach during emergencies, as they offer safety, well-being and empowerment to crisis-affected women and girls. Learn more in this two-page overview of Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces (WGSS) approach. Read More