Who's learning from whom? Grassroots International NGOs learning from communities in development projects. Issue 5 (4th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Contreras, Santina; Roudbari, Shawhin
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 32:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 569
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2022-07-04
• Subjects: Participation -- knowledge exchange -- NGOs -- organisational learning -- international development; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2021.1937554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Discussions surrounding participation in development projects often frame knowledge exchanges in a unilateral manner. However, in the implementation of participatory activities by grassroots international nongovernmental organizations (GINGOs), community members frequently serve not only as beneficiaries but have essential impacts on the organisations guiding these participatory engagements. In this study, we examine these reciprocal engagement dynamics through a case study analysis of GINGOs based in the US working on development projects with communities in the Global South. Our analysis details ways these organisations are learning and applying knowledge from communities, and the importance of addressing questions of beneficiaries and power dynamics.