Learning by Southern Peace NGOs

Abstract

Literature and policies on learning by NGOs focus on internal processes in Northern organisations. This article examines the learning processes of Southern NGOs by studying peacebuilding organisations in several African and Asian countries. These organisations learn mostly in an interactive way, emphasising exchange with other practitioners and beneficiaries. However, these learning strategies are limited by competition and distrust among SNGOs and by the imposition of policy by donors. SNGOs feel constrained particularly in doing research and documenting local knowledge, activities for which they lack the time and skills, but which potentially could strengthen their role in international debates and policymaking.

Notes

1. For an overview of such strategies written for the development sector, see Ramalingham (2006).

2. As recognised by Hovland (2003: 12), Van Dijkhorst and Hilhorst (2003: 9–10), King (2004), Ramalingham (2005: 26), and Wiedenhof and Molenaar (2006: 11).

3. Several networks were studied in detail: the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) and its regional NGO networks in Southeast Asia, East Africa, West Africa and Central Asia, and two national-level networks in Sierra Leone and Liberia that are part of the West African GPPAC network, which is called the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). In addition, various other networks were encountered and studied in less detail.

4. Elsewhere, I have discussed these networks in greater detail, analysing their strengths and weaknesses in connection to the wider literature on networks and networking.

5. Mentioned in Sierra Leone

6. Interview with director of a Mindanawan NGO. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 9 April 2006.

7. Interview with NGO staff member, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 25 May 2006.

8. Interviews in Liberia, February 2006.

9. Interview with chairman of a Mindanawan NGO network. Marbel, Philippines, 16 May 2006.

Interview with director of a West African NGO network. Accra, Ghana, 6 February 2006.

Interview with director of a West African NGO network. Accra, Ghana, 6 February 2006.

Interview with NGO staff member, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 20 February 2006.

Interview with NGO director, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 20 February 2006.

Interview with NGO staff members, Monrovia, Liberia, 13 February 2006.

Interview with director of a West African NGO network. Accra, Ghana, 6 February 2006.

Interview with NGO staff member, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 20 February 2006.

Interview with NGO staff members, Monrovia, Liberia, 13 February 2006.

Interview with NGO staff member, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 20 February 2006.

Interview with NGO director, Monrovia, Liberia, 13 February 2006.

Interview with director of a Mindanawan NGO. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 9 April 2006.

Interview with NGO staff member, Davao, Philippines, 15 May 2006.

Interview with chairman of a Mindanawan NGO network. Marbel, Philippines, 16 May 2006.

Interview with NGO staff member, Davao, Philippines, 15 May 2006.

Interview with NGO staff members, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 16 February 2006.

For example, attending a network meeting of a provincial chapter of a Sierra Leonean peace network in Kenema, Sierra Leone, 22 February 2008.

Interview with Secretary General of a Mindanawan NGO consortium. Cotabato, Philippines, 17 May 2006.

Informal conversation with NGO staff member, Davao, Philppines, 15 May 2006.

At several meetings of the GPPAC International Steering Group, for example.