What does co-creation mean to you? Why is it important in localization?

These are topics that development practitioners need to reflect on regularly. First in a work plan co-creation workshop with a new partner that will be implementing a localization program and second in a training on designing programs using systemic design for sustainable and locally led development. Below are some takeaways for program managers.

1.      Co-creation is key for sustainable development: Co-creation is not a box ticking exercise, it is not consultation and it is not validation of ideas or programs that have already been designed. Co-creation is a process of bringing different voices to the table for discussions that will result in a mutually agreed upon outcome that could for example be an idea, a program, a project or strategy. Co-creation is about creating something together and jointly working with communities to implement and monitor interventions that are meant to improve the quality of their lives.

2.      Localization is about strengthening local systems: Program managers should always remember that development programs are implemented in a system and it’s important to identify key stakeholders within the system and understand how decisions are made. For programs to be successful, program managers should work with other stakeholders in the system to identify variables related to the development challenges that they seek to address in the system and how they relate to each other.

3.      Locally-led development only occurs if local voices determine decision making: Imagine someone coming to your house or personal space with solutions to challenges that you might be going through without engaging. This is among so many things that those working in the development space need to unlearn. The voices of those affected by development challenges that we seek to address should inform how programs are designed, implemented and adjusted.

4.      What cannot be measured cannot be achieved: Defining how success will look like and how it will be measured is important at the program planning stage. This can sometimes be difficult especially when working on democracy and human rights programs or when using advocacy as an approach. There are however good data sources such as the Afrobarometer that can give ideas and help to shape how learning questions are crafted to guide measurement of results.

5.      Development programs should ‘do no harm’: Program managers need to ensure that their interventions do not harm the communities or worsen already existing inequalities. While we might have the best intentions, implementing programs without an in-depth understanding of the context might cause more harm than good. Political Economy Analysis and other similar approaches are therefore critical and should be done early enough.

This list is not exhaustive, there is so much more that is critical for successful locally-led development.