The Power of Locally-Led Development: A Reflection on Our Partnership with the Ford Foundation
At the Uganda National NGO Forum, we have long championed the concept of locally-led development, believing that the best solutions for our communities come from within. This approach is about empowering local actors to lead the way in shaping their own futures, with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. One of our strongest partners in this journey has been the Ford Foundation, whose BUILD (Building Institutions and Networks) Initiative has supported us for the past five years.
We had the privilege of welcoming a team from the Ford Foundation to reflect on our progress under the BUILD Initiative. Their support has been instrumental in helping us build our capacity, deepen our impact, and advance systems change that benefits communities across Uganda.
What is Locally-Led Development?
Locally-led development is an approach that places local actors; community organizations, local governments, and civil society at the heart of decision-making processes. Rather than relying on external organizations or international bodies to dictate priorities, locally-led development emphasizes the unique insights, needs, and strengths of local communities. This model recognizes that sustainable change happens when communities are uplifted to take charge of their own futures, drawing on their cultural, social, and economic contexts. It also acknowledges that top-down approaches often miss the nuances of local issues and can unintentionally reinforce power imbalances or lead to ineffective solutions.
Why Is Locally-Led Development So Important?
Solutions that are designed and led by local actors are more likely to be culturally relevant and sustainable. When local communities have ownership over development initiatives, they are more committed to maintaining and scaling them in the long term. These communities have an intimate understanding of their challenges, and their participation ensures that solutions are tailored to their specific realities. Locally-led development uplifts communities by giving them control over resources and decision-making. This model builds local capacity, strengthening organizations so they can deliver impactful programs and services, even after external funding ends. It shifts the power balance, allowing local actors to shape the future they want for themselves, rather than being passive recipients of aid.
Local organizations are often more agile and innovative because they are directly embedded within their communities. They can quickly identify emerging needs, respond to crises, and innovate solutions that are more contextually appropriate. When development is locally led, there is less red tape, and decisions can be made in real-time based on the actual needs of the community.
Locally-led development enhances accountability and transparency. Communities have a stake in the success of their initiatives and are more likely to hold their leaders and implementing organizations accountable. This reduces the risk of mismanagement and ensures that development programs deliver real benefits to the people they are intended to serve.
For too long, development models have been dominated by international actors with little input from the communities they aim to serve. Locally-led development helps dismantle these power imbalances by centering local voices and ensuring that the people most affected by development decisions are the ones making them. This shift is crucial for creating a more equitable and just development landscape.
The Role of Development Partners in Locally-Led Development
While locally-led development is about uplifting local actors, development partners; both international organizations and funders have a vital role to play in making this approach successful. One of the key ways they can do this is by providing flexible, multi-year, and direct funding.
- Flexible funding allows local organizations to adapt to changing circumstances without being constrained by rigid project frameworks. This flexibility is crucial for innovation and for responding to the complex and evolving challenges communities face.
- Multi-year funding ensures that organizations can plan for the long term, building sustainable solutions rather than focusing on short-term projects with limited impact. Development work is often a marathon, not a sprint, and long-term support enables local actors to tackle the root causes of issues.
- Direct funding to local organizations strengthens their independence, builds their capacity, and ensures that resources are channeled to where they are needed most.
Through its BUILD Initiative, the Ford Foundation has demonstrated how development partners can support locally-led initiatives. They have enabled us to focus on our strategic priorities, build our team’s capacity, and create systems for lasting impact.
Locally-Led Development in Action: Our Experience
With the Ford Foundation’s support, the Uganda National NGO Forum has been able to:
- Strengthen Our Leadership and Governance: BUILD funding allowed us to invest in leadership development and strengthen our governance structures. This has given us the strategic clarity and organizational resilience needed to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
- Drive Systems Change: With multi-year support, we’ve had the time and resources to work on long-term initiatives aimed at transforming the systems that perpetuate inequality in Uganda. This includes advocating for policy changes, mobilizing local resources, and building collaboration among civil society actors.
- Expand Our Impact: The flexibility of the BUILD funding has allowed us to focus on building a stronger, more capable organization. This has expanded our reach and deepened our impact in advancing our mission.
The Path Forward: Centering Local Voices
As the global development community increasingly recognizes the value of locally-led development, it’s essential that we continue to center local voices and ensure that they have the resources and autonomy they need to lead. By building strong, resilient organizations at the local level, we can create sustainable change that benefits communities not just today, but for generations to come.
At the Uganda National NGO Forum, we remain committed to this vision, and we are deeply grateful to partners like the Ford Foundation for supporting us in this journey.
