Abstract

Rapid global change requires that the institutions governing society learn new ways of fostering economic productivity, providing services and, in the words of South Africa's policy on local government, "...facilitating a collective learning process in the community that will lead to local solutions for increased sustainability." However, conventional training and technical assistance have had limited success in instilling a capacity for continuous learning in individuals and institutions. This project will analyze and evaluate innovative approaches to learning, as adopted by a network of local governments and their constituencies in Southern Africa. Researchers will (i) evaluate learning approaches - including the use of peer networks, new information and communication technologies (ITCs) and alternative training methods; (ii) identify factors facilitating and constraining learning; (iii) assess the extent to which the learning approaches resulted in the application of new knowledge and skills or changed behaviour and practices; and (iv) design and disseminate training programs based on the research findings. The project will improve understanding of how individuals and institutions can be encouraged to learn, and develop alternative learning methods. The project adds a research component to a larger initiative, "Local Governance Learning Network (Southern Africa)."

Recipient Institution(s)