New research sheds light on efforts to empower local actors in Yemen's humanitarian response.
Cover image: Helping farmers in Yemen. Image source premiere-urgency.
Summary
"Strengthening the Localization Agenda in Yemen" Report
• A report, "Strengthening the Localization Agenda in Yemen," assesses challenges and progress in involving local and national organizations in humanitarian decision-making.
• The report revealed uneven progress in localization efforts, highlighting the need for dedicated structures, increased local participation, and enhanced capacity sharing.
• The report emphasizes the importance of co-ownership and co-creation with local stakeholders, leading to sustainable partnerships.
A report by the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), titled "Strengthening the Localization Agenda in Yemen," provides insights into the challenges and progress made in involving local and national organizations in humanitarian decision-making and implementation, known as localization.
Supported by the Hilton Foundation, the initiative conducted a baseline assessment to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. The research, which prioritized local ownership, involved consultations with both local and international stakeholders.
The report, launched in February 2023, revealed uneven progress in localization efforts. It highlighted the need for dedicated structures, increased participation of local actors, and enhanced capacity sharing to advance the agenda.
The impact of the assessment is already being felt, shaping several strategies within Yemen. The Humanitarian Country Team's final Localization Strategy incorporates findings from the Yemeni CSO network's baseline research, committing to directing a significant portion of funding to local responders.
Additionally, the CSO network, led by the Tamdeen Youth Foundation, developed its own Localization Strategy, demonstrating a grassroots commitment to advancing the agenda.
The research also identified valuable lessons. Robust strategies are needed to overcome logistical challenges, especially in data collection, considering limited data availability and geographical constraints. The report emphasizes the importance of meaningful participation of local actors throughout the process to build trust, and ownership, and maximize impact.
The success of this initiative underscores the importance of co-ownership and co-creation with local stakeholders. This approach fosters awareness, skills development, and sustained progress monitoring, ultimately leading to sustainable and equitable partnerships in the pursuit of localization objectives.
The document serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities and successes of localization efforts in Yemen and provides a clear message: involving local stakeholders is crucial for shaping effective and sustainable humanitarian strategies.
@ICVAnetwork @hiltonfound @TamdeenYouth
Comments