Locally led development in practice: decolonising development and shifting power

The international development sector is increasingly recognising the importance of locally led development.

This approach aims to transform and rethink traditional aid models, and is focusing on empowering local communities and organisations to take control and be in the driving seat of their own development. At All We Can and Y Care International, we embraced this paradigm shift as early as 2016 by seeking to implement practices that move beyond traditional, top-down aid models and aim for a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable approach to international development.

Decolonising development: reimagining the status quo

Decolonising development is a critical first step in transforming how aid is delivered. Historically, development has been shaped by power dynamics that favour high-income countries, prioritising external ‘technical expertise’ over local knowledge and making assumptions about the solutions needed to complex problems that INGOs are far removed from. This has often resulted in interventions that, while well-intentioned, do not align with realities and priorities on the ground.

At All We Can and Y Care International, we are working to shift this narrative by prioritising local knowledge, leadership and decision making. Instead of dictating terms, we engage in open dialogue with local communities and organisations, recognising their capacity and agency to determine their own futures and tap into their innate potential. Essential to this process is valuing and incorporating Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices and local solutions. Fundamentally, it’s about listening more and assuming less. In our partnerships, we ensure that communities are active participants in designing, implementing and evaluating the development programmes that impact their lives.

Shifting power: from ‘donor-driven’ to locally led

Shifting the power in development means transferring decision-making and resource allocation to those closest to the challenges at hand. This shift is not merely symbolic; it requires systemic changes, particularly in how funding is structured. Often, funding mechanisms are too rigid and restrictive, with donors dictating thematic focus areas and budget allocations and determining how resources are used.

In contrast, locally led development relies on long-term, flexible funding, helping organisations to better plan and set their own priorities. Partners are held accountable to these priorities and the plans they develop in line with their strategy, not the donors. This approach has proven to be more effective in achieving sustainable development outcomes as organisations are able to be agile enough to respond to emerging needs and crises if and when they arise.

Organisational development: developing capacity for long-term impact

For locally led development to thrive, it is essential to invest in the capacity of local organisations. Capacity development should not impose external standards, rather it should support local actors to enhance their skills, systems and structures in ways that align with their vision for development.

By investing in organisational and capacity development processes, typically-neglected areas of financial management and strategic planning can be given appropriate support. This helps local organisations become more effective and resilient in the longer term. Importantly, our approach to capacity development is reciprocal, as it is grounded in mutual learning. We recognise that local organisations often have much to teach us about navigating complex and ever-changing environments.

Developing capacity means equipping organisations with the tools to lead empowered teams, advocate for change, become financially sustainable and build strong, inclusive movements. This ensures that people are not just passive beneficiaries of aid but are active drivers of change. In contexts where external funding may fluctuate, a strong, locally led organisation can continue to deliver services and advocate for its community, regardless of the level of external support.

The need for partnership

True locally led development requires genuine partnership. This means moving away from paternalistic models, where power is hoarded, towards collaboration where all voices are valued and power is shared. At All We Can and Y Care International we do this by inviting partners to design annual planning and reporting templates and processes together; creating spaces for partners to feedback on the health of their partnership with us.

Our partnerships are long-term, built on trust, and adaptive to the changing needs of communities. Importantly, we work to ensure that these relationships are not extractive. Too often, local organisations are burdened with unrealistic reporting requirements or are expected to align with donor priorities. We strive to give our partners the freedom to pursue their own vision for development, unrestrained by external agendas.

Locally led development as a pathway to sustainable change

Continuously learning about what works and doesn’t work lies at the heart of this journey. The future of development lies in the hands of those who are closest to the challenges. Our role, as international organisations, is to support, amplify and follow their lead.

Locally led development is not only a moral imperative but the most effective way to break cycles of poverty and dependency that have plagued development efforts for too long.

Through this approach, we are moving towards a world where communities not only survive but thrive—on their own terms. This is not just a goal for the future; it is a practice we are implementing every day in partnership with local leaders, organisations and communities around the world. Together, we can build a development sector that truly serves the needs and aspirations of all people.