As the leader of a private foundation that over the last 2 decades has learned the hard way that we are often ‘in the way’, your statement that the authors ‘fail to grapple with the consequences of side-lining experts and expertise’ is an endorsement of exactly why so much within development does fail.
We have learnt that unless we engage deeply, listen more carefully without our own lenses, needs or paradigms cluttering up the engagement, we stand to fool ourselves with our (often preconceived out of touch) metrics and evaluation. Systems change happens when we engage and support the right elements – based on the direct insights, feedback and buy-in from those inside each system or initiative.
A perfect example of this approach is The Greenlight Movement (http://www.greenlightmovement.org.za/the-approach/), that engages directly with individuals and families, enabling deeper understanding and context for those being assisted, and those wishing to assist.
Mr. Shearer, I am sorry I missed this comment when it was posted. I believe we should value knowledge and expertise whether it comes from the lived experience of those living in conditions of poverty or those who have invested themselves in social or hard sciences, while at the same time retaining some healthy skepticism about approaches that promise to bring rapid progress without any risks or pitfalls. Valuing expertise derived through study and research is not mutually exclusive of valuing the views and experiences of those who are dealing with injustice. Indeed, in the best work I am familiar with, those two truths work hand in hand. -Alex
COMMENTS
BY Jed Emerson
ON December 9, 2021 12:34 PM
Just a really well written and thoughtful review of what sounds like a provocative read! Many thanks!
BY Gary Shearer
ON December 10, 2021 03:55 AM
As the leader of a private foundation that over the last 2 decades has learned the hard way that we are often ‘in the way’, your statement that the authors ‘fail to grapple with the consequences of side-lining experts and expertise’ is an endorsement of exactly why so much within development does fail.
We have learnt that unless we engage deeply, listen more carefully without our own lenses, needs or paradigms cluttering up the engagement, we stand to fool ourselves with our (often preconceived out of touch) metrics and evaluation. Systems change happens when we engage and support the right elements – based on the direct insights, feedback and buy-in from those inside each system or initiative.
A perfect example of this approach is The Greenlight Movement (http://www.greenlightmovement.org.za/the-approach/), that engages directly with individuals and families, enabling deeper understanding and context for those being assisted, and those wishing to assist.
BY ALEXANDER COUNTS
ON December 10, 2021 11:15 AM
Jed, thanks for your kind words!
BY ALEXANDER COUNTS
ON June 23, 2025 10:26 PM
Mr. Shearer, I am sorry I missed this comment when it was posted. I believe we should value knowledge and expertise whether it comes from the lived experience of those living in conditions of poverty or those who have invested themselves in social or hard sciences, while at the same time retaining some healthy skepticism about approaches that promise to bring rapid progress without any risks or pitfalls. Valuing expertise derived through study and research is not mutually exclusive of valuing the views and experiences of those who are dealing with injustice. Indeed, in the best work I am familiar with, those two truths work hand in hand. -Alex