The expert meeting on Network Approaches and Alliance Management, organised by PSO (Personnel Cooperation in Developing Countries) and MDF (Management for Development Foundation) yielded many fascinating discussions:

 

 

Expert Meeting

 

The expert meeting on Network Approaches and Alliance Management, organised by PSO (Personnel Cooperation in Developing Countries) and MDF (Management for Development Foundation) yielded many fascinating discussions:

 

Can networks be managed? Are we dealing with a "hype of donors"? And once a secretariat is formed, isn’t a network of inspired people "just another organisation"?

60 experts from the world of development cooperation came together in Utrecht on Wednesday 13th April to explore just these kinds of questions.

 

As case studies, Hedwich Bruggeman of AgriProFocus and Rosemarie Wuite, of The Netherlands Institute for Southern Africa (NIZA) and the International Alliance on Natural Resources in Africa (IANRA) told their stories. My role was to provide a theoretical frame: “Networks: What’s So Different?”

 

AgriProFocus was launched in 2005 to stimulate networks for food production in Africa. It brings parties together who want to develop economic activities. It is currently active in seven African countries, and soon more.

 

IANRA is a network of partner organisations in eight African countries, concerned with the safeguarding of natural resources. Their goal is to prevent foreign companies from mining, logging and fishing at the expense of the local population and environment.

 

Two different examples of networks in action:

AgriProFocus can be understood as a "Temporary Free Actor" within the "Living Networks" theory. It has the space to do what it takes to make networks function properly. There is no map to show the way.

 

As long as partners continue to appreciate their actions, they can retain this space. With the present climate favouring development along entreprising models, AgriProFocus is doing well, with Dutch and local (commercial) partners investing in their network to mutual benefit.

 

For partners of the International Alliance on Natural Resources in Africa (IANRA) it is much more difficult to acquire funds.

 

Ideals such as justice and a healthy environment are a harder sell than economic benefits.  However, it is no longer feasible to survive on charity alone.

An expert from the Wilde Ganzen ("Wild Geese": an NGO specialised in small local initiatives), highlighted the fact that there are often local businesses and wealthy citizens who can be asked to take responsibility for their own surroundings.

 

Encouragingly, IANRA local partners feel inspired by their participation in the international network. IANRA aims to be a solidarity movement. Therefore, IANRA spends time and attention reflecting on this role. To this effect, participation in the Personnel Cooperation in Developing Countries (PSO) learning action research “The Healthy Networks Learning Programme” has been very helpful.

 

"No hype," said the participants. Networks are the future.

 

And actually, in the past it was no different. We have been networking all the time. If it appears that donors have become more "blue" in the way they manage funds, then networks should be encouraged to working along the Red Column. (Read more on management according to the Blue and Red columns).