What can we learn from locally led experiences in Sudan?

Authors

  • Kari Eliassen-Viejo Norsk Folkehjelp
  • Sian Olwen Rowbotham Norwegian Peoples Aid

Abstract

 

While it is easy to say that partnership is a two-way process, this is not so easy to implement in practice. Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) wish to respect partners’ agency and recognise the inherent power imbalances that exist in a partnership relationship. Having worked in self-implementing international non-governmental organisations, we’ve seen firsthand how traditional aid models can sometimes sideline local knowledge and reinforce Western-dominated narratives. That’s why we value the model that NPA champions. We are actively challenging those imbalances by prioritising local leadership, amplifying community voices and shifting from a model of imposition to one of genuine collaboration. It’s not just a different approach; it’s a necessary correction in a sector that has struggled to adhere to the values of anti-colonialism, independence and participation.

Section
Reflections

Published

2025-06-18

How to Cite

Eliassen-Viejo, K., & Olwen Rowbotham, S. (2025). What can we learn from locally led experiences in Sudan? . Fennia - International Journal of Geography, 203(1), 140–143. https://doi.org/10.11143/fennia.162748