One World

An indispensible pillar of OneWorld’s approach

Stakeholder engagement is one of the underlying principles and a critical and integral pillar of OneWorld’s approach and its work, whether the project is related to climate change, socioeconomic development or energy. The partnership between OneWorld and stakeholders is an essential ingredient in examining and developing any project—along with respect and knowledge sharing. OneWorld believes that development of a project or strategy cannot take place without the buy-in of the people affected by it—which may be through involvement in an affected institution or membership of a community. Stakeholders give essential input and learning (local knowledge) to the development of the project that may otherwise be overlooked. While OneWorld brings scientific expertise (for example on water resources, land use, health or energy options), stakeholders bring their own knowledge and learning of particular problems. This is an indispensible component for the success of most projects.

This thinking reflects the growing understanding that “top-down” solutions do not necessarily take into account the cross-sectoral nature of many developmental problems (including climate change). Nor do they adequately address the needs and vulnerability of poor communities when implementing policies (Wong, 2009).

“Stakeholders” may be representatives from the public and/or private sector or civil society, depending on the project. Engagement with stakeholders is interactive and participatory—it is always a two-way process. With the OneWorld team’s range of knowledge and skills, various tools are used to maximise the inputs and outputs and shared learning with stakeholders.

Stakeholder engagement in the OneWorld project cycle

The Southern African Regional Climate Change Programme (RCCP) is a good example of how we’ve included critical capacity building and stakeholder activities that are a defining component of the programme. Related activities use approximately 40 percent of the overall programme budget and consultation with stakeholders is built into all stages of the RCCP.

The RCCP stakeholder engagement spectrum

Reference

Wong, S. 2009. Lessons from a participatory transboundary water governance project in West Africa. Participatory learning and action (60): Community based adaptation to climate change. IIED, December 2009.