Think Tank Forum
Objective
A two-day think tank forum was held June 16-18, 2003 at ISU to stimulate critical reflection for the SRL program management team to ensure an innovative and pragmatic approach toward promoting sustainable livelihoods in communities where hunger and poverty prevail.
Invited Participants
Invited participants have expertise in organization and management of community development and hunger alleviation programs in developing countries. They are:
- Jenny Borden - Intermediate Technology Development Group (UK)
- Kathleen DeWalt - Center for Latin American Studies, University of Pittsburgh
- Merry Fredrick - Self-Help International
- Dennis Johnson - Southwest Minnesota Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
- Mike Mtika - Eastern University
- Claude Nankam - World Vision
- Cheryl Palm - The Earth Institute, Columbia University
- Katharine Pearson - Ford Foundation
Recommendations for ISU's SRL Program based on the Think Tank Forum
- Begin with small, short-term, concrete activities and allow the process to grow naturally; maintain the long-term vision and monitor for changes that occur
- Local people should decide 'entry points' based on assets, strengths, and needs
- Support development work already initiated at the grassroots, community levels
- Identify partners and programs that complement ISU's strength
- Serve as a catalyst for creativity and opportunities to learn
- Activities must translate into improved income, health and environmental management
- Support local institutions to meet the immediate needs of 'the poorest of the poor'
- Gender dimensions are important, as is support to youth education and mentoring
- A 'set of interventions' will provide diversity of opportunities
- Strengthen diversity and complexity in livelihoods
- Support capacity building and strengthening to support program interventions
- Connecting, supporting and mentoring are keys to enduring and spreading success
- Carefully consider and plan for the 'leave behind' components
- Recognize that structural issues need to be addressed through advocacy coalitions
- Identify mechanisms at ISU to encourage faculty interest and involvement, especially the potential for increased learning and/or research activities
- Give serious consideration to a partnership in an African country
