Scrutinising Success and Failure in Development

Institutions, Theories of Change and Capacity Development.

The last decade has seen significant changes in development thinking. A shift has occurred from providing ‘technical support’, often at the local level, to creating enabling institutional conditions for empowerment and development.  Yet, contradictions and paradoxes remain. The rhetoric of empowerment, participation and institutional change often clashes with the demand for specific, short term results.

A significant cause of failure of many well intended development interventions is a limited understanding of institutions and false assumptions about processes of social change. Furthermore, linear and technical models of development continue to be applied uncritically in situations that are characterised by complex, ‘messy’ and dynamic processes of social and political transformation.   

The seminar will create an opportunity for deeper dialogue between leading thinkers on institutions and theories of change and development practitioners and policy makers.  The day will be an exploration of how a better understanding of institutions and theories of change can be integrated into development policy and programmes to foster greater impact.   The seminar will:
• provide an introduction to the latest thinking on institutions and theories of change,
• explore case studies from different sectors in development,
• engage participants in drawing lessons and insights for their own work,
• assess the implications for policy and capacity development.

The Seminar is being organised by the Capacity Development and Institutional Change Programme (Wageningen International).