Learning from Engaging Local Governments During COVID-19

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This event was a session at the Food Security COVID-19 Learning Event.

A key part of localization is strengthening engagement with local governments. Strategies for engaging local governments can take various shapes and forms. Across BHA-funded activities, partners were already working with governments pre-pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic created new opportunities but also presented challenges in engaging with local governments. This collaborative session will provide a forum for implementing partners to: 1) Discuss how engagements with local governments have evolved during the pandemic period, 2) Highlight specific opportunities, successes and challenges emerging when it comes to engaging local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 3) Document some lessons learned and identify opportunities and needs for advancing learning and capacity in how implementing partners engage with local governments.

Attendees shared and reflected on examples of different ways in which food security programs have been engaging with local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic; assessed successes, opportunities, and challenges for engaging local governments; identified emerging lessons on how food security programs can strengthen engagement of local governments; and mapped out opportunities for advancing learning and strengthening capacity in effective strategies for engaging local governments.

Speakers

Ken Somanje, Titukulane’s Governance and Accountability Lead

Ken Somanje supports working with local government to improve local government system’s performance and transparency to increase engagement and oversight for accountable service provision to vulnerable communities. Ken has previously worked with Project concern International as Governance and Local Capacity Strengthening Specialist under Njira (DFSA), where he was also responsible for local government relations. He also has experience in emergency response and disaster risk reduction, having previously worked with Plan International as National Coordinator for DRM and livelihoods.  

Tom Mtenje, Titukulane’s Government Resilience Coordinator

Tom Mtenje has previously worked on designing and implementing the Malawi National Social Protection Programme with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and German Development Cooperation respectively specializing in local capacity building, systems strengthening and shock responsive social protection. Tom holds an MPA in International Development from the University of York and an MA in Economics from Tsukuba University.

Edwin Mbaya, Systems Strengthening and Institutionalization Lead, NAWIRI Program

 As the System Strengthening and Institutional Lead for the program, Edwin Mbaya is responsible for conceptualizing and supporting interventions that will strengthen both formal and informal systems to ensure that they have the required capabilities of fostering nutrition in a sustainable manner.