Can Knowledge Trigger Change?

Knowledge Programme Briefing Note 2012

Tags: Worldwide , Knowledge Platform

This Briefing Note argues that there is an acute and pressing need for new perspectives and knowledge on the changing terrain and dynamics of development and social change. It contributes to the debate on knowledge and change by sharing and discussing the insights emerging from Hivos’ experiences. Furthermore, it positions Hivos’ knowledge endeavours in the aid and knowledge for development  discourse, drawing on a mix of Hivos practice, policy and Knowledge Programme research.

The developmental challenges facing the world are daunting. Extreme poverty and social exclusion persist. Socio-economic inequality and fundamentalism are on the increase, exacerbated by the adverse effects of climate change and the global crises of food, fuel and finance. In this rapidly changing global socio-political landscape, the development sector is struggling to address such dilemmas.

This Knowledge Programme Briefing Note contributes to the debate on knowledge and change. It discusses the politics of knowledge, knowledge development methodologies, knowledge partnerships and Hivos' commitment to knowledge development.