Local Systems Position Paper - USAID (2024)
This pap outlines USAID's approach to translating systems thinking into systems practice to achieve more sustainable development outcomes. A "system" is defined as an interconnected set of actors, elements, relationships, rules, and resources that collectively produce and sustain a particular outcome. The paper explains that systems thinking is a mindset and set of tools for understanding how systems behave, while systems practice is the application of this thinking to strengthen the capacity of local systems. The shift towards systems practice is driven by a desire to integrate this approach throughout the program cycle and manage programs in a way that acknowledges complexity.
The paper presents a vision for a more intentional and learning-oriented use of systems practice, which includes six key approaches for nurturing this practice:
- understand the system,
- inquire with humility and curiosity,
- embrace emergence, ambiguity, and uncertainty,
- facilitate diverse relationships based on trust,
- learn from the system, and
- be patient.
These approaches aim to guide USAID in engaging with systems by recognizing their complexity, acknowledging their own power and biases, and prioritizing learning and adaptability. The paper emphasizes that building strong, trusting relationships and focusing on the quality of the process are crucial for fostering lasting change, which is a key trait of sustainable systems. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen a system's ability to generate and maintain positive change on its own, rather than making it do what USAID wants.