Between Resilience and Resistance - Promoting Progressive Culture in Africa

Author(s): Julie Ferguson
Publication date: Monday 06 December 2004

In June 2004, Hivos invited a motivated group of partners, researchers, development practitioners and staff members to Arusha Tanzania, to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing Africa in terms of civil society building (CSB), from the perspective of economic development, challenges of politics, and social mobilisation. The report (see the right-hand column-section 'Related documents') summarizes some of the rich discussions and valuable experiences shared.

The consultation came forth from a need to re-identify the most pressing issues confronting civil society actors in Africa today, and to explore how Hivos should respond.

A vast range of issues and challenges were explored, leading to the conclusion that much can be achieved if Hivos and its partners invest in expertise, build linkages, and foster knowledge sharing. In the long term, mobilising diverse actors and fostering the diversity and energy of African civil society has the potential to contribute to solutions for the almost insurmountable problems that confront Africa today.

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