Increasing Advocacy Impact through Networks in Lebanon – A Collaborative and Adaptive Learning Process

Developing effective advocacy networks in a country like Lebanon with strong sectarian and confessional divides is difficult, but when challenged with an approach to network building that relied too heavily upon initial assumptions and methodologies that were later determined to be flawed, the ability to re-evaluate and adapt that approach through a series of structured CLA exercises enabled the project to more effectively meets its goals and objectives.

By facilitating a series of highly collaborative “pause & reflect” sessions, participatory workshops, and individual interviews with project partners and stakeholders at key points during and at the end of project component implementation, the project was able to foster a continuous cycle of joint learning and adaptation that enabled stakeholders to identify challenges, openly share views, emphasize learning, and provide adaptations and course adjustments from originally planned interventions that were not delivering the expected results.

As a result of the adapted approach, BALADI CAP is able to effectively deliver three functioning advocacy networks that are addressing priority concerns of its citizens and obtaining increased impact as a result of the strengthened commitment to the networks and improved advocacy initiatives being implemented by the network members.