Oliver Werb, a third-year undergraduate student at University College London (UCL), is making waves in the field of development studies with his focused research on locally-led initiatives. Studying in the Geography department, Oliver has dedicated the past two years to understanding the complexities of development work, particularly in the context of grassroots efforts. As he enters his final year, his thesis will explore the barriers to locally-led development, with a specific focus on Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital.
Accra, known for its bustling NGO sector, offers a unique and challenging environment for development projects. It is within this dynamic setting that Oliver’s research aims to uncover the practical and systemic obstacles that local organizations face. His work will involve conducting in-depth interviews with individuals working at local NGOs, such as Frontline for Climate Action, to gain insights into how these organizations operate, the opportunities they seize, and the challenges they encounter.
Oliver’s passion for development studies is matched by his strong interest in Accra, a city that presents both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities for urban development. His research is poised to shed light on the key barriers that local NGOs in Accra face in their efforts to achieve their goals. By doing so, Oliver hopes to provide valuable insights that could inform and enhance the strategies of these organizations, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable development initiatives.
The importance of this research extends beyond academic inquiry; it holds significant implications for NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders involved in development work. For NGOs, understanding the barriers they face is crucial for refining their approaches, improving efficiency, and achieving their missions. Donors and international organizations can also benefit from these insights, as they often rely on local partners to implement development projects. By highlighting the specific challenges that NGOs in Accra face, Oliver’s research can help guide funding strategies, ensure better resource allocation, and foster stronger partnerships between local and international actors.
Oliver’s work has already garnered support from key figures in Accra’s NGO community.
He recently met with staff from World Inspiring Network, led by Executive Director Maxwell Donkor, and Frontline for Climate Action, under the leadership of Executive Director Cedric Dzelu. Both organizations recognize the value of Oliver’s research and have committed to supporting his efforts, understanding that his findings could provide actionable insights that benefit not just their organizations, but the broader development sector in Accra.
This research underscores the critical role that young scholars like Oliver can play in advancing our understanding of development challenges. His findings have the potential to inform more effective strategies for locally-led development, making a meaningful impact not only in Accra but also in similar urban contexts around the world. Through his work, Oliver is helping to bridge the gap between academic research and practical development work, offering valuable contributions that could shape the future of development initiatives in Accra and beyond.
Peter Martin
Communications Officer
Frontline for Climate Action
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