An estimated 20% of the African population is undernourished, with 57 million more people facing hunger since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, an estimated 868 million people experienced moderate to severe food insecurity in Africa in 2022, with over one-third of those facing severe food insecurity.
The key to resilient and thriving communities does not depend solely on external interventions but on recognising and leveraging the existing assets and capabilities within. “Through the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, we can mitigate social risks, safeguard the planet, and maximise economic sustainability in our projects,” says Amelia Visagie, Associate Design Director: Social Sustainability, Zutari.
Previously known as Aurecon, Zutari was recently selected as the winner of the Members-at-Large Project of the Year category for their N2 Wild Coast Toll Road development project in the 2023 International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Core Values Awards. Furthermore, Zutari also clinched an honourable mention in the International Project of the Year category at an event held in Australia. All this was achieved by employing the ABCD model.
“ABCD is a transformative approach that uncovers the hidden potential within communities – the ‘gold’ that fuels sustainable growth and development,” says Visagie. By using assets that are already present in the community, ABCD empowers individuals to drive positive change, create new opportunities, and build a more sustainable future. This approach sparks innovation, fosters collaboration, and cultivates a sense of ownership and agency, setting the stage for communities to achieve long-term success on their own terms.
On Zutari’s application of the ABCD model, Visagie shares, “We have developed a model, and it has been tried and tested all over Africa.” This model is linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goal and incorporates the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) spectrum and the International Association for Community Development (IACD) methodology. The methodology is grounded in an appreciative rather than a needs-based approach.
ABCD produces low-hanging fruit that is beneficial for funders and communities. These benefits include:
- Enhanced community engagement: ABCD helps organisations actively involve local communities by leveraging their existing strengths, skills, and resources, leading to more sustainable and effective project outcomes.
- Stronger stakeholder relationships: By focusing on community assets and collaboration, clients can build stronger relationships with stakeholders, enhancing trust and buy-in.
- Increased social impact: ABCD fosters community ownership and engagement, resulting in more meaningful social impact and long-lasting change. It also opens access to new talent pools and opportunities for future employment as well as potential for skills development and career advancement.
- Cost-effectiveness: Utilising existing community resources and capacities can reduce project costs and reliance on external aid, making interventions more efficient and sustainable.