Acacia’s general programming approach is typically based on close, ongoing relationships with development partners. Rather than soliciting proposals or holding annual competitions, Acacia typically works with developing country partners in the field to better understand ICT and development issues and to develop project proposals. Successful project proposals are usually the result of an iterative dialogue with our partners. This approach builds capacity for both Acacia staff and the project partner.
The second phase of Acacia (now completed) initiated a shift from a country-focused programming approach to a more networked, regional orientation. We believe that thematic research networks are important influences in African
ICT4D development. Successful research networks serve several purposes: they can aggregate what would otherwise be seen as a weak research capacity into a stronger community of thematic researchers in which the advanced researchers can serve as mentors and models for less experienced researchers; they facilitate a transdisciplinary approach integrating expertise from various disciplines; they serve as a mechanism for dialogue-based learning and for the dissemination of knowledge; they can act as a locus for new interest and investment in the thematic area. For all these reasons, we see thematic research networks as improving the quality and impact of Acacia-funded research.
While the majority of Acacia’s investments over the next five years will go into research networks, Acacia will also continue to invest in its original focus: countries in which significant impact has been noticed over time.
