Introduction

In conceptualising this chapter, we have had to recognise that while joint authorship of a chapter usually suggests the writers have an ongoing dialogue arising out of common reading and discussions, this was clearly not the case between us. We live and work on two different continents; our training and backgrounds differ; and our work experience is diverse. And yet, despite these differences, we share common insights. We are guided by the common belief that to be successful in delivering development in Africa, the international community has to move beyond Western conceptual frames and embrace the sociocultural institutions and practices that have enabled Africans to survive for centuries.

There are many reasons for our collaboration on this chapter. One is to make visible the ‘other’, local, sociocultural processes that are becoming increasingly invisible as the Western world order appears to spread across the continent. Another is the optimistic belief that embracing these local sociocultural processes enables the building of stronger institutions and implementation of sustainable solutions. Our aim is twofold: first, to show that while invisible, it is these processes that often represent drivers of stability, development and sustainability; and second, to call for an increase in visibility and recognition, by connecting these processes with development efforts across the continent. It is our conviction that by recognising local sociocultural processes, we find new and more effective solutions to challenges such as population dynamics or protracted conflicts.

This chapter is informed by our basic understanding of inclusion as an approach that leads to ownership, innovation and sustainability. In the following pages, we start by examining the concepts of development cooperation and demographic transition as two basic elements of the process of ‘collaboration to achieve a demographic dividend’. We then present a case study of sociocultural practices of pastoral communities that have enabled them to retain stability and generate development for hundreds of years. We find the case of land governance among pastoralist communities to be illustrative of how local ways of life that support communities to be resilient could inspire a different approach to the development of population policy in order for the demographic dividend to have a chance to be realised.

Development Cooperation and the Aid System

Development cooperation is a phenomenon that has existed for decades, part of an international system that is yet to prove its resilience in global problem-solving.