Institute of Development Management

IDM Facilitates Sustainable Livelihoods Approach Workshop in Goodhope

The Institute of Development Management (IDM) was honoured to be invited by the Goodhope District Council, through the Department of Social and Community Development, to facilitate a workshop on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA).

The workshop, held under the theme “SLA – Key to Transformative Development,” aimed at cascading the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to Extension Officers, Community Development Officers, and Social Welfare Officers across the district.

As a knowledge partner in development, IDM remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity and empowering frontline practitioners with practical tools that drive sustainable, community-led transformation.

We appreciate the trust placed in us by the Goodhope District Council and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing transformative development across Botswana.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKERS UNDERGO SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS TRAINING AT IDM

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Kabo Diamond Moseki, has lauded the Institute of Development Management (IDM) for developing a training solution that reflects an important shift in Botswana’s approach to community development. The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach training creates a shift from service provision to self-reliance, community planning, decision-making, and social and economic empowerment.

Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony of Community Development workers from across the country, Mr Moseki said the roll-out of Sustainable Livelihoods Approach training comes at a crucial time as Botswana advances its national transformation agenda, which calls for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, productivity, and resilient communities where no one is left behind.
“The training directly supports the transformation agenda by strengthening community capacity, diversifying livelihoods, and enabling meaningful participation in value chains, particularly in rural areas. This training has challenged us to reflect on how we engage communities, assess needs, build capacity, strengthen partnerships, monitor progress, and plan for sustainability. By doing so, you are better equipped to improve your practice and increase your impact as community development practitioners,” he emphasised.
He reminded participants of their crucial role in shaping the future of communities, and the need for them to continue to innovate, collaborate, and challenge the status quo.

When welcoming guests, IDM Botswana Country Director, Dr Theophilus Mooko, said sustainability should not be generalised but contextualised, given the varying environments and geographical formations, adding: “As we place people first, let us not think for them and avoid importing solutions for them. Let us foster mindset change and enhance their livelihoods.”
As an integral part of the community development strategy in Botswana, the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach provides an analytical framework for systematically examining the underlying processes and causes of poverty, and how communities might tackle their concerns. The approach focuses attention on the assets that people already have to foster new livelihood strategies. It is based on the core principles of people-centred, holistic, and dynamic analysis.

Representing participants, Ms Matildah Van Zyl appreciated the Ministry for affording them the opportunity to learn and sharpen their skills to improve their service delivery.
“As Community Development workers, we appreciate the skills and knowledge found in the communities within which we operate. We know their capabilities, the assets and resources they have. I urge each one of us to go back and implement what we have learnt by involving our people in their own development. Let us not plan for them; let us involve them more,” she stated.

The partnership between the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and IDM through the Public Health Management faculty dates as far back as 2010. Through this collaboration, a bouquet of training programmes has been developed to support sustainable socio-economic development under the IDM Centre for Continuing Professional Development.
To date, IDM has trained 106 officers from various districts, ministries, parastatals, and NGOs on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach.

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