PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

DEFINITION, STEPS, AND ROLE

DEFINITION
As a member of a community and the larger society,
we live in association with other. We cannot do things
alone - we need others (individuals, groups, organizations,
sectors) to get things done. The reality of the limitations of
resources (human, technical, financial, physical) more
especially at the local communities makes people to
naturally partners with others who can supply what is
lacking in them. To appreciate the process of partnership
building, it is important to define the term partnership.
Partnership is a vibrant relationship among diverse
players and grounded on mutually agreed goals, carried
out through a shared understanding of the most
rational division of work based on the respective
comparative strength of each partner. It covers
reciprocal influence, with a careful balance between
synergy and respective autonomy, which incorporates
mutual respect, equal participation in decision making,
mutual accountability, and transparency. (adapted from
Brinkkerhoff, 2002)
From a more specific context, partnership is defined as a
key to effective watershed management due to the
involvement of different stakeholders or partners
everyone is involved Partnerships that are developed
and sustained, produces
a) more efficient use of financial resources
b) spirit of sharing and cooperation,
c) fairness which creates more creative and acceptable
techniques to shield natural resources. (Farnet, nd).
The term partnership is defined differently by
various authors however we can derive
common principles. FAO (2003) captured
these values in their attempt to indicate the
principles of partnership, which are: trust,
mutuality, solidarity, and accountability.
1. TRUST
this principle is the foundation of any partnership.
It requires trust between and among partners in
order to enter agreement and relationship. No
good relationship is built in an atmosphere of
distrust. It is the most vital ingredient in forging
partnerships since the relationship requires the
element of transparency and accountability.
2. MUTUALITY
this principle entails reciprocity, respect and
dialogue. Partnerships require reciprocal
relations, where there is give and take and
mutual understanding on various aspects of the
relationship. Thus it also demands openness to
dialogue and exchange of perspectives.
3. SOLIDARITY
this principle promotes compassion to the
marginalized, disadvantaged and poor. It
infers promptness to take action. It takes
all partners to respect commitment and
have an equal take on situations at hand.
4. ACCOUNTABILITY
this principle is about rights and obligations.
At the start of the partnership, this must be
clearly mapped out and agreed upon by
both partners. This part is a reality that may
break or make partnerships.
STEPS IN PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
Partnership building is a long process. It
necessitates recognition and acceptance of each
other's assets and flaws. Thus the process is not
long but a hard route as well. Hence it requires
going through some steps to reduce the flaws and
increase the assets. FAO (nd), based on their
experience, provided four steps in partnership
building.
STEP 1
Scoping and Building-this step comprise of four activities, namey, scoping,
identifying, building, and planning.
Scoping: is understanding the challenge gathering information consulting with
stakeholders and with potential external resource providers, building a vision
of/for partnership
Identifying: is about identifying potential partners and securing their
involvement, motivating them and encouraging them to work together.
Building: this refers to building of partners in working their relationship
through agreeing about the goals, objectives and core principles that will
underpin the partnership.
Planning: this is the partner's program planning of activities and outlining of
project.
STEP 2
Managing and Maintaining- this step includes
managing, resourcing, and implementing.
Managing: during this time, the partners explore
structure and management of their partnership.
Resouring: this is the time when pertners identify and
mobilize cash and non-cash.
Implementing: this is now the time to implement pre-
agreed time table and project details and deliverables.
STEP 3
Reviewing and Revising- comprises measuring, reviewing
and revising.

Measuring Performance: this means measuring and

reporting on impact and effectiveness, where outputs and
outcomes are measured. The partners question is: Are the
partnership goals achieved?
STEP 3
Reviewing and Revising- comprises measuring, reviewing
and revising.

Reviewing: this is the period where you review the

partnership. The partners questions are: what is the impact
of the partnership? Is it time for some partners to leave?
Should roles change?
Revising: this is the space where the partnership, programs,
and projects are revised based on the achievements or
contextual changes.
Step 4:
Sustaining outcomes - contains institutionalizing, and
sustaining or terminating.
Instutionalizing - this is the time where you build
appropriate structures, mechanisms and resourcing
for the partnership to ensure long-term commitment.
Sustaining or terminating - this is the time where you
decide whether to sustain partnership or conclude the
partnership.
ROLE/FUNCTION OF PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
ROLE/FUNCTION OF PARTNERSHIP BUILDING

The role of partnership building can manifest in two

ways: the formal and informal. For the formal
function, partnerships are necessary to achieve
common goals. Hence the meeting point is the
organizational aspect, primarily on partnership
management. Both partners make sure that the
organizational systems and policies are in place. The
goal is to reach partnership objectives effectively and
effciently.
ROLE/FUNCTION OF PARTNERSHIP BUILDING

In the context of community development

partnership goals, the partnership is supposed to
contribute in the attainment of the community
development or advocacy agenda. If one of the
partners does not fulfill its commitment to that
advocacy and the partnership contributes
negatively in the advancement of the organizational
or community goals then the partnerships may
have to end