Further training in systemic organisational development from Kenya to Zimbabwe to Tunisia – systems, cultures and what lies behind them

10 experienced consultants are currently taking part in a training course on systemic organisational development arranged by AHA. These “Systemic Organisational Development Consultants” – or as they affectionately call themselves “SODAs” – are already accompanying AHA partner organisations in African countries or will do so in the future.

A central focus of AHA work on international cooperation is to strengthen farmers’ organisations professionally at national, regional and global level. The aim is to hone their skills in all relevant areas so that, as key players, they can fulfil their role as the voice of farmers.

Strengthening future viability: systemic organisational development and change management

Systemic organisational development and change management are effective approaches for overcoming the complex challenges that every organisation faces in order to strengthen its future viability and successfully implement change processes. And that is exactly what this course is about: based on a systemic approach, it starts with an in-depth analysis of an organisation’s current situation, taking into account various organisational elements and the relationships between these elements. Organisational development processes are planned and conceptualised and participants embark on concrete application of leadership and consulting practice.

Upon completion of the course, SODAs will be able to understand and analyse organisations from a systemic perspective. They have acquired in-depth knowledge of how to develop change objectives and implement them sustainably. They are able to design effective change architectures and use a variety of tools.

Diverse backgrounds, a common goal: SODAs and their work on systemic organisational development

The 10 SODAs have very different backgrounds, from agricultural engineering through to the IT sector. They come from Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Nigeria and Tunisia. What unites them all, however, is their desire to make things change and they see systemic organisational development as the right means to achieve this. AHA is already working closely with some of the SODAs. George Cottina is accompanying our partner organisations KENAFF in Kenya and ACPCU in Uganda. Another example of cooperation is establishing a potato platform in Cameroon with George Ngolle Enongene Ebong and in Nigeria with Adamu Fun Bala.

Two of the three Live Modules have already taken place (the second in Nairobi in April). Before the third and final module takes place in Kampala in October, participants will take part in various online interim seminars and write their own individual seminar papers, in which they will put what they have learned into practice. We are already looking forward to continuing our collaboration with these exciting personalities and to them supporting farming organisations in successfully shaping their change processes.

Joseline Sithole:

I have been involved in OD for almost a decade and have led a large number of capacity development workshops in Zimbabwe and southern Africa. However, AHA’s OD course has changed my perspective on the entire field. This holistic course touches on so many facets of organisational and individual behaviour and has fundamentally changed the way I build capacity. The course has opened my eyes to the complexity and sometimes fragility of organisations and how we as OD practitioners should extend our antennae to gain an intimate understanding of an organisation with the goal of ensuring optimal growth of that organisation.