Most of us know the proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
In an aid and development context, this philosophy underpins an approach to development that encourages beneficiary independence and autonomy. This is clearly a step in the right direction. But we need to acknowledge that in many cases the issue is not that aid beneficiaries don’t know “how to fish,” but that they lack the tools to do so in the way that is most effective for them.
Before rushing to “teach fishing,” it’s essential that international actors take time to talk to those on the ground about what they need most. This means carving out partnerships with local organizations, with a view to helping development become genuinely sustainable and driven by the grassroots.
About the author
Qasim Rashid Ahmad
Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad is founder and chairman of Al-Khair Foundation. A graduate in Islamic sciences, he has been actively involved in AKF’s work both at home and overseas. For many years, Qasim led AKF’s fundraising efforts by using his expansive reach and influence in the U.K. Muslim community. Qasim was previously a counselor, community/faith leader and imam at the Croydon Mosque and Islamic Center. He was also a visiting prison imam for nine years.