Grassroots philanthropy: Fighting the power asymmetries of aid in rural Burundi

This report advocates for social-public-private partnerships in rural Burundi to counter power imbalances inherent in traditional aid models. It argues that external agencies, donors, and individuals often lack sufficient understanding of local communities and their actual needs, leading to ineffective aid. The authors emphasize that local community members possess crucial on-ground knowledge, making their direct involvement essential for identifying genuine areas of focus. The paper highlights how grassroots philanthropy can empower local communities and ensure aid efforts are more relevant and impactful.