The focus on local systems is rooted in the reality that achieving
and sustaining any development outcome depends on the contributions
of multiple and interconnected actors. Building the
capacity of a single actor or strengthening a single relationship is
insufficient. Rather, the focus must be on the system as a whole:
the actors, their interrelationships and the incentives that guide
them. Realizing improved development outcomes emanates
from increasing the performance of multiple actors and the
effectiveness of their interactions.And sustaining development
outcomes depends on the sustainability of the local system—
specifically, its built-in durability and adaptability that allows actors
and their interrelationships to accommodate shocks and
respond to changing circumstances