Strengths and weaknesses of the South-South Learning Exchange: the experts’ perspectives

BACKGROUND: South-South learning exchange (SSLE) refers to an interactive learning process where peers exchange knowledge and experience to work towards a beneficial change. Despite organizations having recently increased the opportunity to run SSLEs, the SSLE processes are not well documented in the scientific literature. This study explored experts’ perspectives on SSLEs’ strengths, weaknesses and mechanisms leading to outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews on the experience of participants and organizers of SSLEs. Data were collected between 1st September 2021 to 26th November 2021. All data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed. In the analysis, we adopted an inductive approach derived from thematic analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen experts who have participated in or facilitated one or more SSLEs were interviewed. Experts’ accounts demonstrated an appreciation of participants’ empowerment, positive peer-to-peer “mind change” and convincing and powerful hands-on learning of this approach as strengths in the successful implementation of the SSLE. Being resource-heavy, participant reluctance and the absence of a validated methodology emerged as the main weaknesses of the South-South learning approach, which could impair the effectiveness of this scheme. CONCLUSIONS: The SSLE is a promising approach to exchange knowledge and experience to work toward a desired change. However, to enhance its effectiveness and credibility, it would benefit from adopting a validated and systematic methodology that supports all stages of the exchange process, including monitoring and evaluation (M&E). KEY MESSAGES: • South-South learning exchange is a promising approach to exchanging knowledge and experience among countries from the Global South. • A robust and systematic methodology is likely to increase evidence on SSLE and demonstrate its success.