This chapter focuses on the cognitive side of autonomy-respecting assistance. The main problem in a knowledge-based development assistance is the standard, or default theory in use that the agency has “development answers” in the form of standard core courses that need to be taught and transmitted to the target population. This article discusses ways to improve this method of development. The author points out this purely teaching based approach leads to impairment in the self-confidence and self-esteem of the clients. Ways around this discussed included “training of trainers” and training networks. It is said that an important task of development agencies is to help build a certain capacity for research in economic and sector work in developing countries. These and other tools, strategies and requirements are used to put forth an alternative development method.
