Participatory Techniques and Capabilities

Since their introduction in the 1970s, participatory methods and techniques have become central tools for community development. These methods have been applied in a variety of contexts and sectors, including livestock management, village health promotion, watershed management, urban sanitation provision, impact assessments, gender awareness and building micro-credit organizations. Participatory approaches to development are promoted on the basis that they support effective project implementation and enhance the well-being of the poor.

To date there has been little assessment of whether the various participatory approaches currently in use have increased the capabilities of local communities to participate effectively in development. Although the poor are becoming increasingly involved in the various stages of development, questions remain as to whether their inclusion constitutes genuine participation, and whether people's capabilities have been increased in such a manner as to enable them to chart the course of their destinies in collaboration with the government, NGOs and the international community.

IISD's main work in this area will be to design a participatory component in local integrated assessment that will capture the values and desired functionings of local communities using a range of well-tested participatory techniques.

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