Advantages Of Participatory Approach To Development

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One of the key advantage of participatory approach to development is to provide ownership to the local people. Local ownership of development programmes and projects is a key theme of European Commission (EC) development policy (EU, 2004). For example, World Bank supported a rural integrated project in Tanzania- in district level, embracing water, healthcare, education, agriculture, local government, saving and credit, transport and marketing, and natural resource management. It adopted a unique planning process, whereby local are facilitated towards ownership. The second phase of implementation took place in October, 1994. This strong ownership focused participatory approach has helped built local capacity to implement the project. This has …show more content…

If people were assisted to plan and manage their own affairs, the outcome is more likely to meet their real needs. If the beneficiaries can envision and articulate their needs and expectation, they can ensure their service demand will be met. Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) process can help build multiple accountability linkage across different institutional level and stakeholder group (Estrella, et al.). At its pinnacle, participation involves a transformation of the traditional development approach towards the enhancement of the capabilities of the local people and communities to define and address their own needs and aspirations (Duraiappah, Roddy, & Parry, 2005). It is also the precondition for the sustainable development initiatives. For instance, building capacity with local agencies and group is an important objective of EU …show more content…

Usually with pre-set indicator and by external consultants reporting to investors- as result process learning takes place outside the community. PM&E by contrast, seek to shift the focus from upward to downward accountability. Indicator set by beneficiary and discuss the changes, whether it improve their lives. Effective participation is must to fulfill the need of a project. Facilitator should make sure that there isn 't imbalance of views reflected in decision making. This process of learning become more complex, as more stakeholders within all kind of institution get involve in monitoring and evaluation. PM&E in practical is challenging. It includes the issues associated with developing indicators, establishing new standards and combining different approaches and maintaining flexibility throughout the

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