Participatory Development and the World Bank: Potential Directions for Change (World Bank Discussion Papers)

Participatory development is an end and a means. It is an end because participation builds skills and enhances people’s capacity for action and for enriching their lives. It is a means  because participation contributes to better development policies and projects. As a development agency, the World Bank is primarily concerned with exploring how individuals, communities and public and private institutions can contribute to making development prospects better and more lasting.
 
The World Bank’s interest in participatory development is not new. Our operational experience over many years shows that projects tend to be more sustainable and yield higher returns when they involve those they are intended to help. Our operational guidelines on projects such as those involving resettlement, environmental assessment, indigenous peoples, nongovernmental organizations and project monitoring and evaluation specifically encourage borrowers and staff to consult and involve affected populations.

This report reflects the outcome of  a workshop intended to explore some of these difficult issues. The workshop was part of the ongoing search undertaken by a Bank-wide learning group on participation and supported by the Swedish International Development Authority. This book is  a guide to the learning process. The main messages of the introductory chapter reflect further thinking of the learning group since the workshop.

Contents:

1. Introduction

Part I. Participatory Development and the World Bank: Five Agency Perspectives

2. Participatory Development and the World Bank: Opportunities and Concerns

3. Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee: Promoting Popular Participation

4. International Fund for Agricultural Development: Experience with People’s Participation

5. The Swedish International Development Authority: Experience with Popular Participation

6. The United Nations Children’s Fund: Experience with People’s Participation

Part II. Summary Record of Small Group Sessions

7. Time and Money

8. Staffing

9. Working with Others

10. Outside Pressures