Resources: participatory approaches

Empowering communities: Participatory techniques for community-based program development

De Negri, B., Thomas, E., Ilinigumugabo, A., Muvandi, I and Lewis, G., 1998. Empowering communities: Participatory techniques for community-based program development. Volume 1: Trainer’s Manual and Volume 2: Participant’s Handbook. Published by The Centre for African Family Studies, Nairobi.

These two manuals outline a two-week course for the staff of organisations willing to encourage community participation in development. The course presented has a specific health focus, but it can be easily applied to other development sectors. It is based on the participatory learning and action approach, which enables community members to analyse their needs, identify solutions and resources to meet them, and develop a plan of action to implement their solutions.

The first volume focuses on the participatory programme development process, on the attitudes and skills required to be a good facilitator, and on the specific techniques which can be used to encourage people to take action. It also includes tips to prepare, conduct and evaluate the course. The course is divided into 18 sessions, the activities and objectives of which are clearly described in the manual, together with case studies and notes, making it easy to organise the training even for not very experienced facilitators. Also, historical and background information on participatory learning and action, which is useful to contextualise the discussion, is provided. On the other hand, the second volume is an accompaniment to the trainer’s manual and it is addressed to trainees. It provides them with a summary of key points for each sessions, with case studies, exercises and resources, and with ideas on how to take field-notes and keep them organised.

© 2009 People and Development.