Abstract
There has been an emphasis in the development and research literature on the participation of beneficiaries in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects. Initially, approaches were described as facilitating participation. However, in more recent years the term participatory has been used. As this trend has occurred there has been an increasing advocacy of the participatory approach as a prerequisite for projects. The analysis starts with an identification of the differences between participation and participatory approaches to planning and evaluation. The importance of recognizing when participation may be appropriate as opposed to more participatory approaches is outlined. Conditions for the success of participatory approaches are noted and a set of criteria are recommended. The analysis is illustrated with examples from diverse geographic and subject-matter backgrounds.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bryant, C., White, L. (1984).Managing rural development with small farmer participation. West Hartford, CT: Kumarian Press.
Cummings, F.H. (1993). Project planning and administrative lessons from the Sulawesi Regional Development Project.Canadian Journal of Development Studies, Special Issue, 137–167.
Chambers, R. (1992).Rural appraisal, rapid relaxed and participatory. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies.
Guba E.G., Lincoln Y.S. (1989).Fourth generation evaluation. London: Sage.
Marrs, C. (1993). Participation in projects: An evaluation of a rural tree nursery project in the Guyappe Valley, Olancho, Honduras. Unpublished Major Paper. Guelph, ON: University School of Rural Planning and Development, University of Guelph.
Narayan, N. (1993).Participatory evaluation tools for managing change in water and sanitation. World Bank Technical Paper Number 207. Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
Oakley, P. et al. (1991).Projects with people: The practise of participation in rural development. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office.
O’Neil, M. (1991). An illuminative study of the village level planning approach of the Bo/Pujehun rural development project in Sierra Leone. Unpublished Major Paper. Guelph, ON: University School of Rural Planning and Development, University of Guelph.
Rugh, J. (1986).Self evaluation: Ideas for participatory evaluation of rural community development projects. A World Neighbours Publication.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cummings, F.H. Role of participation in the evaluation and implementation of development projects. Knowledge and Policy 10, 24–33 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02912484
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02912484