Melo, Marcus

This report presents the findings of a case study on participatory budgeting (PB) for urban governance in Recife, Brazil. It focuses on the political and institutional processes, systems and mechanisms (informal as well as formal) that result in inclusive and pro-poor decisions and outcomes in urban settings. It provides some context and background to PB in Recife, its underlying political and institutional dynamics, and its implementation by sector.

This study is part of a global research effort entitled Consultations with the Poor, designed to inform the World Development Report 2000/1 on Poverty and Development. The research has used participatory methods to involve and give a voice to poor people in twenty-three countries around the world. This report is from Brazil, from sites selected to give a rural/urban balance. The study focuses on four main topics, each with a set of key themes, as follows: Exploring well-being À How do people define their quality of life, their ill-being or well-being? How have these changed over time?